Starrett 18C vs 18A?

[PretendMechanic]

I'm in need of an automatic centre punch and it seems Starrett reigns supreme. I know Rennsteig is also a well liked option but I like Starrett's for factor for use in tight spaces.

Will be using the punch for automotive purposes: plastic, sheet metal (body panels), aluminum, and steel. Also, often for piloting the centres of bolts with broken heads for extraction drilling.

I understand that both are adjustable, but I hear the 18C is overkill for sheet metal and will cause a large dimple. I wanted to know if the 18C can be adjusted down so that it doesn't do this to sheet metal? Also, based on the videos I've seen it appears the 18C takes quite a bit of effort to engage. This may be a problem in confined spaces. How difficult is it to engage on it's lowest setting?

Will the 18A be adequate to pilot mark high hardness bolts with ripped off heads for extraction? I'm guessing the 18AA is too light duty for my use.

Hoping to get away with just one purchase, rather than have both the 18A and 18C, or even all three including the 18AA.

Basically wanted to know if the 18A can handle what I'm asking of it, or if the 18C has a wide enough range to not be overkill in most situations.

Any input greatly appreciated.

 

[Professional Tool User]

It depends on how big of a dimple you want. I bought an 18A. My dimples are for centering drill bits when drilling spring steel, so it should be able to handle higher quality steels. The dimples from the 18A are too small for my needs. I wish I bought the 18C instead.

 

[ttpete]

The 18C can be dialed down by backing off the top cap.

 

[PretendMechanic]

The 18C can be dialed down by backing off the top cap.

Yes but by how much? Is it still too heavy for sheet metal at it's lowest setting? Think metal body panels on a vehicle.

 

[bob15]

did you try contacting and asking Starrett for their recommendation?

 

[ttpete]

Yes but by how much? Is it still too heavy for sheet metal at it's lowest setting? Think metal body panels on a vehicle.

I went and checked and for something like that I'd use an A. It should work if you're going to use a small drill. You might have to hold a dolly behind it if you have problems with dimpling.

 

[DHCrocks]

even with the 18c dialed to the lowest with the threads just engaging it takes a lot of force. I would not use this for thin sheet metal, it just too much. if you do get the 18c order a couple of replacement tips as seem to get dull pretty quick since it is hitting so hard. you really need to put some weight behind it to get it to click.

 

[Craftfab]

Used a 18C this evening for first time on 1/8" plate and with the 18C dailed mostly out, it still took a good force to get it to punch. ill grab a piece of 20 or 22ga mild steel tomorrow and see what type of dimple it leaves on same setting. It worked great on the 1/8".

 

[Wamsutta]

I have both of those. The 18C is a hard hitter. Downright brutal.

 

[PretendMechanic]

I went and checked and for something like that I'd use an A. It should work if you're going to use a small drill. You might have to hold a dolly behind it if you have problems with dimpling.

even with the 18c dialed to the lowest with the threads just engaging it takes a lot of force. I would not use this for thin sheet metal, it just too much. if you do get the 18c order a couple of replacement tips as seem to get dull pretty quick since it is hitting so hard. you really need to put some weight behind it to get it to click.

Used a 18C this evening for first time on 1/8" plate and with the 18C dailed mostly out, it still took a good force to get it to punch. ill grab a piece of 20 or 22ga mild steel tomorrow and see what type of dimple it leaves on same setting. It worked great on the 1/8".

I have both of those. The 18C is a hard hitter. Downright brutal.

Thanks guys, looks like the 18C is overkill for my use, also, sounds like I'd be replacing the tips more often by buying "too much tool". Another big factor for me is the force required to engage the 18C, want something more practical for tight and awkard spaces.

Going with the 18A, pretty sure the 18AA is too light duty for my use.

 

[BD1]

I use the 18C on 1/8'' steel and up. The tool is powerful and really makes a mark.
You could try the harbor freight one for a few bucks, it's inexpensive and it does work. Might be perfect for you.
You could go up to a General one, not a Starrett but works well.

https://www.harborfreight.com/spring-loaded-center-punch-621.html

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B003Y3BU86/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Luciferi]

I just got an 18c thinking I could just dial it down. Haven’t used it but to test on an 1/8” plate workbench. Wound down it still takes a lot of effort and makes a nice dimple. I can’t imagine using it on a body panel, it would probably cave in the panel before it ever worked.

I am probably going to have get a 18a also.