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

I use it at work

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.

Im a retired tool and die maker of 35 years. I started buying Starret precision tools in the early 70s. Back then those tools were far superior to anything on the market. I still use them to this day which speaks volumes about the quality. The only reason I purchased an auto center punch is because my original punch disappeared about a month ago. My daddy always said Dont buy the cheap tools because in the end it will cost more to keep replacing them than if you spend a little more on quality.

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.

Great punch and heavy duty. I use it to punch steel mostly, but also for aluminum surfaces. One punch is all you need for aluminum, but for steel, a few punches work best depending on your pilot hole size. My only complaint is that it doesnt fire sometimes, and you need to let it go and try again until it does.

Awesome, works very well, certainly heavy duty, contrary to any unhappiness with this product from other reviewers, I purchased two from Amazon, with a firm hold, both punches make one dent per actuation, I find that the rough ends of the adjustment spring prevent the punch from wandering away from the tension setting that I adjusted it to, a good idea in my world. In my opinion once I find a happy spot for my needs I wont be winding this thing up and down anyway as I might select a lighter punch for lighter work. 5 star, both punches that I purchased work awesome ! I recommend this brand of punch to anyone who is looking for excellent quality and years of durability. This item is used by gripping punch firmly in one hand and pushing the pointy bit into a metal plate all the way down until it kicks, it will leave a nice smart dent so that you can use it for layout purposes, a dent to start a drill bit in, and other creative uses, ie: denting a shaft surface, etc wind in the handle end clockwise all the way makes a heavier dent, counter clockwise progressively lightens the dent impression created., Unlike the previous automatic centre punch that someone borrowed from me, and used a hammer on it....its only good for that now. For hand use only, maybe an optional plastic handle on this thing might end any confusion with a hammer style centre punch ( what do you think Starrett ? )

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.

I had a Brown and Sharpe 770 that I liked a lot but it failed with an internal fatigue crack after long use. I wanted something of comparable quality so Starrett was the obious choice. When this punch came in I noted it was quite a bit smaller so I was concerned that it might not make the clear punch marks I was used to. Those concerns were quickly dispelled. This is even better. The end cap has to be unscrewed a bit to allow it to work with reasonable pressure. The punch marks are clear and deep. I have no doubt this will last for many years. It is a bit pricey but quality tools cost money

Useful, but a bit stiff in use. Might ease up after a while, but excellent quality. Made in USA!!!

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