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

I have only used this punch on mild steel and within two months the point has become very dull. I suspect a hardening issue. Not what I thought I was getting when I bought a Starrett. Otherwise it seems nice.

Been using these punches for decades at work. Needed some better punches at home so I went straight for these. Expensive compared the Chinese alternatives but there really is no comparison. If you appreciate nice tools and need a power punch, look no further.

Works better than any hootin tootin auto punch I ever used Ill be it dagnabbit

This is a quality tool, yes a bit more expensive than its counterparts, but its the only one you will buy in your lifetime. Unless you are like me and must have the 18a as well BAM! This tool hits with significant force, enough to mark stainless steel billet. Im getting the 18a as well for some lighter sheet metal work. You dont find quality like this often. Im really proud to own this tool. No regerts :)

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.

The day I received my 18C from Amazon, I tried using it on some suitable aluminum stock, to get familiar with it and see how its adjustment works. For a while, I couldnt get it to fire at all, even though I was adjusting it correctly: I turned the end cap so the spring nearest the user would be compressed less. Finally, I loosened the threaded sleeve near the tip, even though I figured that that sleeve isnt there for any adjustment purpose (I found out later I was right). After loosening the sleeve near the tip a bit, I could get it to fire about 50% of the time. I wanted to see whether, in fact, the only adjustment on the tool is performed by turning the end cap; so I looked on the Starrett website for an instruction manual. (As other reviewers have pointed out, none of the Starrett automatic center punches come with any instructions, probably because the company believes that anyone who buys a Starrett tool must already know what hes doing.) There is no instruction manual available on the Starrett website either. I called Starrett using the toll-free phone number on the website. The nice tech support person I talked with told me: Yes, the only adjustment on the tool is via the end cap, and the threaded sleeve near the tip should not be loose prior to using the tool. I explained that I could only get the punch to fire if I slightly loosened the threaded sleeve near the tip; even though I had loosened the end cap quite a bit. I also said that even after I did those 2 things, the punch would only fire about half the time; based on at least 50 attempts. I asked the Starrett tech support person whether I might have a defective item. He said I might have, and I should probably exchange it for a different example. Im kind of disappointed. This is the first Starrett tool Ive ever purchased, and it took me a while to talk myself into paying what I did for it. (By the way, I think Amazons price is very good: as I recall, its the lowest I saw, and of course shipping is free for an Amazon Prime member.) I may purchase a Starrett 18A, which is also a current Starrett product. The length of that unit is 4.85 in, according to the drawing I downloaded from the Starrett website; its largest diameter is slightly less than that of the 18C; and according to the website, the spring near the end cap has a smaller diameter than the one in the 18C. So the 18A should apply less force to the material than the 18C. That would be fine with me. I think the 18C would apply too much force for most of the work I do. Strangely, I see that if I purchase a Starrett 18A on Amazon, it would be through an Amazon reseller, so I would have to pay a shipping fee. If I do purchase another Starrett automatic center punch, Ill cross my fingers and hope that I dont get another defective example. By the way, 18C that I received is beautifully machined and seems to be well designed. I even took it apart, and I dont see anything wrong with it. Given all that, Im very surprised that I can only get it to fire about 50% of the time.

This tool has superior quality and strength. Lots of spring force (adjustable to reduce if you wish). Nice hard tip can mark anything softer than a hard chrome socket. Incredibly useful for scribing as well and center punching.

First off-this is a quality product, for professional use. There is no slop on the part fit up, and replacement parts are readily available through the manufacturer. It’s a tad expensive, but it’s worth more than what I paid for it. It’s easily adjustable, and strikes reliably, without losing its pinch pressure setting. A tad stiff at the hardest punching level, I would recommend some type of padding or impact glove for all day use. This tool works very well for pricking holes in 308 stainless for line up on a drill press, or an ironworker (punch).

Everything Ive grown to expect from Starrett. Inheriting my grandfathers Starrett mics and running metrology & calibration labs during my career have me a $tarrett believer. Pricy but will be reliable and accurate forever.

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