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

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.

I wish it was smaller so I could carry in my pocket comfortably. I could not find a smaller version when I ordered, but this one works great.

High quality. You get what you pay for.

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

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.

Wonderful little center punch. It only rarely misfires and you have to do it again, but normally it is excellent. It is light duty and only good for soft or thin metals.

Product quickly arrived as promised. This small punch makes a tiiiiiny indention, enough for a drillbit to lead. I do wish was more potent and made a larger indention in sheet metal.

Ok for soft metals, needs stronger spring for most steels

This is the second one Ive owned. The first keeps disappearing on me. Now I KNOW where I can find one when I need it. Being Starrett, you know its high quality.

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…