Punch & Chisel Sets, should everyone possess one?
- Thread starter winlinmac
- Start date
n8n
Well-known member
well, you need at least one center punch for drilling metal...
maddawg1952
Well-known member
I'd be lost without a decent punch set to drive out roll pins, at least to change slip hooks on lifting chains. And as n8n said you need at least a good center punch. Buying chains from various suppliers, it's often hard to find replacement latches. So usually just install a new slip hook.
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bcradio
Well-known member
and a set of assorted sized punches for different pins and such.
I almost never use my chisels though. I only really use my wood chisels.
I almost never use my chisels though. I only really use my wood chisels.
landrover bodger
Well-known member
I would call them an essential I use them all the time
lakota
Well-known member
zx2slow
Well-known member
Not essential to do a job, but essential to do a good job on many tasks.
maddawg1952
Well-known member
That is the correct method.
egnorant
Well-known member
They are one of those tools that you might somehow muddle by without, but many jobs are much easier with them.
Bought a cheap HF set that was used this week for aligning fender bolt holes and pushing some long bolts out of a 45 year old frame. Modified one to fit in the key slot on front axles to remove those nut capture hat things.
Best just buy some to avoid the circular argument that we all have sometimes.
"I don't drive nails because I have no hammer...I have no hammer because I don't drive nails. If I get a hammer, I resolve the conundrum!!!"
Ferengi Rules of Tool Acquisition #7.
Bruce
Bought a cheap HF set that was used this week for aligning fender bolt holes and pushing some long bolts out of a 45 year old frame. Modified one to fit in the key slot on front axles to remove those nut capture hat things.
Best just buy some to avoid the circular argument that we all have sometimes.
"I don't drive nails because I have no hammer...I have no hammer because I don't drive nails. If I get a hammer, I resolve the conundrum!!!"
Ferengi Rules of Tool Acquisition #7.
Bruce
RedneckWelder
Well-known member
Personally I would not buy HF punches/chisels. I recommend at least stepping up to Wilde or if you can drop the ducats, Mayhew. In fact you can get a general purpose set at Home Depot from Mayhew for $30. Made in the USA.
Use my punches and chisels all the time, very useful.
Make sure you dress them when mushrooming appears.
Use my punches and chisels all the time, very useful.
Make sure you dress them when mushrooming appears.
Advan
Well-known member
Definitely an essential piece of kit. Mind you, I am a millwright, but even working on the vehicles at home, an assortment of punches for driving out broken split pins, bolts, rivets, etc... is a must. Chisels don't get used as often, but for staking a fastener, or cleaning hardened **** off of a surface, they are the tool to use. And sometimes, a big 'ol cold chisel is the fastest way to cut off a bunch of rivets.
Craftsman still makes punches and chisels in the USA. Thats what's in my box, excellent value as others are too. Easy warranty if needed. Skip the HF ****, these are not big ticket items. You will save your flathead screwdrivers since you'll be using a chisel instead of it 
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Sask dude
Well-known member
As a fellow millwright I'd have to agree 100% ! I have 2 sets (1-work, 1-home) plus a variety of ones I made for myself on a lathe when a custom one is needed
1950mercury
Well-known member
Buy tools as you need them.
True that 
Sometimes it doesn't hurt to keep a set ready when you're left stranded with a task at hand. 
Sometimes it doesn't hurt to keep a set ready when you're left stranded with a task at hand. At least as of last time I was at Menards, they had a big display of Wilde punches and chisels on sale. Those are pretty good quality US tools. That said, I don't have a "set" persay I have a drawer of randoms. I go to tool auctions every weekend and so I always end up getting random chisels and punches in flats of tools. I almost think having a lot of them might be a positive over just having a few super fancy ones. Sometimes you'll want to modify them or grind a shape into them or do other crazy things to "get the job done" and you won't feel as bad about ruining a fancy matched set.
Strouty
Well-known member
13 threads within the first two weeks of joining, must be a record or something. You do realize that a bunch of these threads seem like trolling, right?
I just hope your name is not Tim.
I just hope your name is not Tim.
Not really, I've used the search function, found close-to similar threads via the search function, but couldn't be convinced, I think I've made a far better decision in terms of purchasing needs.
rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
If you've ever wanted to drive out something that was stuck that was surrounded by components that are fragile, pin punches would be useful to you. You can use them as an extension of your hammer to get pinpoint force without getting your hammerhead so close to the work that one wrong move would break or damage something unintentionally. Another use, is that you can use them to push out a long pin or a tight fitting (already loosened) bolt, or one that is below the surface. And, with taper punches, you can use them to line up bolt holes in things that are heavy and don't have a lot of play, (like when lining up a transmission).
