Automatic center punch

rlp in Co.

Well-known Member
I bought this from harbour freight but I don't like it and I'm going to take it back. It only makes a VERY SMALL punch mark, even in aluminum! The only thing good about it is, it's pretty! The one that they issued us in the Air Force was much stronger. Wish I still had that one.
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I had two brass ones like that. They didn't last long before the internal spring broke through the brass. The last one I had the hardware store special order for me. I've had it for close to twenty years. None of them make a deep mark.
 
A quick word about the automatic center punches with screw-in tips . . . the tips tend to loosen, and break easily when loosened. Making sure the tip is fully screwed in every time the tool is picked up extends tip life GREATLY.
 
i was taught that those are layout punches. You use them to make a slight mark on your scribe lines. You then go back and use a standard punch and hammer. I use my layout punches all the time. You can see where the required locations is for the punch mark. To many times I have just used a hammer and punch only to find I had shifted the punch just a little off the scribe lines.


OTJ
 
Use the cheap automatic punch to mark where the hole goes. Use a puncture wound punch to deepen the mark, then the center punch. It will get you more accurately aligned holes.
 
(quoted from post at 19:44:12 01/19/20) that is for pooping windows on cars not for metal
Pooping windows? You have some strange habits. That automatic punch is definitely made for metal, not glass.
 
You were taught good! I hadn't considered that. Maybe I will keep it after all. I can see it would be handy for layout work. More accurate than a hammer and a punch.
 
I have one like that as well and it works great. You can adjust the tension by turning the knurled end. Mine is probably over 25 years old. If you want to upgrade, take a look at the ones Starrett makes.
 
In my experience, those cheap automatic punches are only good for a few marks before they break. But if you live in an area where there are lots of canals, rivers or ponds you might drive into, keep one in your car just for breaking the window if you find yourself underwater.

<a href="https://www.amazon.com/Starrett-18A-Automatic-Center-Adjustable/dp/B0006J4Q64">Starrett makes an automatic center punch</a> that's actually good for more than a couple of punches.

I like the <a href="https://aircraft-tool.com/shop/detail.aspx?id=32R00-1">Noxon center punch</a>. It's simple and reliable. You can use it to make light or deep marks, just turn it around.
 
At best they are for marking a spot for a hand held hammer hit punch to follow up making drillable marks. A lay-out tool.
 
Don't power windows work under water? I have seen pictures of cars under water with their headlites on. My windows have the modern hand cranks!
 
(quoted from post at 17:29:37 01/19/20) I have one like that as well and it works great. You can adjust the tension by turning the knurled end. Mine is probably over 25 years old. If you want to upgrade, take a look at the ones Starrett makes.

I bought a starrett a few years back and it is definitely a solid tool and makes a great layout mark.
 
we use them in our fire dept and they will pop any window been doing it for 50 years and one miss work under water also
 
You're not the first person to make that observation, but pooping on windows is unacceptable in any social situation, and I am not wrong about what to use a center punch on.
 
(quoted from post at 12:14:27 01/20/20) Don't power windows work under water? I have seen pictures of cars under water with their headlites on. My windows have the modern hand cranks!

Yes, in fact they do work under water. Mythbusters did at least one episode on escaping a submerged car, and that was one of the things they tested. Without fail, the window opened.
 
I like mine and when I need a large, deep hole, I mark the hole with this and come back with the appropriately sized punch and maul. If they get to where they don't want to spring properly, add some lube.
 

As others have said most first responders carry them in a pocket. So keep it in your glove compartment and you will think of it when you see a cop whaling on a car window trying to get an overheated kid out.You will be able to casually walk up stick the punch in the corner and immediate hero.
 

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