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.

For some reason, mine wasnt firing properly when I first got it. I was about to return it, but decided to open it up, clean it and put it back together first just to make sure there wasnt something hanging it up. Nothing obvious noted when it was apart, but when I put it back together it worked fine, and has ever since. Oddball issue, but overall Im very happy. This thing is typical Starrett quality - built like a tank.

I was hesitant to spend this much money on an automatic center punch, but am glad that I did. This is a very high quality tool that is not only a pleasure to use but should last a lifetime. There are parts (such as the tip and spring) that may need replacing after a lot of use, but as with many quality tools you can buy those parts without having to buy a new tool. I took a star away because I had to use pliers to start the adjustment cap turning and once the cap was broken free hand turning wasnt smooth and even. That was quickly fixed using a small brash brush and air compressor to remove what looked like small metal particles in the threads. Once that was done cap adjustments were smooth and easy. I was also contemplating getting one of their lighter duty punches after reading some of the reviews. Im glad I didnt because this punch is versatile. Unlike some reviews, even at the highest tension setting I had no problem using the punch and the range of adjustments was significant. At the lightest setting I used it on hard wood, plastic and thin steel which made a larger dent than on heavier metal. Unless youre a weakling, this may be the only punch you need.

Great for starting holes in the exact spot you want. This bad boy pits a sizeable divot in the metal and there is no bit wondering. Extremely hard to push though on the stiffest setting. The usual Starrett quality youd expect. Im a happy buyer.

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

Love it, very handy,beats a hammer and center punch!

I have used both the 18C and the 818 automatic punches and I prefer the 818 in my tool pouch and the 18C on the work bench. The 18C is a workhorse that can be counted on to punch a clear impression on just about any material. Because of the added weight of the 18C, I feel that it provides more comfort in terms of kick-back than the 818 and is better suited to situations where repetitive use is needed. The redesigned tip is an improvement. I had an older one on a previous job that had a screw-in tip that always came loose at the worst time. The tip and shaft form a single unit on this model. The tip can still be replaced if you would rather not resharpen and reharden your old one as it wears down.

This is the best spring loaded center punch that I have used, but (for complete disclosure) I havent used a lot of them. I experienced a tiny bit of jump on the accuracy (which is why I rated the accuracy a 4 - if they offered a 4.5, I would have selected that). Looks and feels solid, very easy to adjust and use. So much so that I bought the 18A as well. So far, I would buy again.

The body is beefy, knurling is perfect, sharp hardened point. Performed exactly as expected.

I thought I had a need, but didnt and was too lazy to return. It seems really expensive, I wish it was about 15 cheaper but it is high quality I look forward to having a need.