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

High quality center punch, USA made, type of tool that will last generations

This punch is small, which is a plus, and very dependable. I use it anytime I want a small centering hole. Just push and punch. Well worth getting. The self tapping feature is easy and reliable. Dont know why it took me so long to find this device. No more hammering. Now a simple one-handed operation. Listen for the click and you know you have a made small centering mark.

It arrived early and workswell. The adjustable punch is great depending on the material youre trying to mark and the size if impression.

Was too weak to produce a dimple in the metal sheet I wanted to drill.

Beautifully made solid steel center punch. The adjustable action is helpful. Feels like a lifetime tool in your hand. This one is small which I like for getting in tight spaces to mark pieces while they are held against each other.

Pay attention to the recent reviews regarding failure to reset after triggering, which it mostly doesn’t do. Unfortunately I waited too long before I realized how bad it was. Test immediately, if you bother at all. Apparently, Starrett isn’t the company it used to be. I have vintage tools that are 50 years old and work perfectly, but now there’s a 30-day return limit? Ridiculous! Also, this model is TINY! I didn’t realize a micro-version was an option. Fool me once…

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

Read the bad reviews. These things seem to have some manufacturing issues. Specifically, the spring over the point seems a bit weak and the things arrive internally dirty with a poor internal finish on parts that slide. However, its easily repairable and just using the unit to break it in will help a lot. Heres how to get it going again. Unscrew the point end and carefully remove the pin, spring and point. Make sure to notice how things are laid out. Clean each component, remove any debris, clean the threads, Use a good lubricant on everything. I like using a dry Teflon type that wont attract dust and dirt. Next, unscrew the top. Careful as there is a spring in there. Now you have to remove the slid inside the top half. Just push it out the top. I used a can of compressed air to blow it out, but a small paper clip would also work I believe. Clean it and the tube. Q-tips are your friend here. Lubricate as above and reassemble. And use it. Wear it in. Youll have to play with the point end adjustment a little, just unscrew half a turn and put back. Itll get smoother and more reliable. Note that on the point end, the point drops in first, then the pin (flat side toward point) and the spring goes on the pin. The smaller end of the spring goes onto the pin first.

Starrett is known for making quality tools and this one is no exception. I have already used it for several projects and it has performed well and is still in great condition. Worth the money in my opinion. Would both recommend and purchase again if needed.

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.