What is the best center punch?

Tools:
TEKTON Automatic Center Punch

Neiko Automatic Center Hole Punch

Rennsteig Adjustable Automatic Center Punch

Transcript:
Hey, I'm Donald Bell and in this Cool Tools video I am going to take a look at automatic center punches. Maybe you have a cheap one like this for marking drill holes in wood or metal. I'll show you how this performs against two higher end options. I've got Amazon links for all of these in the description.

So here's what we're looking at. This is a generic brass handle punch, the cheapest I could find. Costs around $5.

For $10, I bought the Neiko. It's well liked on Amazon and has a different type of handle.

And for the top of the line, I got this $30 punch from Rennsteig. Highly rated. There are pricier options people rave about, but paying more than $30 for a punch is probably silly for most of us.

So here's the generic punch you've probably used before. Up here you can adjust the striking force. Loose is less, tight is more. You push it into the material you want to make a dimple on until it clicks, and you've made your mark.

There may be an amazing version of this style of punch, but because they're visually indistinguishable, there's no good way I know of to tell the good from the bad without handling one.

As I understand it, what you're looking for in a punch is a useful amount of striking force to dent the material you're marking, and durability. Bad punches will get dull quickly. A lot of people just resign themselves to replacing these every year or so with a new cheap punch. Considering the price, it makes sense.

But even on it's best day, new from the package, tightened up for maximum impact. Here's the divot this makes on steel. A decent starting point for a drill bit, but it's going to go downhill quick.

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[michaelrobertson]

'I've no practical sense of what that means but the fact that they even mentioned it made me excited' lol

[MrTelboy]

Just bought a set of graduated drill bits and one of the generic punched came with it, I had no clue how to use it as I have always used the hammer and punch method, this video showed me how it works so I am very grateful, thank you.

[TheHyperAssassin]

When Americans see Newtons instead of Eagles per yee-haw. "I've no practical sense of what that means but the fact that they even mentioned it made me excited."

[TravisTerrell]

I've had the Neiko for a couple years of occasional use, and it's continued to work really well. If this one wears out, I'll probably go for the Rennsteig. I've been incredibly impressed with all of my German tools, and have been steadily growing my collection of NWS, Felo, Wera, etc.

Starett probably makes the "best" center punch (and other measuring tools), but the price point really makes it feasible only for professional machinists (or those with unlimited tool funds.)

[cheapmod]

the best camera is the one you bring with you all the time

[larafabilo]

I have no practical sense of what that means, but the fact that they're mentioning it got me excited 😂😂😂

[victorplanman]

You can also use these as a car window breaker in case of an emergency.

[MrJackandEmily]

I have a toledo one with some washers behind the spring to give it some more pep.. I've been using it daily for 10 years and still no problem with it.. happy as..

[tinymission]

I just bought the cheapest one style at Harbor Freight for $1.99. It is sold under the Pittsburgh Tool name and has a lifetime warranty. If it wears out, I’ll just exchange it for a new one. HF is a mile from my house so it is no bother to return anything really.

[stinlastout]

I have a cheap one I just run a hand diamond file over the point to keep it Sharp now and again, it's still going strong 5 years later!

[em]

I just love having tools that make me more versitle on the jobsite, ordering me one right now!

[ahmedmehamedyesuf]

"I have no practical sense of what that means
but the fact that they even mentioned it made me excited'" Relatable

[nemooutis]

I have a Neiko and a set (4) of the Rennsteig. The Neiko is my goto simply because it is small and convenient. The Rennsteig I use if I need to punch through.They are power monsters. There are four models and range from I'm not sure to 250 newtons. A newton is a measure of kinetic energy (or force) roughly it is the amount of force to accelerate (or move) 2.2 lbs (1 Kilo) 39 inches (a meter) in one second. Lets say that the 250 newton punch will punch a hole in your head no problem. As far as the punches go I like that I can use them one handed while hanging on a ladder, Sometimes using the Rennsteig I have to lean into it and throw my weight into it to make the punch, the Neiko, much easier to use. So far in the past fives years none have disappointed me. Also a good basic survival tool; I carry one in my car in case I have to get myself or someone else out in a hurry.

[anthonyk]

I am a very calm person. A sh*tty half-working automatic center punch is the only tool I've ever thrown across the room in frustration.

[Mrplacedcookie]

Besides striking force and build quality the punch it self must be the most important piece of this tool. What I would look for is what steel/material it is made of and if there are replacement to be bought. I would guess Tungsten carbide would be a great choice for the punch.

[melcovarrubias]

Hello! Thank you for this nice, informative video. What is the diameter of the hole it makes?

[carloslvaldez]

I got the dual set brass punches from my MacTools man. I love them!

[GreenAppelPie]

on the general, Germany make the best hand tools.

[mrgcav]

Thank you for introducing me to the Rennsteig Adjustable Automatic Center Punch. I bought one and it is Fantastic. Very well built. I do alot of punching of metal at work. This is way better than a hammer and cold centerpunch. May be overkill for those who do not need to use it frequently. I have used the other two and worn out the harbor freight Chinese version.
Now I can get punch drunk.... HAHA

[davidgillettuk]

Thanks for the review, I just ordered the Neiko via your link.