Rennsteig Automatic Center Punches

[woodstockva]

Hey everybody

I posted a review video highlighting the Rennsteig Automatic Center Punches....and the advantages that they have over a standard center punch/hammer combo.

They make these in 3 different sizes with the comfort grip hand guard, and if you just look at them online...they pretty much will look the same. So, I go over the power levels between them all & show side-by-side the points of impact that you will get on various thicknesses of metal. I personally think for most people, the medium or large sizes are going to be ideal....with the small size being reserved for very precise work and/or marks on plastics or soft metals.

If you have been considering these, check out the video so you can make sure & get the correct one!

<iframe width="560" height="315" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Yikg5cQ_mYw" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

 

[ncfh]

I just want to say I really enjoy your tool reviews and demos.

Concise and entertaining without that stale, count the corporate talking points, sleazey feeling I get from many bloggers and reviewers. *cough*

Just one thing...

Moar!!!

 

[tank4114]

you can easily be as accurate with a standard punch
holding the punch in that holder is just silly you were moving around before you even strike it
if you hold the punch in your hand with your hand resting on the piece you will be just as accurate
i find the usefulness of a autopunch is you can use it in spots you cant swing a hammer and the fact you dont need to carry around a hammer and it will fit in you pocket not so much the accuracy of it
other then that great review

 

[Dave455]

Starrett have been making these things for years.

So have Eclipse in the U.K. and also Planet Tools!

None of them have the oversize holder, which I'm not convinced about either!

 

[neophyte]

Starrett have been making these things for years.

So have Eclipse in the U.K. and also Planet Tools!

None of them have the oversize holder, which I'm not convinced about either!

I think the advantage to the oversized holder is that you can more comfortably use the punch by pressing down on the top with your palm, rather than having to hold the automatic punch from the sides.

The plastic and rubber grip may also lessen the vibration and shock that gets transferred to your hand when using the punch. At least I believe that is one of the claims Facom makes about their rubber sleeved automatic punch.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=1235

 

[woodstockva]

I just want to say I really enjoy your tool reviews and demos.

Concise and entertaining without that stale, count the corporate talking points, sleazey feeling I get from many bloggers and reviewers. *cough*

Just one thing...

Moar!!!

Well thanks!

you can easily be as accurate with a standard punch
holding the punch in that holder is just silly you were moving around before you even strike it
if you hold the punch in your hand with your hand resting on the piece you will be just as accurate
i find the usefulness of a autopunch is you can use it in spots you cant swing a hammer and the fact you dont need to carry around a hammer and it will fit in you pocket not so much the accuracy of it
other then that great review

I dont use chisels/punches without a holder....I have smashed my fingers too many times....

I actually tried re-doing that scene about 5 times....and that was the least amount I had the normal punch move. The biggest problem (in that case) was the angle I had to hold it at so I did not block the camera.

If you have somewhere to rest your hand, I agree there is less of a chance of the point moving.....however, MANY times you do not have that luxury & you end up making the mark off center. I planned to show this trying to hit the center of a bolt (after I cut the head off), but I figured the side-by-side comparison would do a better job at showing the difference.

Starrett have been making these things for years.

So have Eclipse in the U.K. and also Planet Tools!

None of them have the oversize holder, which I'm not convinced about either!

The grip is to spread the force over a wider portion of your hand....they have non-comfort grip versions also, but I dont have any.

I think the advantage to the oversized holder is that you can more comfortably use the punch by pressing down on the top with your palm, rather than having to hold the automatic punch from the sides.

The plastic and rubber grip may also lessen the vibration and shock that gets transferred to your hand when using the punch. At least I believe that is one of the claims Facom makes about their rubber sleeved automatic punch.

http://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?products_id=1235