what is a "starter punch"?A

scottmlew · Jun 30, 2009

As found in, say, this set:

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=79826&group_ID=20844

I can't seem to find an explanation anywhere, including the (very useful) "Edumacate me on Punches" thread (http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=3033&page=2)

IDASHO · Jun 30, 2009

A starter punch doesnt have the point that a center punch has.

Similar to a drift pin punch, but without the tip being a consistent diameter.

Example....

Center punch:

Starter Punch:

Drift pin punch:

scottmlew · Jun 30, 2009

Thanks...

It looks like a starter punch is the same as a drift punch (NOT a drift pin punch, just a plain old drift punch) as defined, e.g., on Wikipedia -- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Punch_(engineering)

Is that correct?

IDASHO · Jun 30, 2009

Not from my understanding.

A drift punch always has a uniform diameter, starting from the tip. If they did not they would bind up during (proper) usage.

scottmlew · Jun 30, 2009

So the Wikipedia page is wrong? (not that this would be the first time) That page very clearly says that the drift punch is tapered, and not fixed diameter.

garfunkle24 · Jun 30, 2009

To me a "starter" punch is just the same as a taper (or alignment) punch. I call constant diameter (on the striking part) ones a pin or parallel punch. Also, around here, a drift punch is typically one made from a chunk of shaft etc or any punch where it is the same diameter along it's entire length, from the working tip to the struck end. Just different terminology I guess.

ATTappman · Jun 30, 2009

I thought a starter punch was for aligning two bolt holes, thus the taper. A drift punch is for driving a bearing/bushing/etc out of a bore, thus the constant diameter shank.

scottmlew · Jun 30, 2009

Wow, it's amazing the varied terminology...

The closeup picture on the Snap On site reveals a tapered tip, similar to the drift punch on the Wikipedia page.

I think the lesson I'm learning is to not go by name of the punch -- I need to see it to know if it's the one I want!

Thanks for all of the replies so far, and I'd be very interested to hear others chime in.

ossaguy · Jun 30, 2009

I was told by my old SO guy that the starter punch is used first to break the object free,then the regular,non-tapered takes over to pound it thru.That's how I use them,as they save the regular ones from bending.
Does anybody here have any of those roll pin punches that secure the pin for easier starting? For the smaller size pins,that would come in handy at my job.Just wondering if it's a gimmick,or a good thing?

Steve

a390st · Jun 30, 2009

Roll pin punches are a very important tool to have if you drift out a lot of roll pins. They make a world of difference in not marring up the surfaces. Starter punches are generally for aligning bolt holes, but are useful for all sorts of other jobs.

-B- · Jul 1, 2009

Wiki non reliable info :shocking:

Good Starter punches have a slight con cave to them to start a pin moving.

Drift punches have straight shank and tip usually brass.

Roll pin punches have a bead at the tip, have a sized shank, The bead is to prevent the pin from mushrooming during installation or removal, always use a roll pin put to remove roll pins.

Pin punches look similar and are often confused as roll pin punches, they have a sized working shank with a flat tip.

Center punches are just that punches to park centers.

Centering punches some time referred to transfer punches transfer center of a hole location to another sub straight.

Line up/ aligning punches have a tapered shank and a flat tip.

I'd avoid buying new punches from a relabeler that charges such a premium for just a name. Go with the OM or Starrett, S&K thayy are tools you do not need to spend a fortune on to have them last decades.

Merkava_4 · Jul 1, 2009

ossaguy said:
I was told by my old SO guy that the starter punch is used first to break the object free,then the regular,non-tapered takes over to pound it thru.

Your SO guy is right. :thumbup:

scottmlew · Jul 1, 2009

Thanks guys for the great info. You should go fix the Wikipedia page -- seriously!

fatfillup · Jul 1, 2009

When is a bronze drift used instead of brass? Is the bronze a little harder than brass? I believe the bronze is also heavier.

Coach James · Jul 1, 2009

The first punch thrown in a fight?

Coach

-B- · Jul 1, 2009

fatfillup said:
When is a bronze drift used instead of brass? Is the bronze a little harder than brass? I believe the bronze is also heavier.

Usually depends on what you have on hand at the time.

There are bronze punches for non sparking situations too.

Fix wiki why bother it is far too corrupt to fix, just nuke it.

Chris Adams · Jul 1, 2009

-B- said:
snip

Fix wiki why bother it is far too corrupt to fix, just nuke it.

Why bother is right. I've fixed a number of posts that were way wrong in a field I know very well. And a day later, some fanboy or just a vandal, changes them to something else even more silly than the first.

Wiki is for people to expound on how they think things are, not how they actually are.

Remember, to the new 'high self esteem' people, what you feel or think is much more real than facts or hard science.

Mohawk Dave · Sep 16, 2014

Brownells says a starter punch is "Short shaft starter punch gives you more control by putting your hand closer to the pin and keeps you from bending longer finishing roll pin punches. "

The business end doesn't change, just the length of the tool, according to them...http://www.brownells.com/gunsmith-t...nches/roll-pin-starter-punches-prod20640.aspx

DekeT · Sep 17, 2014

scottmlew said:
Thanks guys for the great info. You should go fix the Wikipedia page -- seriously!

Seriously ----- ignore Wikipedia and find better industry related resources.

Art From De Leon · Sep 17, 2014

I have both the SAE and metric set of roll pin punches (with the half-ball end) that I use to remove and re-install the roll pins used in FMC butterfly valves. I really like them.

kjbenner · Sep 17, 2014

Here's a couple of clips from Mayhew's catalog. They're calling starter punches "solid punches," which seems to be the same thing that Wilde does. They're different than drift punches.

joecon · Sep 20, 2014

I was taught that a starter punch was to start a hole for a sheet metal screw
it had a sharp point an some times even a shoulder for a countersink.

Alchymist · Sep 20, 2014

-B- said:
Usually depends on what you have on hand at the time.

There are bronze punches for non sparking situations too.

Fix wiki why bother it is far too corrupt to fix, just nuke it.

"Non-sparking" tools are usually made from a beryllium copper alloy.

what is a "starter punch"?A

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