Best Steel Center Punches of 2025

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 4, 2025

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Steel center punches are a versatile tool that can be used for various applications such as marking, drilling, and starting holes in metal, wood, and other materials. These punches are made of high-quality steel and have a hardened tip that allows for precise and accurate marking. They come in different sizes and shapes to suit different needs and are easy to use with a hammer or mallet. Steel center punches are an essential tool for anyone who works with metal or wood and needs to create precise and clean markings.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Edward Tools Center Punch Staking Tool Cover #TOP 1
Edward Tools Center Punch Staking Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Starrett Steel Center Punch Cover #TOP 2
Starrett Steel Center Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18C Cover #TOP 3
Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18C
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Steel Center Punches

#TOP 1

Edward Tools Center Punch Staking Tool

Edward Tools Center Punch Staking Tool Cover
Edward Tools Center Punch Staking Tool for Steel and Metals — Heavy Drop Forged Steel with Durable hex shank - 6” X 1/2” X 1/4”

This staking tool is made of heavy duty drop forged steel with a durable hex shank, measuring 6” X 1/2” X 1/4”. It is designed for use as an auto or nail punch, and comes with a lifetime warranty. The staking tool is categorized as a center punch and is a reliable choice for punching and marking on steel and metals.

What We Like
Heavy duty drop forged steel for durability
Durable hex shank for a reliable grip
Can be used as an auto or nail punch
#TOP 2

Starrett Steel Center Punch

117C
Black
4" X 1/8"
Starrett Steel Center Punch Cover
Starrett Steel Center Punch with Round Shank and Knurled Finger Grip - Hardened and Tempered, 4" (100mm) Length, 1/8" (3mm) Diameter Tapered Point

The Starrett Steel Center Punch is a durable and reliable tool that makes indentation on an object for drilling holes without slipping. It is made of specially selected steel that is hardened and tempered for long-lasting use. The round shank and knurled finger grip provide stability and greater control when used. The tool can be used for marking drill holes, scribing lines, and aligning parts. The accurately centered tips and the points ground at the proper angle ensure maximum service and accuracy. It is lightweight and portable, making it convenient to carry anywhere.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Provides stability and greater control
Accurately centered tips for maximum service and accuracy
#TOP 3

Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18C

Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18C Cover
Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke - 5-1/4" (130mm) Length, 11/16" (17mm) Punch Diameter, Lightweight, Knurled Steel Handle - 18C

The Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch is a heavy-duty tool, resistant to corrosion and capable of striking a much heavier blow than other sizes. Its adjustable force can create a perfect mark on any surface and the spring tension ensures uniformity in depth and size for each setting. Its automatic mechanism makes it easy to use in any workshop application, making it the perfect tool for precision marking in metals, plastics, wood, and other machinable materials.

What We Like
Heavy-duty and corrosion-resistant
Adjustable force for precision marking on any surface
Automatic mechanism makes it easy to use in any workshop application
#TOP 4

Heavy Duty Automatic Center Punch with Hardened Steel

SR088
Steel
Heavy Duty Automatic Center Punch with Hardened Steel Cover
Heavy Duty Automatic Center Punch with Hardened Steel - Pack of 2 Premium Universal Metal Hand Tool for Machinists and Carpenters Spring Loaded with Adjustable Knurled Cap and Hard-Shell Carry Case

The Sandor Tool Heavy Duty Automatic Center Punch is a premium hand tool designed for machinists and carpenters. It features a spring-loaded mechanism that makes a solid mark in various materials including wood, metal, steel, aluminum, brass, and copper. With one-handed operation, users can mark hole centers with precision and accuracy without the need for a hammer. The automatic center punch also has adjustable tension and a deeply knurled surface for more precise handling and control. The product comes in a zippered hard shell storage case and is made of hardened all-steel construction with a long-lasting fine point tip.

What We Like
Spring-loaded mechanism for solid marks in various materials
One-handed operation for precision and accuracy
Adjustable tension and deeply knurled surface for more precise handling and control
#TOP 5

Starrett Steel Center Punch with Round Shank and Knurled Finger Grip

S117PC
5 Piece set
Starrett Steel Center Punch with Round Shank and Knurled Finger Grip Cover
Starrett Steel Center Punch with Round Shank and Knurled Finger Grip - Hardened and Tempered Steel, 0-4-inch Length, 1/16, 5/64, 3/32, 1/8, 5/32 Diameter Tapered Point, 5 Pieces - S117PC

The Starrett Steel Center Punch is an essential tool for any project or home improvement. Made of specially selected steel, this punch is hardened and tempered to offer exceptional durability and resistance to wear and tear. With accurately centered tips and points ground at the proper angle, it provides maximum service and allows you to make an indentation in an object so that you can drill a hole without slipping and ruining your project. The round shank and knurled grip provide stability and greater control when used, making it easy to scribe lines, align parts, and more. Lightweight and a convenient size, you can carry it anywhere.

