An automatic center punch uses stored spring energy to make holes and maintain standard pressure. It has a variety of uses in different trades. A standard center punch requires user force, while a hybrid tool combines spring and manual force for versatility and reliability.
An automatic center punch is a hand tool used to make dimples and holes. These tools store energy in a spring. This spring drives a punch into a surface when the tool reaches the set amount of force. Because they are spring loaded, these tools maintain a standard pressure over time, making their impacts even regardless of the situation in which they are used. An automatic center punch has a wide variety of uses in metalworking, leatherworking, and other craft areas.
The inside of an automatic center punch is composed primarily of springs, pins and weights. When the pointed end, called a punch, is driven into a material, it slides into the body of the tool. This compresses a set of springs and increases the potential energy stored within the tool. A drive pin within the body is set at an oblique angle, but as forces build within the tool, it begins to straighten. When the pin becomes fully straight, it drops into a hole, which releases the springs and transfers the force of the impact to the punch.
These tools are used in a variety of trades. They are common for setting guide markers for further work, decorating surfaces, or making starter holes for screws. Modified versions of these tools are used to set material or create force for impact setting of stickers.
There is one major difference between an automatic center punch and a standard center punch. The force used to operate a standard tool comes from the user; often, he will strike the end of the tool with a hammer. The force used on an automatic punch comes from the tool itself. This means that the automatic tool operates the same on first and last use, while the standard tool varies according to the strength of the operator.
Neither tool is automatically superior to the other. An automatic center punch is reliable, but has very little versatility. If a user needs a heavier or lighter impact, he needs a different tool or spring tension adjustment. A standard tool has great versatility, but little reliability. Small changes in angle or force will show upon impact. Also, as the operator fatigues, it will appear on a standard tool, but not on an automatic.
To replicate a small amount of versatility but not lose reliability, a hybrid tool was developed. This tool uses a spring, but is manually pulled back by the user. The spring connects the punch and a weight, and the weight is connected to a pulling handle. When the weight hits the fist, it makes the impact sign. These tools require less force and provide a small amount of versatility, but are generally smaller and only suitable for light jobs.
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