The Best Toolbox Punches

Buying Guide

Punch tools have several different functions, like punching out holes in sheet metal, making indentations in material, starting a pre-drilling process and taking out pins, bolts and rivets. It is always a good idea to have one or more punch tools in a toolbox, including different kinds of punch tools in a variety of sizes. Sometimes they are sold individually, or you can find them in sets that include a variety of punch tools. You can also buy punch tools sold in sets with other useful implements, like chisels.

You’ll find that punches are usually classified based on the shape of their points. Center and auto center punches are the most common kinds of punches. These are helpful for pre-drilling and other tasks. Regular center punches have to be hammered down while automatic ones do not; the latter kind uses a mechanism that forces the punch down. These are generally more expensive than the other punch tools. Drive punches can be used to remove damaged pins, rivets or bolts that are wedged in, and are usually used with materials besides metal.

The main function of prick punches is to create reference marks on workpieces. They are used as pre-drilling tools and are also good for transferring written dimensional information onto metal. Aligning punches and drift pins both work with bolts, pins and rivets; drift pins pull out objects from holes and aligning punches align holes to help place insertion points.

Other types of toolbox punches include starting and transfer punches. If you are artistic, you can also find decorative punches to use in craft work.

When shopping for punch tools, look for ones made from drop-forged, heat-treated steel. These are the most durable; chrome-vanadium steel is also strong and long-lasting. The tools should have sharp tips, but you may be able to sharpen them with a surface grinder if they get a little dull over time.

• You don’t want to drop your punch tools while working, so choose ones that have knurled handles for better grips.
• A rust-preventative coating is another good feature to look for in a punch.
• Some punch tool kits come in plastic cases, while others include pouches or nylon cases that you can roll up.
• Do not hit punch tools too hard; this can damage them or cause them to punch all the way through the material, which may not be what you had intended.
• Choose the right punch tool for the job, because if you use one designed for metal on something like ceramic, you could ruin it.
• To use a punch tool, start by tilting it away from you and then moving it slowly to the point. This ensures that it is aligned with the punch location.