How Does an Auto Center Punch Work?

An auto center punch is a tool used typically by jewelers wanting to make an indention on metal as a starting point for drilling a hole, but the tool can also be used on wood.

Function

Holding the auto center punch perpendicular to the targeted area, a jeweler presses down on the cap of the pen-like tool, causing the spring tension inside the tool to trigger the punch to retract and depress quickly onto the material. The result is similar to tapping a hammer on a tapered steel rod, creating an indention in the targeted material.

Cost

Depending on the manufacturer, a quality auto center punch ranges from $10 to $30 as of December 2010.

Benefits

Auto center punches are both economical and more accurate. A manual center punch, the alternative to an auto center punch, would require a hammer and the actual center punch, which, in combination, would cost more than the auto center punch alone. Because a manual center punch requires the use of a hammer in one hand and a center punch in the other, slippage often occurs. An auto center punch allows much more control when making the indention and thus often more accuracy.

References

• "The Art & Craft of Making Jewelry"; Joanna Gollberg; 2006
• "Professional Goldsmithing"; Alan Revere; 1991