A center punch is a tool used to make a small impression in wood, plastic or metal before drilling a hole. It comes in different sizes and can be traditional or automatic. The automatic punch uses a spring and doesn’t require a hammer. Both types are available at hardware stores.
A center punch is a tool, usually made of metal, that is made to assist a carpenter with holes. An individual uses a center punch to make a small impression into the piece of wood, plastic or metal in which he intends to punch a hole. The mark the punch makes not only helps the person know where to place the end of the drill bit, it also helps guide the bit, preventing it from slipping out of place.
This tool looks like a cross between a pen and a screwdriver. It has a narrow, pointed end and a wider, flatter end. Punches can have flat or rounded sides. They often have a combination of the two, becoming more rounded as they taper towards the tip.
Center punches are available in different sizes. Each size corresponds to a particular drill bit size. To use the center punch, a person places the thin end of the punch against the material being punched, in the exact spot where the hole should be. Then tap the wider end of the center punch with the hammer to create a small divot.
A second type of center punch is available that performs the same job as a traditional center punch. It’s called an automatic center punch. It appears to have an array of three tubes that make up the body of the instrument.
While this punch isn’t electric, as the name might suggest, it harnesses the power of a simple machine: the spring. The device has an adjustable end cap at its widest end, which the user can turn to change the tension of the center punch. Depending on how it’s adjusted, the punch will deliver heavier or lighter pressure.
No hammer is required to use this punch. The user simply places the point of the punch where they want the divot to appear and push down on the wider end of the punch. The spring action will provide all the force needed to get the job done.
Center punches are available at most hardware stores. The traditional punch is recommended when getting a divot the exact size of your drill bit is imperative. Auto punches are better for less precise work or for making marks unrelated to drilling.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
