Punch set

[Toofast28]

I'm looking for a good quality hardened punch/chisel set. Preferably US or European made. Any recommendations? Brands? Looking at various round sizes, center punch, and various chisel sizes. Primarily general garage and home repairs, but will also be used for metal work at times. Tired of cheap HF or craftsjunk that breaks.

 

[zmotorsports]

I'm looking for a good quality hardened punch/chisel set. Preferably US or European made. Any recommendations? Brands? Looking at various round sizes, center punch, and various chisel sizes. Primarily general garage and home repairs, but will also be used for metal work at times. Tired of cheap HF or craftsjunk that breaks.

Best ones I have found is either MAC or Proto, same company.

I originally purchased a set of Snap-On back in 1988 when I first started wrenching professionally. Not knowing any better I liked them but I seemed to have to replace a few due to breaking if you hit at even the slightest angle. A co-worker bought a set of Cornwell ones. I swear those could be turned into a pretzel without breaking.

About 15 years ago I bought a set of MAC for my home shop and instantly fell in love with them. They seemed to be the perfect balance between the too brittle Snap-On and the not strong enough Cornwell.

My dad had an older set of Craftsman and they seemed a nice balance as well but that was 30~ish years ago. I doubt they are the same now.

I gave my MAC set to my son about 5 years ago and bought a full set of Proto tapered punches, a set of straight punches (pin punches) and a set of chisels. Absolutely the best set I have ever owned and just like my old MAC set.

Mike.

 

[Sanny81]

I have a Proto set (roll pin punches) and one of the long pin punches and I would highly recommend them. Very tough.

 

[Kensgarage]

Proto here too.

 

[Coach James]

I have this set:

http://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/wilde-12-pc-utility-punch-and-chisel-set.html

As well as several punches from Enderes:


All have been first rate.

Coach

 

[d.mcfarland]

The Wilde is pretty good for the price. I haven't used them heavily.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Mayhew is a good solid brand IMHO.

 

[shockwave]

Mayhew they are oe for most trucks

 

[Exceller8]

Starrett makes a very nice set!!

 

[zakmartin]

New stuff from Mayhew, Starrett and Proto are all good. I have some really old (purchased 20+ years ago) Dasco and Craftsman punches and chisels that have been great. Lately, I've been buying Starrett and haven't had any bad experiences with them.

 

[zcbauer89]

Mayhew, Starrett, and Wilde will be excellent choices that won't break the bank.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have some older SO and Mac. The older Mac could be had for a good price on Ebay if u have time. I cannot see the diff between the two, however, the SO has less surface corrosion if thats an issue.

Edit: See Zmotors post on Mac and Proto.

 

[zkling]

The proto or starrett two piece ones are nice for precision work.

 

[Tinner]

Most of my punches and chisels are Proto, I also have some Starrett and Snap-on, all are excellent.

 

[Davefr]

Mayhew, but whatever you do don't buy Dasco!!

 

[Boudin]

I've got this set from Mayhew, really like it

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000J5DICI/ref=ox_sc_act_image_1?ie=UTF8&psc=1&smid=ATVPDKIKX0DER

Sent from my SM-N900V using Tapatalk

 

[Toofast28]

Thanks everyone, I'll look all these up and pick one. Great info. Just what I was looking for.

 

[Dave455]

I've done a lot of machine tool restoration so am always punching pins!

I would say that owning a punch/chisel set is a bit like having a set of 2 screwdrivers and 3 wrenches - never the right size for the job! If you really need a punch set, get the most comprehensive range of sizes you can. But like wrench set's, if you get into it you find you need more than one!

If you can, budget for a regular punch set, together with some taper punches! Start the pin with the taper, then transfer to the regular to knock it out! Never use either on roll pins!

As for brands, I wouldn't disagree with anything said already. With punches you really do seem to get what you pay for! Here in the U.K. I use Eclipse, which are pretty good and reasonably priced, or Starrett. Both good. In the U.S. I might get Proto or Snap On. The latter seem very nicely finished.

If you want to try something european, then the best of the bunch are PB Swiss! They are beautifully finished too! All my Imperial sized punches have blued gripping surfaces, and my metric mostly chrome PB, so easy to tell apart!

Also good are Habero. They only make hammers and punches and both are good! They make a lot of stuff for other European tool firms too, but it's often cheaper to get the Habero!

The absolute best punch I have is made up of 3 different steels. When you polish the tip you can see the different layers. It is the strongest and hardest of any punches I have ever owned, and seems impossible to damage, even when abused! The bad news is that it's unmarked, came to me when I bought a used engineers chest, and I have NO idea of the manufacturer!

