Automatic Center Punch- Which Brand?

[jrlp]

I have 3 Starretts. They're that good. I have been thinking about buying their 'heavy duty' version, but haven't come across any information about it yet, in how it differs. I keep one in my truck toolbox, one in the shop box, and one in the cordless drill box. I don't think I've drilled a hole without one in a very long time. They're especially useful with self-tapping screws, marking items for reassembly, etc.. They're worth their weight in gold to me!

 

[A_Pmech]

First, all the automatic types break. Buy what you can replace easily. Every one of them will eventually crack out around the top threads that the cap screws on. In 7 years, I've killed 5-6 of them, from HF to general, to starrett.

I came to the same conclusion.

I usually destroy one or two a year.

 

[Kevin54]

Starrett most difinitely. I've had a number of Generals and after quite a bit of use, it will get to the point that it will not load and click. I've never had any problems with a Starrett. Just make sure when you order one, you order a couple of replacement tips. That is if it has replaceable tips.

 

[born lucky]

I have had a Facom that is just great.

 

[andywander]

Anyone ever use this Mitutoyo automatic center punch? Or this SK one?

I have a Starrett 18A, and I wish it hit harder..I've got it maxed out. I was thinking of the 18C, or maybe one of the above. Thoughts?

I have an 18C and it is nice.

 

[andywander]

Don't cut the spring. Cutting it raises the rate!

Only if you then stretch it to original length.

 

[andywander]

OK, so there is only two type as indicated previously by me. One being a strike impact, and the other being the spring loaded.

I thought there was another style being referenced here so this is why I asked because I have never laid eyes on any other . . .

3 types:

-the type you hit manually

-the type you push down until it releases it's internal hammer and makes the mark

-the type you put in place, and pull and release on the striker

 

[Steinmetz]

Starrett. OT: Does anyone here use an optical center punch?

 

[mimidood]

Hi guys,
I am looking into purchasing some automatic center punches.
I was planning on purchasing starrett ones but after reading some newer reviews I am not sure if I want to anymore.
I am hoping that some people and tell me about their experience with the current starrett automatic center punch and also listing a good high quality alternative.
Thanks in advance.

 

[JML2]

I think the Starretts are still excellent. Get some extra points (you can get them direct from Starrett, because few dealers or distributors carry them). My old US-made General fell and the tip broke, and that shared the design of the old Starrett with the threaded tip. The new ones are stronger.

I do tweak the inner spring on all of them, by smoothing the cut end of the spring with a Dremel bit, and then adding some grease, so it doesn't catch on the inside ball or rod when you screw or unscrew the tension adjuster

 

[rshadd]

I have an old Craftsman and a new Starrett 18A. Both offer adjustable impact and work great.

The Craftsman belonged to my Grandfather and still works like new.

 

[neophyte]

Spear & Jackson/Eclipse makes a nice automatic center punch as model E172. They also make a lighter duty version but I don't like it as much.

http://www.spear-and-jackson.com/product/punches/automatic-centre-punches

 

[mimidood]

Thanks guys for the replies.
I am thinking of getting the punch with the Zoro tools promo code on July 5th.

 

[Monte]

Rennsteig

 

[Vvmvbb]

Which hits harder, the Starrett 18A or the 18AA?
I have an 18B that's great, but I sometimes wish I had a much lighter strike.
I did search, but for some reason, I can't find the answer.

 

[cnc-me]

Used Starrett's for years, went through lots of points but the punches themselves keep
on going.

 

[celticbhoy]

I have a Lisle one and it hasn't failed me yet.

 

[gearbuilder]

Hi, I bought a Starrett automatic punch to replace one that I lost. The old one had a replaceable tip, the new one doesn’t. Also the first replacement wasn’t the largest Starrett model. I ended up ordering the bigger one. If I need a lighter mark I just adjust it to suit.

Jamie

 

[William Payne]

You want one with a good spring, they may all technically do the same job some just have a more powerful punch. For example my boss has a no name japanese made automatic punch, I have a punch that looks EXACTLY the same not a bit of difference except mine is chinese. Heres the kicker though my bosses punch has a powerfull punch to it and leaves a very good center for you, my punch on the other hand does not leave anywhere near as good a center and has a noticable lighter punch to it.

 

[Kevin54]

Hi, I bought a Starrett automatic punch to replace one that I lost. The old one had a replaceable tip, the new one doesn’t. Also the first replacement wasn’t the largest Starrett model. I ended up ordering the bigger one. If I need a lighter mark I just adjust it to suit.

Jamie

You want one with a good spring, they may all technically do the same job some just have a more powerful punch. For example my boss has a no name japanese made automatic punch, I have a punch that looks EXACTLY the same not a bit of difference except mine is chinese. Heres the kicker though my bosses punch has a powerfull punch to it and leaves a very good center for you, my punch on the other hand does not leave anywhere near as good a center and has a noticable lighter punch to it.

