how do you find out about tool auctions?
Are they generally sold in 1k+ lots or can you get less stuff?
Punch & Chisel Sets, should everyone possess one?
- Thread starter winlinmac
- Start date
how do you find out about tool auctions?
Are they generally sold in 1k+ lots or can you get less stuff?
kunkernator
Well-known member
I work for Cat as well. Thats the only reason I noticed. And TBH, I see a lot of guys with Cat tools other than Cat techs, so that doesnt mean much. What region are you in?
I am in West Texas (Warren).
kunkernator
Well-known member
http://www.auctionzip.com/ Enter your zip code and away you go. Most of the flats of tools I buy go for between 2-8$. I got like 10 Billings DOE wrenches for 7$ yesterday, and an SK socket set that someone had replaced the SK round head ratchet with a Cornwell flex head! I got that for 3$.
Hammer1963
Well-known member
Absolutely. I use them more frequently than I'd like. They are some of those tools that can unexpectly save your day!
Badasssapper67
Well-known member
Of all the punches that you need to buy good quality one, roll pin punches are NOT a place to be stingy. Not having roll pin punches is like cutting a sandwhich with a fork. You're going to mess everything up and ruin what you're working on.
If you're on a rice and beans budget, buy cold chisels and punches at garage sales, but do not cheap out on roll pin punches.
I hold Starret punches in very high regard.
If you're on a rice and beans budget, buy cold chisels and punches at garage sales, but do not cheap out on roll pin punches.
I hold Starret punches in very high regard.
egnorant
Well-known member
Don't remember a part number but they were under a buck each for 6 or 8 if I remember. Bought to be a sacrificial one use tool that has expanded to several uses.
Bruce
I couldn't agree more. Pin punches have to fit properly and hold their shape or you will inevitably screw something up. Starret are some of the best. The CAT branded sets I use are are Mayhew, which are reasonably priced for a good quality American set. Not something I would use gunsmithing, but fine for my purposes.
I also keep an assortment of junk chisels and punches for those times when you just need something to beat on.
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rodsnratfinks
Well-known member
So, this thread got me thinking about different brands for punches and I went to Amazon... Holy ****! Starrett AND Wiha both make punches, even PB Swiss does. The Starrett ones are beautiful and very really good reviews for gunsmithing. The Wiha ones look pretty enticing as well. I wonder how they compare to Proto. Does anyone have direct experience?
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gooseadrian
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 28, 2012
- Messages
- 158
If you don't use them you won't need a good set. I have a cheap HF set and works fine for me
Thanks, its always good to have the bare essentials on hand. You never know when you may need them. 
since nobody mentioned it yet, i'll add this bit of advice. Once you step up to the more advanced tools like punches and chisels, make sure you also spend the extra money for something called a hammer. it is much more efficient than just using a rock. There are several different types of hammers, each with a different putpose. Some are for driving nails, some for drilling, some for shaping metal, some are brass, rubber, wood, etc. they work really well in combination with punches and chisels. Just make sure you use the long slender part (handle) to swing, not the other way around.
People still use rocks?
I've actually seen people trying to change out roached race on a trailer wheel bearing on the side of the road with a rock and a screwdriver...why I always have a hammer and chisel in the road box...
d.mcfarland
Well-known member
winlinmac ... how old are you?
100% legitimate question.
100% legitimate question.
Umm...I never thought of that, lol
Going for a Professional Degree is not easy as it seems, but weekends are a great way to shed off unwanted stress. In this modern age, instead of going through other means, I prefer a more independent lifestyle and follow DIY guides to expand on my creativity. My red blood cells are squeaky clean.
Going for a Professional Degree is not easy as it seems, but weekends are a great way to shed off unwanted stress. In this modern age, instead of going through other means, I prefer a more independent lifestyle and follow DIY guides to expand on my creativity. My red blood cells are squeaky clean.
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GirchyGirchy
Well-known member
Makes his signature seem a bit ironic!
Actually, I just joined The Garage Journal, and wanted to better acquaint myself with others in this exquisite community. I wanted to patch my tool collection and take the necessary guidance from experienced forum members. It's great to discuss our experience with tools; they're not just tools; they're tools for life.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
In a word, yes.
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Picture that is worth a thousand words..
General Geoff
Well-known member
A lot of jobs are impossible without a punch. So yeah, I'd say everyone should have at least a cheapo punch/chisel set.
jeffmoss26
Well-known member
I use them all the time. Would be lost without my punches when working on locks!
kiatech
Well-known member
All mine have .498 shanks[emoji6]
I do have a drawer of assorted ones that rarely gets used.
