Customer Reviews for General Tools Hardened Steel Center Punch

Only use this punch if accuracy isn't very important. The punch pin is loose in the case and the point is blunt. I sharpened mine to stay on the point when actuated. I have two of these and they are both the same. It will work very well for screw starter punch's on metal building construction using self tapping screws. I sharpened one of these for a punch to start drill bits for hinge screws. Sharpening the point allows the punch to stay in the center of the hinge hole and keeps your bits from wondering when you pre-drill for your screw.

poor product!

I bought a bunch of these to give to the officers at the local police department. They will use these to break out car windows to rescue people and pets without having to smash the glass and send pieces flying everywhere. When the tip of this punch is pressed firmly against the window, the glass will shatter into those tiny cubes when the punch "trips". The cubes won't fly away, just stay in the frame. The officer can then push the glass away safely with a gloved hand or baton to prevent injury to vehicle occupants.

Rating provided by a verified purchaser

While yes, this does punch down metal surfaces it does not work the majority of the time. I find myself having pull, twist, or realign the tool multiple times to make a single dent. I do not recommend this brand.

Did what it was supposed to do. The point could come sharper from the factory and instructions should have been included.

Adjustable tension automatic center punch. General is an excellent company and they make a fine product. With HD would carry more of these quality products in the store. I rated this as average because of the "replaceable" tip. Mine originally had a tungsten screw on tip, while this one is hardened steel and has to be replaced by removing a "c" clip internally. Will work on most materials except the hardest steels or alloys. Good value for an economy punch but the 78 or 79 models would be preferred.

Bought this automatic center punch for use when drilling holes in steel to provide a reliable starting point indentation with the center punch to prevent small diameter pilot drill bits from wandering while drilling pilot or starting holes in steel and other hard materials. This punch works reliably as the manufacturer advertises with being able to operate the punch with one hand without requiring a hammer which is convenient when one hand is required to hold a work piece. This punch is easy to use and has a small diameter point which makes it easier to position on center marks on a work piece while providing an adequate indentation on a work piece to prevent small diameter pilot drill bits from wandering while drilling. It takes a little effort to use this punch repeatedly because the punch has to be pressed down with enough force to compress and release an internal spring that releases the pin of the punch into the work piece. The force that the center pin of the punch strikes a work piece is adjustable through varying the spring stroke release length of the punch through rotating an adjustment on the top of the punch.

the last general I had had an aluminum casing and would not operate most of the time. This one is all steel and fires every time. The equivalent Starrett is 40+ dollars. Buy the general.

Springs and construction better than the one available at Harbor Freight

The punch easily marked the layout for installing door hardware on cabinet doors. I like using a punch because it keeps the drill bit from drifting.

Used it a numerous times. Works great. Works great with all kinds of wood.

Ease of use is pretty straight forward, but it's tough and has kept moving through a lot of hard use. I would definitely buy this one again.

Would only be useful on a soft material. Ineffective on metal except aluminum.

the last one i had broke. i got this one and it is made better, and does a better job. the punch force adjustment works great. if you are drilling into metal or hardwood you need this.

This product was exactly what I was looking for, and at a good price as well.

I bought a cheap center punch at different store. It worked ok until it stopped working all the time. I thought that if I got an adjustable one that was more expensive it would be better. Man was I wrong this center punch was the worst yet, I can barely even tell where the mark is after I use it. Unless your are center punching wood, DO NOT BUY.

This Automotive Center Punch is a very handy tool indeed. It worked great to stake a Castle Nut on a build that I was working on. I highly recommend this product.

Works perfectly on .05" aluminum with or without a sheet of paper in between.

GOOD TO USE ON ALUMINIUM DID NOT HAVE CHANCE TO USE ON HARDER SURFACES