Automatic centre punches are used to put dimples into materials such as metal. They differ from ordinary centre punches because there is no need to use a hammer to hit them with. Instead, the automatic centre punch is made up of several separate parts including springs. When the hand tool is pressed down against the piece of work that you intend to dimple, the spring loads up energy and then releases it suddenly. This energy drives the punch forward and creates the dimple in the workpiece.
Comparison table: 7 Best Automatic Centre Punches | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Product | What We Think | Price | ||||
Starrett 18A Automatic Centre Punch with Adjustable Stroke   |
| |||||
Draper 13612 Automatic Centre Punch
|
| |||||
HeroNeo® 5" Brass Automatic Center Punch Spring Loaded Chrome Rivet Screw Auto Mark Hole    |
| |||||
Proops Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Automatic Centre Punch 13cm. (M0235) Free UK Postage
|
| |||||
Rennsteig 430 230"60N-130N" Automatic Centre Punch with HS, Multi-Colour
|
| |||||
Sealey AK9119 Super-Duty Automatic Centre Punch, Multi-Colour
|
| |||||
Advantages of using an automatic centre punch instead of a regular one are-
1. They save the need for using a hammer. This makes them less manually intensive and also lowers the risk of injury through accidents.
2. Because of their design and function, automatic centre punches give a cleaner, more accurate dimple that can repeated over and over, giving you uniform work that is much harder to do with a regular centre punch.
- Marking and starting a hole for drilling. This prevents any slipping or the drill bit walking out.
- They are sometimes used by rescuers to break glass.
- Sometimes used as an Impact tool for testing hardness of materials.
Here I have selected the 7 best automatic centre punches for sale in the UK and highlighted their features for you, in order to make your shopping decisions easier.
1. Draper 13612 Automatic Centre Punch
The Draper 13612 automatic centre punch is a popular choice for people who are looking for something that will work on medium hardness materials without breaking the bank. However, if you are going to be working with very hard materials, this might not be the tool for the job.
- Well engineered to a decent quality
- Hardened steel point can also be used to scribe with.
- Striking force can be adjusted by screwing the inner and outer parts to increase or decrease tension on the spring.
- Good for working with cast iron and steel, brass or copper.
2. HeroNeo® 5
The Hero Neo 5” automatic centre punch is incredibly cheap, costing under 2 pounds. For such a low price, it is a surprisingly good tool for DIY purposes. When it comes to commercial or industrial work, you are probably better off investing in something a little further up the price range.
- Nice looking brass body and a chrome tip.
- The handle has a knurled design to help you grip the punch better and prevent slipping.
- ½” diameter point is great for marking drill holes
- Easy to take apart and put back together for basic spring maintenance.
- Very cheap at under 2 pounds so easy to buy a few spares.
3. Eclipse Centre Punch, Automatic 65-171R
For just under 12 pounds, you can get this automatic centre punch made by eclipse. Eclipse are a well-known and respected company that originally started in Sheffield over a hundred years ago. It is great for marking any materials up to stainless steel, which is where it finds its limits. Ideal for home and small workshop use.
- Nice looking black and silver design.
- Has a handy pocket clip so you can always have it close at hand.
- Turning the head of the punch will adjust the tension on the spring and thus the depth of the mark it will leave.
- Knurled design gives you a better grip of the tool.
- Made from high quality carbon steel for extra durability.
- Hardened and tempered point is designed for prolonged use.
- Well-known brand tool for a low price.
4. Rennsteig 430 230' 60N-130N' Automatic Centre Punch
Coming from German engineering company Rennsteig, this automatic centre punch has a slightly different outer design to our previous reviews and this makes it useful for punching dimples in high up places.
- The red capped end allows you to press with your palm without discomfort, perfect for harder to reach places.
- German engineered and precision design.
- The hardened pin is replaceable should it wear down with prolonged use.
- You can adjust the striking force to suit the material you are working with.
- Made from steel with a nickel plated finish
5. Sealey AK9119 Super-Duty Automatic Centre Punch
Sealey’s offering is a good little tool for 10 quid and has a design that makes it easy to use. The larger than usual, red ‘bulb’ shaped handle fits comfortably in your hand and this allows you to compress the spring easier than automatic centre punches that require you to grip them around the sides.
- Round bulb shaped handle for better grip and easier pressing action.
- Well priced at 10 pounds
- Depth of mark can be adjusted by turning the bulb handle.
- Chromed brass barrel gives this tool a nice finish.
- Easy to use and doesn’t require a lot of strength
6. Proops Heavy Duty Spring Loaded Automatic Centre Punch 13cm
This centre punch from Proops is a compact, yet heavy duty hand tool. It requires a fair bit of pressure to activate it but this translates into a precise, clean dent in your workpieces.
- Heavy duty compact punch that delivers precise work.
- Compact design makes it easy to carry around with you.
- Knurled steel body for better grip and less likely to slip and cause injury.
- Good powered spring action
- Good build quality means it will last even with a lot of use.
7. Starrett 18A Automatic Centre Punch with Adjustable Stroke
Our last, but by no means least, choice for best automatic centre press comes from a very trust4d source- tool brand Starret. They are renowned for producing well made, high quality tools and, if you forgive the pun, they have ‘hit the mark’ again with this product.
- Very good build quality inspires confidence in longevity
- Removal point means to can replace or regrind it to keep the performance of your tool at its best.
- The knurled grip helps with grip and can be twisted to regulate the force of the spring.
- Very precise and heavy duty and well worth the extra you pay for it when compared to cheaper models.
