A center punch is a hand tool used to create a small indentation in a workpiece, guiding the drill bit for accurate hole placement and preventing it from slipping or wandering.
It comes in two types: manual, which requires a hammer, and automatic, which uses a spring mechanism to strike.
The standard point angle of a center punch is 90 degrees, while a 60-degree version is known as a dot punch. Using a center punch ensures cleaner, safer, and more precise drilling, especially on metal and wood surfaces.
To use a center punch, first mark the drill location with intersecting lines forming an X. Align the punch tip with the center of the X, keeping the tool perpendicular to the surface.
For manual punches, lightly tap with a hammer to check placement, then apply firmer strikes as needed to deepen the indentation.
With automatic punches, simply press down until the spring releases the internal pin; the striking force can be adjusted via a screw on the punch head for different material hardness(Miller, 2022).
Before any drill bit touches metal, there’s one simple, fundamental step that ensures perfect hole placement! What is the critical use of a center punch before drilling, and why does this small tool make such a big difference in accuracy? Share your insights!
Reference:
Miller, D. (2022, April 4). What Is a Center Punch? What Is a Center Punch Used For? Fine Power Tools. https://www.finepowertools.com/hand-tools/center-punch/