Cold chisels, on the other hand, are great for shearing things: rivets, pins, bolt heads; and for splitting things apart.
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Cold chisels, on the other hand, are great for shearing things: rivets, pins, bolt heads; and for splitting things apart.
Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk
Craftsman still makes punches and chisels in the USA. Thats what's in my box, excellent value as others are too. Easy warranty if needed. Skip the HF ****, these are not big ticket items. You will save your flathead screwdrivers since you'll be using a chisel instead of it
I Have this set...I was using it yesterday to remove rusted drum brake material from the groove on the backer plate. The set has served me pretty well.
MattVette89
Well-known member
I tend to buy tools when I find them for a good deal, in the anticipation of needing them at one point
Strouty
Well-known member
I would try bumping some of the older threads, it keeps the info all in one place. That makes it easier later. The only time I don't bump older threads is when looking for info on current quality and price, both of those seem to change more than expected with a lot of the tools these days.
Guess I'm not the only one who noticed the trend. OP, so why do you do the thumbs down icon when you don't understand or can't comprehend a tools application? Just wondering
But back to your question I couldn't live without a quality set. These play a major role for myself in almost any project I do from home remodeling to automotive to fabrication. But I guess if you don't recognize the need you don't need them.
Strouty
Well-known member
The thumbs down thing is a bit odd, if they keep it up, the mods will investigate. After the last rounds of Timmy, they are on the lookout for that ****.
I very well know how to comprehend a tools application. I've been reorganizing my tools and have been filling in the gaps by inquiring here on the forums. 
:
I don't see what you think my intention is as I have no intention of trolling any forums; a little bit of curiosity is all it takes to start a new discussion on the forums.
:I don't see what you think my intention is as I have no intention of trolling any forums; a little bit of curiosity is all it takes to start a new discussion on the forums.
Guess I'm not the only one who noticed the trend. OP, so why do you do the thumbs down icon when you don't understand or can't comprehend a tools application? Just wondering
But back to your question I couldn't live without a quality set. These play a major role for myself in almost any project I do from home remodeling to automotive to fabrication. But I guess if you don't recognize the need you don't need them.
I'll do that from now on, if I have something to add on, or want to clarify something for further discussion. Thanks 
Strouty
Well-known member
Thumbs down is a bannable offense?
No but being a troll can and usually does. Especially if it is a previously banned member.
I'll do that from now on, if I have something to add on, or want to clarify something for further discussion. Thanks
I am not saying don't start your own threads, just make sure we need another one first. I saw you posted in the harbor freight pass/fail thread, then started your own for power tools, not really sure we needed that one. Obviously this is all my opinion, so take it for what it is worth. About half your threads are what would be called troll threads or to put it more basic, they are titled to stir $hit up.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
A good punch set is an asset. Mine sees regular use. In my trade wood chisels are needed. In the auto world, where I was prior, a couple of good striking chisels are required.
Thanks for bringing this to my attention. I can assure you I wasn't trolling nor did I intend to; I wasn't aware these types of threads can make the forums volatile. I'll contribute to the older threads if I need guidance on something. Thank you.
I very well know how to comprehend a tools application. I've been reorganizing my tools and have been filling in the gaps by inquiring here on the forums.
.
Ok so let's play this out based on how I've seen your approach.
"What is a pickle fork good for, it makes a terrible screw drive, can't pick my nose with it-too damn wide, so why in the hell would anyone own one?" "Well sir they are used for separating a balljoint from its received component". "Ya I knew that".
Alrighty boss, I'll stop mucking up your thread. Have a good knowledgable day.
logical
Well-known member
If you haven't found yourself saying "I wish I had a pointy thing that I could hit with a hammer to chip, intent or move this other thing", you probably don't need them... until you need them.
kblazer87
Well-known member
Yes.
Farmall450
Well-known member
EXCELLENT ADVICE
(That's what I do)
Let me also add that one should consider punches and chisels as 'perishable tooling'.
They are going to get beat up, bent, damaged, and modified.
They are tools.
If you use them, they won't stay pretty.
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kunkernator
Well-known member
In a word, yes.
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You work at a Cat dealership? I recognize the crates under your sets.
You work at a Cat dealership? I recognize the crates under your sets.
Indeed I do! Didn't realize the shipping crates were so distinctive. Of course, the CAT branded punch and chisel sets didn't do anything to dissuade you, lol.
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