Recommend me an automatic center punch that doesnt suck.

[TreeFarm]

I remember when I was a young pup working in the shops of my elders that these things always worked and were great. Now that I'm older I cant for the life of me find one that is worth a damn. The best luck I have had was cheap harbor freight ones but they would die after a while. The most recent one I bought was a Lisle 30280. It was highly recommended online and it lasted less than 50 clicks before it stopped working. Im looking for something reliable that will mark steel.

I was thinking a Starrett 18C.

 

[eric67camino]

I use the harbor freight one semi regularly. On my second one. Never failed, just lost the first. But I'm not usually marking on steel.

 

[ramack]

I have a Starrett. I don't use it as much as I use to, but it's never failed.

 

[HankScorpio]

These are trash.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJMYRFQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

 

[TreeFarm]

These are trash.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B07BJMYRFQ/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_search_asin_title?ie=UTF8&psc=1

Those look identical to the harbor freight ones.

 

[HankScorpio]

Those look identical to the harbor freight ones.

They had lousy tips and a weak spring. Hardly made a mark on mild steel.

 

[beags86]

Got a tool truck? I've had a mac tools set for over ten years and use them all the time. Held up well. I think it was like 110-120 for a set of 2 though.

 

[ktmoutfront]

I have had this one for 15 years. Used frequently. Adjustable. Has not failed yet.

Standard.... what I have
https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-77-Bearing-Automatic/dp/B00004T7RD

Heavy duty....
https://www.amazon.com/General-Tools-77-Bearing-Automatic/dp/B00004T7RF?th=1

 

[Wes Harden]

Does anyone ever oil their automatic center punches?

Currently using a snapon. I haven't been able to hang onto one long enough to fail.

This one I have had through several projects and is doing fine.

 

[LLeff]

i have a couple cheap ones and a general and blue point one. I think the blue point has been the best as far as staying sharp, the general isn't bad either.