Has anybody had a Starrett automatic center punch that works?

Shaybuilder · Sep 14, 2020

I have several Starrett automatic center punches #18-A and #18-C that only work about once in ten tries. Is this normal or are they just junk. I keep adjusting the tension on them and they will work for one or 2 punches then don't work again. Are they a waste of money? Is there any automatic center punch that is reliable?

gustafson · Sep 14, 2020

I dislike them but they always work for me.
I prefer a small hammer and a manual punch
Automatics would jump on me if I wasn't paying attention

I am imagining they are dirty internally unless newer ones are junk

DavidScott · Sep 14, 2020

The one I had access to years ago always worked just fine, but I prefer the manual method also so I have never owned one.

Mike1974 · Sep 14, 2020

The only nice thing about an auto IMO is they can be used in places where you may not be able to get a center punch and a hammer into.

atomarc · Sep 14, 2020

I also have two and use them both, but a nice sharp hand held punch works better, IMHO. They must be clean and dry inside to work properly..no oil or gunk.

Stuart

Trueturning · Sep 14, 2020

Never had any problems when they were around. I have never seen one have any trouble. I suppose they can wear out yet I have never encountered it. Having a good manual punch and Ball peen hammer is good.

Cole2534 · Sep 14, 2020

I've cleaned and reassembled mine more times that I can count its operation is flakey at best.

It worked great until it didn't!

Sent via CNC 88HS

Scottl · Sep 14, 2020

I have some older ones in different sizes and they almost always work.

Either you have newer ones that are junk or they are gummed up or worn out.

bikebuilder · Sep 14, 2020

All my Starretts work, but I have a General that does what you describe. If I thwack the end of it on the bench, it works.

crossthread · Sep 14, 2020

I have a Starrett that works most every time. I too have had to give it a "thwack" on rare occasions. I also prefer a sharp punch and hammer but the automatic comes in handy when you are holding some sort of magnifying device in one hand.

gustafson · Sep 14, 2020

Mike1974 said:
The only nice thing about an auto IMO is they can be used in places where you may not be able to get a center punch and a hammer into.

Yahbutt

If'n you can't reach it with the punch and hammer, watcha gonna do to it once its punched?

Actually the best reason is when you do not have two hands free

doug925 · Sep 14, 2020

I have owned Starrett and almost every other brand I could find.

(I used to help my Dad with his Avionics business when I was a kid.
I learned to solder, make aircraft control panels, and layout & rivet mounting trays before I could drive)

Most auto punches work for a while, then, just die!
Cleaning and reassembling them doesn't seem to help.
They are convenient, but a hammer and punch work every time.

L Vanice · Sep 14, 2020

crossthread said:
... I also prefer a sharp punch and hammer but the automatic comes in handy when you are holding some sort of magnifying device in one hand.

And that is why Starrett makes the hammer with the magnifying glass in the head.

Larry

Conrad Hoffman · Sep 14, 2020

Have an old one, no trouble with it. For any center punch, grind it "bright". That means the grinding direction is parallel to the axis and the tip is way easier to see.

vanguard machine · Sep 14, 2020

i'm a sucker so i have a small top drawer full of various iterations of auto center punches, starrett included, pretty much all junk. the only one worth even bothering with is an old general brand i believe.. probably a garage sale find.. i probably just got lucky.

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Mike1974 · Sep 14, 2020

gustafson said:
Yahbutt

If'n you can't reach it with the punch and hammer, watcha gonna do to it once its punched?

Actually the best reason is when you do not have two hands free

Right angle drill?

But you make a good point. :leaving:

Ianagos · Sep 14, 2020

Cole2534 said:
I've cleaned and reassembled mine more times that I can count its operation is flakey at best.

It worked great until it didn't!

Sent via CNC 88HS

I’m dying from the sent via cnc 88hs

On the topic even the el cheapo auto center punches have worked every time for me. I didn’t know they were adjustable and I have never taken one apart.

This may be an unpopular opinion but I’m of the opinion that starrett does not really make the greatest stuff. It’s not bad but also not the best.

Sent via Mazatrol

Tyrone Shoelaces · Sep 14, 2020

I've still got the " Moore & Wright " auto punch my dad bought me in 1966. I used it the other day, it still works great. They do have their advantages but most of the time I preferred a hand centre punch and a 1/2 lb toffee hammer.

Regards Tyrone.

EPAIII · Sep 14, 2020

No Starretts, but I have two or three Generals and they always work. The only reason why I ever try adjusting them is for a lighter punch. They just work.

My latest purchase is an aluminum General. That caused some concern on my part as I know that they depend on some friction to function, but it has worked 100% for 5 to 9 years now. Perhaps the critical parts are steel.

I also purchased two or three from Harbor Freight to keep in my truck and SUV for emergencies. They worked when I bought them but that was some years ago and perhaps I should test them again.

Cole2534 · Sep 14, 2020

Tyrone Shoelaces said:
I've still got the " Moore & Wright " auto punch my dad bought me in 1966. I used it the other day, it still works great. They do have their advantages but most of the time I preferred a hand centre punch and a 1/2 lb toffee hammer.

Regards Tyrone.

Had to look that one up.

Has anybody had a Starrett automatic center punch that works?

Cast Iron

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Stainless

Titanium

Diamond

Titanium

Diamond

Diamond

Stainless

Diamond

Stainless

Diamond

Diamond

Diamond

Similar threads