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

High quality. You get what you pay for.

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

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.

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

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.

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

It is smaller than I expected. It works well but I wish I would have gotten the 18c. It would have been a little bit bigger and punched a little bit harder. All in all a very high-quality product!

This, the 18AA is a little brother to the 18A. Keep in mind that the 18AA has no replaceable tips which can be a good thing as its more rugged. I use auto center punches for aviation rivet removal so they are heavily abused. Starrett auto center punches have never misfired even once for me. Bypass the red punches from the tool truck they are junk compared to a Starrett!

This gets a solid five stars because it really is perfect. The wind up is very, very smooth with a nice and short throw, which helps keep it on the spot while pressing on it. The resulting action is quick, firm, and surprisingly powerful considering how effortless the wind up is. It makes me wonder if they are somehow cheating the conservation of momentum and energy... Oh yeah and the knurling and overall look is second to none. It feels super sweet to hold! Given all of this, plus the fact that it only costs as much as 6 lattes, plus the fact that its still made in the USA, dont even bother to waste your money on a cheaper import (which are only cheaper by about 1/2 as much - were still in the impulse dollars range here folks...).

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.