Transfer punches, what are you using?

[Strouty]

I am thinking that I need some transfer punches, looking for a decent set. What do you guys use? They will not be used all the time, so I don't need the best, but I would like the best bang for the buck. I think I will probably need metric and SAE ¼" up to maybe 1" Similar sizes for metric.

 

[dogdog]

HF have a set I used them a few times to copy a flange holes but that is about it I used it for.... nothing critical..nothing super accurate...

 

[Steevo]

I have the cheapo China made ones, and they work ok, but the points flatten out almost the first time you use them on steel, because they are too soft.
I hope to replace them someday with a better quality brand, but for now, they have helped me out a half dozen times in a couple of years, so worth the cheapo China price.

 

[Strouty]

I may search ebay and see if I can find some decent ones. If I can't find any, cheapos will probably suit me fine for a while.

 

[LXCam]

Check out Use-Enco for those. They have regular sales and you'll find you need a complete set. But at a minimum, get fractional and wire gauge.

 

[BillK]

Strouty,
Like Steevo said, the cheap ones lose their point the first time you use them, I know, I have a set Getting ready to pull the trigger on the best set I can find but they will be pricey. Check MSC, Mc Master Carr and Enco. Have not made up my mind which ones to get yet but they will not be the cheap ones !

 

[Strouty]

What brands are good ones?

 

[BillK]

Strouty,
Not sure of brand names but I would expect to pay close to $100 for a decent set. The $30 sets are junk. Basically you get what you pay for

 

[Jlarson]

We get Spellmaco's from McMaster-Carr.

 

[plinker]

For larger then 1/2", MSC has USA made, about 10$ ea. a set is available I think. Zoro tools has imports as well.

 

[Tinner]

A transfer punch is used to make a tiny mark. You just tap it, then hit that mark with a real center punch. Yes the cheap ones are softer, but even the best will lose their point if you attempt to center punch with them.

I have a cheap standard and metric set from Enco that I've been using for over ten years.

 

[royesses]

C.S. Osborne & Co
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MiscPunch/K-358.html

 

[Strouty]

I would have been one of those guys using the transfer punch like a center punch!

 

[1950mercury]

A transfer punch is used to make a tiny mark. You just tap it, then hit that mark with a real center punch. Yes the cheap ones are softer, but even the best will lose their point if you attempt to center punch with them.

I have a cheap standard and metric set from Enco that I've been using for over ten years.

Well said

 

[ADSR]

A transfer punch is used to make a tiny mark. You just tap it, then hit that mark with a real center punch. Yes the cheap ones are softer, but even the best will lose their point if you attempt to center punch with them.

I have a cheap standard and metric set from Enco that I've been using for over ten years.

Oh! So that's how you do it!

No wonder why mine are all flat.

 

[popparoach]

when i first got mine,I beat the snot out of my harbor freight set on a vise trying to flatten them but they stayed sharp.i wanted to see what they could handle or if i wasted my 8 bucks.they have lasted 3 years so far and going.

 

[Monte]

Rennsteig

 

[bob15]

C.S. Osborne & Co
http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/MiscPunch/K-358.html

Have this same set from HJE.....very nice

 

[ADSR]

Rennsteig

Now that is slick!!! How many millions did they cost tho?

 

[Monte]

Now that is slick!!! How many millions did they cost tho?

only 100 bucks

 

[xxaler]

Monte, those are definitly very nice. I would love to have a set of those for my use at work, but I'm limited to the Harbor Freight set due to it being an open machine shop. Everyone borrows every ones tools.

No one seems to understand you don't need to wail on a transfer punch with a 32oz hammer..

 

[PT Doc]

Enco had a nice set made in USA that seem to be really well made, except covered in all kinds of wonderful black slurry.

 

[turbowoodworker]

Home use? My HF has served me well for cheap.

 

[Strouty]

Thanks for sharing those Monte, I may talk to Jens about them.

 

[2oolhound]

only 100 bucks

Not bad for all three sets, sae, mm and wire ga.

Now if Rennsteig would just make centring transfer screws….

