Best Center Punches of 2025

"I find this tool to be sturdy and effective. It's definitely worth investing a bit more for quality."

"The craftsmanship is impressive! It's hands down the best automatic spring-loaded center punch I've used, delivering incredible strike force with just one blow. The adjustable spring tension is a game changer."

"I bought two of these and encountered some issues. Despite pushing hard, they didn’t trigger right away. However, after a simple fix, they worked perfectly. It seems hit or miss whether they function straight out of the box."

"I really appreciate the excellent quality of these punches. They feel heavy-duty and sharp, making my work much easier."

"These punches are super easy to use and the perfect size for my needs. They have a nice weight and are a great value!"

"I bought these to mark centers before drilling into metal, and they work fantastically. You can tell they are of high quality; after many uses, they still look new."

"I really appreciate the weight of these punches, and it's clear they've been pre-oiled from the factory. They even come with a handy pouch. They've found a permanent spot in my toolbox."

"I’ve been using these punches every day for the past month at work. They are the perfect size for my shop, and the tip remains as good as the day I got them. I would definitely recommend them!"

"Although I was a bit disappointed with their length, I find they still do the job well. They are nice and compact for various tasks."

"I find this 5-inch automatic center punch tool to be a game-changer in my toolbox. It's incredibly easy to use, creating precise indents in various materials with just a slight press. This tool has proven its worth for marking hole locations, initiating drill starts, and metalwork. Its durability is impressive, built to last under tough conditions, making it a must-have for anyone who values precision and efficiency."

"Having used a brass automatic center punch for years, I switched to this NEIKO model with the ball knob on the handle, and it's much easier on my arthritic hands. It works great and has made a significant difference in my projects. I can confidently say it's a good purchase for anyone needing a reliable tool that minimizes discomfort while working."

"I've been using this automatic center punch for about four months, and I truly appreciate its solid construction. It works effectively for punching holes in thin gauge sheet metal. The quick change between sizes is a fantastic feature, and the design allows for easy handling. While there's a minor issue with the included screwdriver being less useful, it doesn't detract from the tool's overall performance."

"This punch gives a solid, clear mark every time."

"I've used it on aluminum and it's definitely worth the price. I would buy it again."

"I'm really impressed with how sturdy and well-designed this punch is."

"I haven't really put it to the test, but Klein is reputable. After all, it's just a center punch; how can it go wrong?"

"I use this tool as intended to ensure drill bits stay on track. It arrived quickly and performs well without any issues."

"While it did make a mark in steel, I found the taper to be a bit shallow. I ended up ordering a Swiss tools one, which is significantly better."

"I bought these to replace an old one that kept failing when I needed it. So far, they have not failed and maintain a sharp point. I've used them on steel, copper, and aluminum, and the drill bit doesn't come out of the punched hole when starting to drill. Great automatic center punch and affordable!"

"I was searching for a punch tool for plexiglass, but I found these a bit too stiff. They work very well on aluminum and steel though. The spring is quite strong, and while adjustable, it doesn't quite suit my needs. There are two in the set, but I’ll stick to an awl for plastic materials."

"When I first received the punches, neither worked. The center pin would compress but wouldn’t release. After some disassembly and a bit of oil, they started working properly. They operate normally now, but I’ll reserve final judgment until I use them more. For now, I think 4 stars is fair!"

"In my experience, you get what you pay for. Complaints about quality seem silly since I paid 40 bucks for two punches. They perform well for the price, although I did have to polish the finish a bit to prevent rust. I've used them a thousand times without failure, but keep in mind they're better suited for woodwork than hard metal."

"I find these punches easy to use for creating dimples in metal or plastic. Simply position the point where you want a dimple and push down. The spring-loaded action makes it easy to start drilling, preventing the bit from wandering."

"I received only one punch instead of two, which was disappointing. It was just wrapped in a paper towel. I'm returning the item because I expected both to be included!"

"I find these punches to be excellent in quality and feel really hefty in hand."

"The variety of sizes available helps me choose the right tool for whatever job I'm tackling."

"I tested this tool on aluminum and wood, and it really feels like quality. It makes drilling easy without wandering."

"After trying cheaper options, I decided to invest in Starrett. The punch works every time and the knurling feels great. I even managed to repair the point after wear."

"I was surprised by how well this tool performs, especially on soft wood. It's excellent at marking without excessive pressure."