Transfer punches

[Rusty67]

I want to buy a good set of transfer punches. I don't want to spend a huge amount of money on them but I do want a quality set. I was wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations.

Also, do I need to buy this type of tool in both SAE and metric ?

 

[Elroy]

I was wondering if anyone had any specific recommendations.

In this case you basically have only two choices. You can spend $60 to $80 on a set of Spellman or you can buy an import set for around $15 and do the same thing.

Also, do I need to buy this type of tool in both SAE and metric ?

Guess that would come down to if you wanted to "accurately" transfer from a metric hole now wouldn't it.

 

[Elroy]

Now if you are going to be transferring from tapped metric holes with "screws" you'll need a metric set. For punches you could probably get away with a single set

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=29996

 

[Elroy]

Elroy would also point out that you can take a standard transfer punch that's undersized and wrap a little tape on it to shim it out to fit a metric hole.

Transfer punches are a quick short cut for general fab work. They really aren't that accurate and are typically combined with a clearance hole in the other work piece.

Dare I say it: Buy the imports

Why the hell did you let me say that??

 

[wreckercologist]

Elroy would also point out that you can take a standard transfer punch that's undersized and wrap a little tape on it to shim it out to fit a metric hole.

While that's not NASA accurate, I've been doing the same thing for years but with larger sizes (and metric too). The money for a larger set isn't really the issue for me, it's whether or not I want to dedicate that much room in the toolbox for a set from 33/64" up to 1", and so far I don't.

I say buy whatever you are comforable with. I'm a "buy American" type but based on my experience in the machine shops, I already know the imports are going to be fine. The worse part about transfer punches is keeping them out of the hands of people who think they are center punches.