Easy-grip centre punch

[Philip Davies]

Because of its length, this is a handy centre punch for hot metal, and also it's easier to find. My fingers quickly become pain grasping thin tools. It is made from a worn sharpening steel (and these are good for ticketing cabinet scrapers). The tang has been cut off and the striking end blued, i.e. heated to a blue colour and allowed to cool slowly, which will prevent chips flying off when struck. The grip has come off a carpenter's brace. Many of these are discarded now, and they are just the right length for tongs' reins. Owing to the swelling of the steel, I can hold it either near the point, or higher where it's struck.

[DIYer]

Thanks Philip Davies! We've added your Center Punch to our Metalworking category,
as well as to your builder page: Philip Davies's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Center Punch by Philip Davies

tags: punch

[obt@charter.net]

I have one like that that I stuck thru a piece of round white Styrofoam - it didn't stay white long but it's still easy to find

[Tuomas]

Good idea. I have many times hit my hand because of too short punch. How many times i must hit myself before i find " time " to make new one.

[toma]

Good idea,
I will make one like this but with hard rubber grip, to eliminate possible punch vibrations impact to the fingers...