Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke - 5-1/4 Length, 11/16 Punch Diameter, Lightweight, Knurled Steel Handle - 18C

I have used automatic center punches quite extensively for metal work when fabricating industrial control panels. They are a vital tool to drilling precise holes in metal and they offer the convenience of not having to use a hammer. I purchased this starrett punch because of the quality of their other tools and because I have used cheaper ones that would take multiple blows to create a small dent because they just do not have the striking power needed. I also know that when it comes to tools the best ones are a joy to use and the cheap ones will only make you wish you just paid the money and got the best one to start with. I was unsure of which one to order because I could not find any information online comparing the AA, A and C sizes, I ended up purchasing the 18C because it was listed as heavy duty and I figured I could turn down the striking power but if it was not enough on the smaller ones you cannot turn it up. I think for most peoples uses the 18A would be the most ideal size and power. The punch showed up in perfect condition, when held in the hand it does display true craftsmanship and quality which is so hard to find these days. The tip is not quite as sharp as I would have liked for those jobs where you want absolute precision, clearly it is made for heavier duty work than the other punches I have used in the past, and when the spring is turned to its maximum power it does take quite a bit of force to depress and strike a blow but you can be sure that one is enough. I would be mindful that when turned all the way up if you were to push down at any sort of angle you would risk the tip slipping and just putting a huge gouge in your work but sometimes you need that sort of power. When turned down however it delivers a much lighter blow that is even useful for wood, albeit maybe not something like balsam. The machining and quality of this tool is as I said top notch. Yes you can get a punch for just a few dollars that might work just fine but you invest in a tool like this and it will last a lifetime. It is also very easy to take apart to clean or lube if you ever need to. Very pleased with this tool and I wish I could afford to outfit my entire toolbox with tools of this quality.

A little steep in price but well worth it! This punch will be more reliable and outlast dozens of cheaper foreign made models.

It is good, but we have to exert a much greater push to make a blow with this. But the impact of it’s blow is too higher to make a deep point hole. One this to note is that, there are two springs inside a heavy spring at the back and a light spring at the pointed side. The light spring is narrowing towards one side and widening towards other side which we can put only in one way. The wider part of the little spring must be kept back, if you taken that spring out otherwise it will not work. You can also blow with a hammer at the backside in order to make it to blow, if you are unable to push too much pressure. No problem because it is too hard.

Starrett is one of the great names in American precision measuring and tooling products, and this Automatic Center Punch is no exception. A few years ago, they changed the design of the center punches where the shank and the tip are unitized, meaning you have many more opportunities to sharpen the tip before you require a replacement. Its not as elegant as the original design, but it is more robust, and has one less part to worry about(the replaceable tip) I now have the 18C, and have the original 18A and 18AA. This is by far the heaviest duty unit of the three, and will likely get the most use. It is adjustable, however, even the lightest setting is still quite hard, so if you are working with soft metals or thin gauge stock, you will likely want to use the 18A or 18AA. This one is perfect for my use, and I will now be selling off my General automatic center punch, which takes significantly more pressure to activate and doesnt hit nearly as hard.

I’ve already set over 1000 center marks in 6061 aluminum. This punch is fantastic. Very happy with this purchase.

A little bit pricey compared to similar items but it’s true that you get what you pay for even in these modern times - at least sometimes… The thing is a beast I thought I needed the “heavy duty“ model which is the 18C and it turns out that I absolutely did not need the heavy duty model but will be keeping it just because it’s quite the lovely tool to use. I will definitely have to get the 18A to round out the set though. Of course the reason that I was under the impression that I should get the heavy duty model (compared to the 18A which is the lighter duty model of the same design), is because of my past experiences with so-called heavy duty automatic punches… Needless to say, Starrett’s 18C sort of immediately redefined the meaning of heavy duty for me.

Well made, reliable, very strong. With the adjustment nut screwed in fully, it takes a great deal of pressure to pop. Since I keep it in the car to break a window in an emergency, I replaced the spring with a slightly softer one, so it works with less pressure but is still strong. Also it could be used as kubotan if necessary. Tip: If you keep it in the car, or near machinery where there is vibration, the handle may come unscrewed and spray parts hither and thither. So tighten it up securely.

Ive a few of the el-cheapos about, which do okay. Wanted one tat would lay a definitive mark with less activations. This does that. At first I thought I may have over done it; s it does take more push. But once used to it, I like it fine. Will likely eventually bore a golf ball to put on the push end to spread the force. Seemed a large piece of money; I have no regrets. Higher quality tools cost a bit more, but by my experience are worth it.

I bought one and then used it this weekend. Be sure to disassemble and lubricate first. Then unless you release the spring tension a lot be ready to push real hard. But good dimple.

This thing is ridiculous. It is by far the biggest and strongest center punch Ive ever used. Its about the same size as the el cheapo center punch from ace hardware, maybe a little bigger, but has a much thicker punch and a far stronger spring. You can partially unscrew the tailcap to have a softer punch and at the softest I can make it without the tailcap popping off, it is still stronger than the el cheapo, plus it works every time as opposed to ~25% of the time. On max strength, it punched itself far enough into wood to lodge itself sideways. It punched a sizeable dent in a solid brass block. It punched a noticeable divot in a hardened steel safety plate designed to stop you from drilling. I considered returning this not because its a poor product but because its too damn powerful and I was gonna buy a smaller one! (I didnt)