Starrett Automatic Center Punch with Hardened Steel Metal - 100mm Length, 11mm Punch Diameter Tapered Point - 18AA

I wish it was smaller so I could carry in my pocket comfortably. I could not find a smaller version when I ordered, but this one works great.

I use this to punch/stamp date codes into metal castings and I typically have to do it multiple times in the same spot for it to be deep enough for QA purposes (by deep enough, I mean visible without a magnifying glass and/or light to notice the difference). The tool came fully tightened, so theres no way to make the punch hit harder unless I use a hammer (which is impractical in some cases). Maybe the spring is faulty and thats my issue? I dont know as Im not going to try to open it up and risk not having it work even at this level. The tip has retained its point after multiple uses, so thats a definite plus. I would have given this 5 stars if I didnt have to punch the same spot multiple times to see an effect.

Quality, quality, quality. You get what you pay for from Starrett. Very well made. No complaints.

Works well but is a bit finicky to get reset for next punch. Appears well made and easy to disassemble / replace the tip.

I had to return this for a replacement. Half the time, the spring would not rest after triggering. The replacement (same make/model) is great -- heavy, precise, and reliable.

As presented! This punch actually allows one to vary the indentation force via the adjustment knob - unlike a previous purchase!

This, the 18AA is a little brother to the 18A. Keep in mind that the 18AA has no replaceable tips which can be a good thing as its more rugged. I use auto center punches for aviation rivet removal so they are heavily abused. Starrett auto center punches have never misfired even once for me. Bypass the red punches from the tool truck they are junk compared to a Starrett!

After just a few uses, stopped resetting after punch. Springs seemed to be worn even when new. Internal pin seemed to wedge in body. Could be a knock-off and not a real Starett.

This punch is super high quality, I’ve had it a few months and still working great. But I would say it’s not the best for hard metals, which is what I bought it for. If you are using for marking wood & soft metals (aluminum, brass) should be fine but not so much on steel. I would recommend getting the heavy duty version for about $10 more.

The punch was as seller indicated and in fine condition, however, not knowing the the model number it was much smaller than the one I had previously owned (US made by General Tool) and turned out to be too small and too light-duty for my purposes... it was like a mini-punch. I had to re-purchase the18A model from another source. I should contact the seller to request a return.