Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke - 5-1/4 Length, 11/16 Punch Diameter, Lightweight, Knurled Steel Handle - 18C

Highest quality item. But a high level of arm strength needed to operate. Perhaps the design needs an enhanced setting mechanism.

Been using these punches for decades at work. Needed some better punches at home so I went straight for these. Expensive compared the Chinese alternatives but there really is no comparison. If you appreciate nice tools and need a power punch, look no further.

If you appreciate quality tools you just cant go wrong when buying a Starrett tool. When you need to mark out placement for a hole to be drilled these make it a snap. Position the tip where you need to drill your hole and give the tool a quick push till it pops and youre done. But, dont be a doofus and hit it with a hammer and then do use a center punch and a hammer to give your drill bit a good solid starting point. This tool is only meant to mark placement for a hole and is not meant to replace a center punch. Use this fine Starrett tool properly and its most likely gonna still be workin the same as when it first came outta its box every time you use it.

A little bit pricey compared to similar items but it’s true that you get what you pay for even in these modern times - at least sometimes… The thing is a beast I thought I needed the “heavy duty“ model which is the 18C and it turns out that I absolutely did not need the heavy duty model but will be keeping it just because it’s quite the lovely tool to use. I will definitely have to get the 18A to round out the set though. Of course the reason that I was under the impression that I should get the heavy duty model (compared to the 18A which is the lighter duty model of the same design), is because of my past experiences with so-called heavy duty automatic punches… Needless to say, Starrett’s 18C sort of immediately redefined the meaning of heavy duty for me.

Yeah, this is the real deal, probably the BEST auto punch I have ever used. If you always wanted a PUNCH that could handle just about any gauge metal you throw at it, this is it. It certainly is not cheap, but is high quality. One thing though: when set to full strength impact, you better eat your Wheaties cause it aint for the faint of heart to push down hard enough to make it fire. Takes some muscle and multiple uses can hurt your palm. Just sayin. If you dont need this much power, get a lower powered punch.

This is a quality tool, yes a bit more expensive than its counterparts, but its the only one you will buy in your lifetime. Unless you are like me and must have the 18a as well BAM! This tool hits with significant force, enough to mark stainless steel billet. Im getting the 18a as well for some lighter sheet metal work. You dont find quality like this often. Im really proud to own this tool. No regerts :)

I needed a second one of these and am not sure why I decided to buy this relatively expensive tool. My first was much cheaper. Not that I have used the Starrett, I realize that the shape of this one is just better. I am not sure why, but its easier to place it where I want. It adjusts the impact more easily as well. And it just looks good.

The body is beefy, knurling is perfect, sharp hardened point. Performed exactly as expected.

I’ve already set over 1000 center marks in 6061 aluminum. This punch is fantastic. Very happy with this purchase.

No doubt this is the best auto center punch that I have owned. That is, until it stopped working. Lasted about 3 years, but I use it almost every day. This punch is for metal, not wood people. If you need a punch for wood get a Harbor Freight special. It held up to whatever I used it on - Stainless, Mild Steel, Aluminum, etc. and then one day it would not actuate. Tried everything and couldnt get it working again. Emailed Starrett, warranty on these is only a year from purchase, so I reluctantly sent it back for repair. The cost to repair was about $12 shy of buying a new one. Hate to do it, but like I said - this is the best Ive owned.