 

[Strouty]

I found a another brand of those. ¼" to 11/16" $125

http://www.flexbar.com/shop/pc/TRU-CENTER-EXPANDING-TRANSFER-PUNCH-SET-p3110.htm

Amazon has Monte's set, but they are $143

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001MRSMT6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[2oolhound]

This is one of those cases where I wish manufacturers would provide a little more info such as:
Rockwell hardness
Grade of steel

Rennsteig at least tells us - hardened, tempered steel, resharpenable, spare pins available and they say it's special tool steel. All great info without telling mimic offshores how to copy and try to under cut their price.

Good post Strouty, I've been holding off on a set of these also because I didn't want cheepos from china even though they are so inexpensive up front. So far the Rennsteigs get my vote because of their presentation with good info and the replaceable pins. Just what I hope to expect from a company who builds quality products and plans to be around for the long haul to stand behind them and service them.

http://www.rennsteig.us/products/hardware/punches/589-adjustable-expanding-transfer-punch-set.html

 

[Axis]

Those adjustable ones are pretty cool. Might have to add those to my list.

 

[leg17]

A transfer punch is used to make a tiny mark. You just tap it, then hit that mark with a real center punch. Yes the cheap ones are softer, but even the best will lose their point if you attempt to center punch with them.

I have a cheap standard and metric set from Enco that I've been using for over ten years.

What he said!

 

[Techie1961]

Rennsteig

Those are definitely cool but won't take the place of my Osbornes. Would be a nice addition but I have had to to use the longer guided shank of a regular transfer punch. The Rennsteig punch will only work if the hole that is being transferred is directly in contact or at least very close to the material that needs the punch mark. That being said, they look great for most uses.

 

[babylou]

Gotta get a set of those adjustable punches.

 

[Mohawk Dave]

I have Spellmaco up to 1".

The problem with the cheap ones is #1 The points flatten, but more importantly, #2 the point is longer so when you are transferring through thin work, you can't.

 

[twertsy]

I find those all the time at sales/garages/CL picks, etc. If you like, I'll pick up a set for you Strouty. Actually, now that I think about it, I just might have a spare. I'll check the next time I'm at the shop (likely Thursday).

 

[lilredex]

For home use, pretty hard to beat these..

http://www.princessauto.com/en/detail/28-pc-transfer-punch-set/A-p2924785e

I have a set, but rarely use them. Drilling down to mark through the mating hole is usually good enough for the girls I go with. Not working for the Cdn Space Agency here, at my garage.

 

[Leoruiz]

I am thinking that I need some transfer punches, looking for a decent set. What do you guys use? They will not be used all the time, so I don't need the best, but I would like the best bang for the buck. I think I will probably need metric and SAE ¼" up to maybe 1" Similar sizes for metric.

Are you a machinist or a fabricator ? These are great for general fabrication.
There are two sizes. Buy both.It's spring loaded. Put the cone in the hole and press it flat to the surface.
http://toolmonger.com/2008/08/07/dealmonger-universal-transfer-punch-650/

 

[scooternut]

Grabbed them off craigslist for 20 or 25, don't recall.

 

[Adam.C]

I too have the Chinese centers and agree they ****. My plan was to chuck them into a metal lathe, in a 3 jaw chuck and return the center points to be concentric with the shaft.

I have had success heat treating some Chinese tool steels and wouldn't hesitate to try that. You can heat just the end with a MAPP gas torch until it is non magnetic, then quench in water or oil. Bake in your kitchen oven at 350 or 400 for 20 minutes, then air cool.

You could probably fix 20 punches in an afternoon.

 

[Strouty]

I just ordered the fancy German ones that Monte recommended. I probably paid too much, but I really liked the looks of them.

 

[pozidriv]

Another victim of monte's...
I think by now we can start a club

 

[Mccool]

Are you a machinist or a fabricator ? These are great for general fabrication.
There are two sizes. Buy both.It's spring loaded. Put the cone in the hole and press it flat to the surface.
http://toolmonger.com/2008/08/07/dealmonger-universal-transfer-punch-650/

These are great, I have an old one I use all the time.