What We Like
Durable and long lasting
Accurately centered tips for maximum service
Easy to use and provides stability and greater control
#TOP 6

Fowler 52-500-015-0 Center Punch Set

52-500-015-0
black
5 Pieces
Fowler 52-500-015-0 Center Punch Set Cover
Fowler 52-500-015-0, Center Punch 5 Piece Set

The Fowler Center Punch Set is a 5-piece set made of chrome alloy steel, finished in black nitrate, and includes point sizes ranging from 3/64" to 11/64". The conical tip and hardened ends of the center punch make it a perfect pre-drilling tool to make an indentation, allowing you to safely drill a hole without slipping. The knurled finger grip on the punch provides ease of handling. The set comes in a fitted vinyl case with all sizes marked for fast and easy use. With the Fowler Center Punch Set, you can drill with precision and accuracy, making it an essential tool in any toolbox.

What We Like
Precise drilling
Hardened ends
Knurled finger grip
#TOP 7

Spring Tools 28R45-1 Center Punch

28R45-1
Spring Tools 28R45-1 Center Punch Cover
Spring Tools 28R45-1 Hammerless Single Ended High Speed Steel Center Punch

The Spring Tools 28R45-1 Center Punch is a high-speed steel center punch designed for superior results. With its hammerless technology, this center punch creates deep indentations for drilling or pilot holes in ultra hard materials like titanium. It is also designed to remove mandrels and other protrusions effortlessly. With an impressive 3500 LBS of impact striking force, this center punch delivers powerful performance. The patented design ensures safe and easy usage, making it a reliable tool for any task. Made in the USA, the Spring Tools 28R45-1 Center Punch is a must-have for professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.

What We Like
Hammerless technology
Creates deep indentations
Removes mandrels and protrusions
#TOP 8

Klein Tools 66313 Center Punch

66313
6-Inch by 1/2-Inch
Klein Tools 66313 Center Punch Cover
Klein Tools 66313 1/2-Inch Center Punch, 6-Inch Length, Made in USA

The Klein Tools 66313 Center Punch is a durable and reliable tool that is perfect for various applications. Its rugged design ensures impact strength, allowing you to use it with confidence. The smooth-ground points are heat-treated to stay sharp and true for longer, providing you with precise and accurate results every time. Made from high-carbon steel with a corrosion-resistant black finish, this center punch is built to last. With a 1/2-inch shank diameter and a 6-inch overall length, it offers versatility and ease of use. Whether you're working on wood, metal, or other materials, this Klein Tools Center Punch is a must-have tool in your toolbox.

What We Like
Durable
Precise
Versatile
#TOP 9

Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18A

Silver/Black
Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch - 18A Cover
Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke - 5" (125mm) Length, 9/16" (14mm) Punch Diameter, Lightweight, Knurled Steel Handle - 18A

The Starrett Steel Automatic Center Punch is a heavy-duty tool made from steel that resists corrosion, wear, and tear. It comes with an automatic mechanism that automatically strikes a blow when you apply downward pressure, making it easy to use in any workshop application. With its adjustable force, precision marking, and wide range of applications, it can create a perfect mark on any surface and help you make small indentations to accurately spot the location of a hole in metals, plastics, wood, and other machinable materials.

What We Like
Heavy-duty and durable
Automatic mechanism for easy operation
Adjustable force for different materials
Precision marking for uniformity in depth and size
Wide range of applications in metals, plastics, wood, and other machinable materials
#TOP 10

MulWark 5" Spring-Loaded Automatic Steel Center Hole Punch

MLK-53745
MulWark 5" Spring-Loaded Automatic Steel Center Hole Punch Cover
MulWark 5" Spring-Loaded Automatic Steel Center Hole Punch Marker Scriber For Wood, Metal, Plastic, Car Window Puncher Breaker Tool-With Palm Cushion Cap, Adjustable Impact-A Replacement Tip Included

The MulWark 5" Spring-Loaded Automatic Steel Center Hole Punch is a premium grade tool made of hardened Cr-V steel, perfect for marking dimpled starting points on metal, wood, glass, leather or plastic surfaces. The orange cap is adjustable to give increased or decreased striking force, and the deeply knurled finger grip offers easy handling and better control. Additionally, the non-pinch comfortable cap provides a good cushion for your palm against spring impact, and the punch's point can be removed for replacement or sharpening, with a free spare tip included for longer-term use.

What We Like
Premium grade tool made of hardened Cr-V steel
Adjustable orange cap for increased or decreased striking force
Deeply knurled finger grip for easy handling and better control
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is a Centre punch for metal?

A centre punch is a metal bar with a hardened conical end. It's used to make an indentation to mark the centre of a hole to guide a drill bit for accurate drilling.

2. What are center punches used for?

A spring-loaded center punch is often used to mark the center of a point to show the center of a hole when drilling for example. A center punch forms a dimple large enough to direct the tip of the drill to the proper location.

3. What are steel punches used for?

Solid punches are one-piece rod-shaped tools made of metal designed to be struck by a hammer. They are typically used to drive objects such as pins or to form impressions on a work piece.

Editor's Notes

During our steel center punch research, we found 24 steel center punch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 51,015 customer reviews through our big data system to write the steel center punches list. We found that most customers choose steel center punches with an average price of $11.57.

The steel center punches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of steel center punches, including Edward Tools, Starrett, SANDOR, Fowler, Spring Tools. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 3,755 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.