 

[John in OH]

Mayhew, but whatever you do don't buy Dasco!!

OK, I gotta ask ..... why not Dasco??

 

[Tinner]

OK, I gotta ask ..... why not Dasco??

Because they are horrible quality. Even the apprentices at work throw them in the trash as soon as they can afford better. The Taiwanese Paramount brand Enco sells are many orders of magnitude better than Dasco. Dasco tools **** like a Tijuana ***** on Saturday night.

 

[Mgnu]

I'm looking for a good quality hardened punch/chisel set. Preferably US or European made. Any recommendations? Brands? Looking at various round sizes, center punch, and various chisel sizes. Primarily general garage and home repairs, but will also be used for metal work at times. Tired of cheap HF or craftsjunk that breaks.

Surprised nobody mentioned Enderes yet.... they have many variety sets for sale.

 

[Flivver250]

Mayhew

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J5DICI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[JUNK-MAN]

whatever you do don't buy Dasco!!

Got a set of Dasco about a month back to use around the shop. So far I've broken, bent or mushroomed ALL of them. They are garbage, a complete waist of money I have a set of vintage Craftsman and some Enders mixed and a few Starrett, They all hold up well.

 

[67King]

Another vote for Mayhew

 

[rodsnratfinks]

Proto and Starrett are my picks. The Protos have a nice balance and feel while also being strong and malleable enough not to break. I have a lot of different types, but I reach for the Protos first. For vintage, Plomb is amazing as well. I will have to compare the Mac variety to see if it really is the same as Proto. If so, those would be the ones to get if you use them often (like I do).

 

[29Sedanman]

I have mayhew, Starrett, and Wilde, and I like them all. I just bought a set of Wilde roll pin punches at Menards. Menards carries a large selection of USA made Wilde puches, and chisels and are priced reasonable.

 

[Toofast28]

I bought the $68 Mayhew set from Amazon that a couple people have posted links for.

 

[RRmech]

I picked up an Enderes USA punch set years.
They have been rock solid for me.

Steve

 

[leg17]

Many consider punches and chisels like they consider drill bits and taps.
Perishable tooling.
Like drill bits and taps and brass hammers, careful and/or occasional use will greatly increase their lifespan.
But they are tools to be used and the more they are used, the quicker they will get used up.
Don't be too hesitant to sacrifice a punch or chisel to get a job done.
You can fix it or replace it later.

 

[Tiny Jackson]

I have dasco and older craftsman sets and Starrett set for roll pins. No problems with any of them.

 

[zakmartin]

Because they are horrible quality. Even the apprentices at work throw them in the trash as soon as they can afford better. The Taiwanese Paramount brand Enco sells are many orders of magnitude better than Dasco. Dasco tools **** like a Tijuana ***** on Saturday night.

Sad to hear they're garbage now. The ones I bought back in the early 1990s have been great (and I really put the hammer on some of them). I guess it's like everything else these days: older is typically better.

 

[RedneckWelder]

An easy brick and mortar source for Mayhew at reasonable prices is Home Depot, plus Tractor Supply also stocks them.

 

[bob_the_builder]

How are the Gearwrench ones? I have seen a few sets on amazon for a good price.

Bob

 

[Toofast28]

Many consider punches and chisels like they consider drill bits and taps.
Perishable tooling.
Like drill bits and taps and brass hammers, careful and/or occasional use will greatly increase their lifespan.
But they are tools to be used and the more they are used, the quicker they will get used up.
Don't be too hesitant to sacrifice a punch or chisel to get a job done.
You can fix it or replace it later.

I'm not worried about sacrificing one, but I want stuff that'll make it through a task, not break the first smack with a hammer.

 

[johndeereman]

Another vote for wilde.

 

[ibedayank]

Mayhew they are oe for most trucks

sold at ORILEYS Auto parts

 

[rodsnratfinks]

I'm not worried about sacrificing one, but I want stuff that'll make it through a task, not break the first smack with a hammer.

Amen to that. Even though things like punches, twist drills, and files are consumables, with proper care, they can last a looong time. More importantly, a certain standard of quality often enables you to work more quickly or accurately. Sharp drills, hard files, and well made punches can be used for a long time, and to a certain extent, can be rejuvenated.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Tim37]

Another vote for Mayhew. Protos are good too but the Mayhew's are cheaper and can be found anywhere. Stay away from Snap-on from my experience they are the quality of drasco at 10x the cost.

 

[Monte]

Rennsteig
www.rennsteig.com

Rennsteig "Exclusiv" with polished pin and rounded edges. Red powdercoated.

punch/chisel set

 

[1982fxr]

is Mayhew oem proto/mac?