Automatic Center Punches

 An “automatic” center punch is a downright nice tool to have and use. Position the point, push down, and the internal spring-loaded mechanism trips. The resultant force  delivered to the point is comparable to a hammer blow, but no hammer is needed. With most automatic punches, the force of the blow can be adjusted.

I bought the GENERAL #79 punch in the photo above many years ago and have used it many times. It has done an adequate job. No complaints.

Then I picked up the Starrett 18-C punch at an estate sale. I bought it to resell on Ebay, but decided to keep it for myself…

The moment you hold and use the Starrett punch you know you are working with a high-quality tool. It is heavier and more comfortable in the hand. The spring is stronger. The steel point is harder. Without any doubt, the Starrett is a superior tool. There is no contest.

But the fact remains that the lesser-priced GENERAL punch performed admirably for my center punching needs for many years.

Going a notch or two even lower, This Punch at Amazon currently sells for only $11.19 and has a lot of positive feedback.

The bottom line here is that if you need (or just want) a top-quality punch that will last a lifetime (and more), the Starrett is your punch. It’s a no brainer.

But if you just want the convenience of an automatic center punch for occasional use, the GENERAL #79, or even that cheaper one at Amazon, will do the job.

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It’s worth noting here that Starrett makes most of their tools in America, but their automatic center punches are an exception. The Starrett website provides "Country of Origin" in the specifications tab for each of their tools. The country of origin for all their automatic center punches is… China.

As an American who values American-made tools, this is a disappointment. But I’m thinking (and hoping) that Starrett’s 146-year reputation for quality extends to their products made in other countries.

With that in mind, I noticed that there are sellers on Ebay hawking new C-18 Starrett punches as “Made in America.” That is questionable.

Also questionable are some of the lesser-priced "Starrett" C-18 punches being sold at Amazon. My advice if you buy Starrett tools at Amazon is to make sure they are from the Starrett Store.