Why are my automatic center punches stuck?

[spotco2]

I use automatic center punches quiet often. I've always just picked up cheap General brand or something from a big box store and they work great out of the packaging but after some use they start to stick. Take it apart and put back together and they work again for a short time (usually) before sticking again.

I finally broke down and bought a Starrett thinking I was going to solve my problem. It worked fine a few weeks ago but picked it up Friday and it was stuck. I took it apart, put it back together and it worked twice before sticking again. This went on several rounds and suddenly worked perfect for 10-15 marks before sticking again.

What am I doing wrong? It seems these should be rather idiot proof.

My grandfather always said that you had to be smarter than the tool you were working with...

 

[ez-duzit]

I've had that happen with both Starrett and imported punches.

 

[jayemm]

would a little lubrication help.

 

[Rinspeed]

Just needs a little oil that's all.

 

[richfinn]

https://www.lasaero.com/products/article/U00UU6Z4L

 

[alcorelli]

https://www.lasaero.com/products/article/U00UU6Z4L

I have a Snap On set of those. Or I should say, a set similar.

Sent from my SM-G975U using Tapatalk

 

[bdbecker]

Many years ago, I bought a Starrett because everyone said that was the brand to buy. I got frustrated with it after a few days, tossed it in the toolbox, and just went back to using a hammer and center punch. About a year ago, I was doing some cleaning and found it back. Before getting rid of it, I figured I'd try and get it working. After watching Mr. Pete's video and realizing I needed to tweak my spring a little, it's worked perfectly ever since.

 

[RTM]

I found a stuck Starrett, and after cleaning and lubing it’s been fine. Someone had left the spring fully compressed before I found it, doubt that helped things.

 

[spotco2]

Just watched the videos showing how it works. I took mine (several) apart and the pistons were stuck and have rough machining marks on them. I'll polish them out and clean everything up. Hopefully that will fix them.

Thanks everyone. I had forgotten how these things work.

 

[pepi]

Have a Starrett........... 10 years works great

 

[Milton Shaw]

I bought one at a flea market and the punch point was not hardened. One punch and it looked like a pencil with the lead mashed/broke off. Didn't get to the point of it sticking. Several others have stuck and started working after cleaning and light lube on them.

 

[Chevy-SS]

Great video on the operation of the punch. I've been using them for years, but never knew exactly how they worked. Very clever! Thanks for posting. Always learning here on GJ Forum.

 

[Joelk]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PSFUO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This style will not "get stuck".

 

[SweetD]

Many years ago, I bought a Starrett because everyone said that was the brand to buy. I got frustrated with it after a few days, tossed it in the toolbox, and just went back to using a hammer and center punch. About a year ago, I was doing some cleaning and found it back. Before getting rid of it, I figured I'd try and get it working. After watching Mr. Pete's video and realizing I needed to tweak my spring a little, it's worked perfectly ever since.

Mr. Pete is the best machinist teacher on the Web, bar none. And his off-topic stuff is great as well. Love that guy!

 

[RTM]

I bought one at a flea market and the punch point was not hardened. One punch and it looked like a pencil with the lead mashed/broke off. Didn't get to the point of it sticking. Several others have stuck and started working after cleaning and light lube on them.

I have one with a replaceable point, wonder if someone replaced yours.

 

[spotco2]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PSFUO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This style will not "get stuck".

I've got a couple this style and they do work great but typically I need to use these one handed for a particular task or in tight spaces walking bolts around so need the spring loaded style.

 

[RTM]

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000PSFUO8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

This style will not "get stuck".

I have a 3 set of those spring tools. I would not trade my spring loaded Starrett for those. But I still use them often.