I do have a drawer of assorted ones that rarely gets used.
justanengineer
Well-known member
Punch and chisel "sets?" Theyre like files IMHO, until you get into the specialty ones there's no need for most folks if theyre scroungers like me. Pick them up as you see them cheap at the fleas/yard sales/etc, toss the junk/worn ones and keep the others handy for when you need them. Just be sure to grind off any mushroom you see.
Hello Pot.
Hello Pot.
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Badasssapper67
Well-known member
Agree! Knowing you have the type of hammer that was invented to be used exactly the way you're using it is priceless. I have a selection of ball peen hammers that all have different sized heads, so that you always have a good peripheral view of the object you're striking. That way you know you're striking dead perpendicular to the item you're working on.
I also have several different two pound hammers, mostly with different length handles, a framing hammer and others because work can be art if you have the right implement.
Strouty
Well-known member
So OP, what did you end up buying for yourself?
Hey Strouty,
I ended up buying a Punch and Chisel Set from Mayhew Pro. Purchased through Amazon and Home Depot (Web Order). I ordered several larger sizes to accompany me with automotive work. I'm just a DIY'er, but value the tools I purchase.
By the way, I really admire your signature
Buy the tools once and get to work.
I ended up buying a Punch and Chisel Set from Mayhew Pro. Purchased through Amazon and Home Depot (Web Order). I ordered several larger sizes to accompany me with automotive work. I'm just a DIY'er, but value the tools I purchase.
By the way, I really admire your signature
Buy the tools once and get to work.
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Tatsuya
Well-known member
Absolutely. Even before I used them for work they were very nice to have on hand.
For work:
Center punches - essential, frequent use
Pin punches - essential but infrequent use
Drift pins - nice to have
***** punches - rarely use
Cold chisels - don't really need them
Roll punches - don't own any
Edit: I did require a cold chisel recently, but only because I don't own any wood chisels. A wood chisel would have been much better.
For work:
Center punches - essential, frequent use
Pin punches - essential but infrequent use
Drift pins - nice to have
***** punches - rarely use
Cold chisels - don't really need them
Roll punches - don't own any
Edit: I did require a cold chisel recently, but only because I don't own any wood chisels. A wood chisel would have been much better.
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Tatsuya
Well-known member
Also hollow punches can be handy to have. Finally picked up a set yesterday. If you don't have any and you need to put holes in a rubber gasket, you can get away with using a forstner bit for tolerably clean edges.
Punches and chisels are cheap enough to buy that there isn't an excuse to use something ill fitting in their place. Like someone else has said, you can get them used here and there for almost nothing or buy a small decent set new at a good price. I have some Mayhew that are get to go.
Richard Cranium
Well-known member
I have a bunch, don't use them much, but when you need one, they are there.
Jim Diesel
Well-known member
As a professional mechanic, i would not be able to complete a single day of work with out them. And being a relatively cheap tool, you can gather quite a collection as there are thousands of variations between the two. Also very easy to make and moddify old tools to become punches.
drink
Well-known member
I normally keep my woodworking tools in separate tool sets from my mechanic's tools. However, sometimes I use them both.
As far as when punches and chisels are useful it has to do with how much you use them. I find myself reaching for punches and chisels frequently. My center punch and ***** punch are great for marking spots to drill a hole or something similar. Typically I use a chisel to pound on something whereas some people use a hammer and a screwdriver to pound on stuff. Pin punches are good at removing pins. Alignment tools are good at holding bolted connections together so you can stick the bolts in and tighten them down. My Allen tool set has a small set of punches and chisels. It doesn't include every tool available but these are pretty useful when on the run.
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j-guenth
Well-known member
A good punch and chisel set are always useful. The other day I needed one to work on my patio furniture.
If you are going to purchase a set buy a good one.
I've had Craftsman, Mac, Matco, and Snap-On and I can say with out a doubt Snap-On is the best. They are a little more expensive but thy will hold and edge and point longer.
If you are going to purchase a set buy a good one.
I've had Craftsman, Mac, Matco, and Snap-On and I can say with out a doubt Snap-On is the best. They are a little more expensive but thy will hold and edge and point longer.
Strouty, you asked for pictures, here you go,
Garage Journal Members are by no means obligated to post pictures to draw their point across.
Garage Journal Members are by no means obligated to post pictures to draw their point across.