Starrett must have recently went to the solid tipped punches. I did have a brand new one from about two years ago until one of the thieving bastards at work got it and a supply of tips I had. And with the Starrett punches, you have to watch which one you purchase. If you do a lot of sheet metal, you don't want the heavy duty one, and which one that is, I can't remember I do know that the one that has the strong spring in it, will poke a hole through some sheetmetal and you can't back it off enough to lighten the pressure. I'd back mine almost all the way out and it was still too much.

General makes one that is about the size of a pencil and has a clip so you can put it in your pocket. It's not a bad punch size to have, but if you buy one, you may as well buy three. Reason being is that if you get one, it may not work 100% of the time. It won't catch the clicker inside until you depress it three or four times.

Also on the solid tipped punches, if you find that you have to sharpen the point, don't try to do it by freehand. If you do, and it's out of round, it can throw your hole off by a few thousandths. That may not make a difference to some, but to others that do machining, a few thousandths may as well be an inch. So when you sharpen it, take it apart and chuck the tip rod up in a hand drill, then spin it while you sharpen it against your bench grinder or belt sander. That will insure that the tip is concentric and will make an even ***** point.

 

[Krokodil]

A few month down the line I'm also in need of a auto center punch. Anybody got the Rennsteig and have some feedback?

 

[Krokodil]

So in the mean time I bought a cheapie and also broke it. Now it is time for a upgrade.

Locally I can get the Rennsteig and Facom. How do they compare to the Starrett models?

 

[Monte]

I have the Facom model but sometimes it doesn´t punch if you push it... can you try out the different brands ? The Rennsteig ones with the handles might be a good idea i guess they´re easier on the hand/wrist when you push them

http://www.rennsteig.com/en/products/innovations-2013/452-automatic-centre-punch.html

 

[Krokodil]

Monte, that is the problem with my current cheapie. It does not always punch. Maybe this is inherent to these types of punches? They are only available online - no testing.

 

[Monte]

i´ll try to test other brands...

 

[freezerburn]

Thanks for the pointers lol, just got an nos 18a starrett for $20 shipped to Alaska

 

[Luis Ferreira]

Hello, please forgive my ignorance but i need help, I am interested in buy an Heavy-Duty Automatic Center Punch.
I work with metal, from mild steel to stainless steel and i need to have a nice tool for easy mark the holes, Can this tools make the job?
Also I am shearching in the web and Starret seems to be an excellent buy.
Please help me, and sorry about my poor English.
Thank you very much.

Luís Ferreira

 

[ttpete]

I keep a General in the car in case I need to bust a side window for any reason. Works VERY well.

 

[Htscheg]

Starrett!

 

[driz]

They don't all work the same. You'll end up cursing an automatic center punch that doesn't release correctly. (ex: HF)



I do agree that General and Starrett would be good choices.

Sounds weird but I still have the HF punches I bought back in the 90s. Never used commercially but they still do the job. Like $3 each......


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk

 

[larry_g]

I work with metal, from mild steel to stainless steel and i need to have a nice tool for easy mark the holes, Can this tools make the job?


Luís Ferreira

The tool is good for marking a spot but you will find that a proper center punch is still needed for a proper divot to drill into. I have a few auto-punches including Starrett but find that I use the manual punches more often. Just my experience.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nbruno]

Have a few automatic punches but I don't use them as a drill mark. I use it because I can see clearly around it and they're more precise than a manual punch. For precise centering I mark with the auto punch then hit it with a manual punch and hammer to keep my drill bit centered. One more step but if precise is important it's the only way to go.
However, if I have a bunch of holes to drill that process is actually faster for me.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[larry_g]

I use it because I can see clearly around it and they're more precise than a manual punch. For precise centering I mark with the auto punch then hit it with a manual punch and hammer to keep my drill bit centered.

If you find an auto punch more precise than a ***** punch then your a lot different than me. For me on a precision layout it is mark X&Y then with magnifiers on find the intersection with a ***** punch and a light tap. Examine the location under magnification and if the ***** is correct then move on to heavier punches.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nbruno]

If you find an auto punch more precise than a ***** punch then your a lot different than me. For me on a precision layout it is mark X&Y then with magnifiers on find the intersection with a ***** punch and a light tap. Examine the location under magnification and if the ***** is correct then move on to heavier punches.

lg
no neat sig line

Larry, fortunately for me the precision that I require is far less than the precision that you require. For my work it's basically just marking a spot within 1-2mm. It basically takes the place of a "pencil" for me. The fact that much of my work is done on the vehicle and not the bench an auto makes marking easier.

Sent from my SM-G930V using Tapatalk

 

[DadsTools]

Lots of good advice here. Moral of story when it comes to these little babies....

DON'T BUY JUNK!

 

[16again]

Starrett