Starrett 51278 Center Punch 1/16 in Steel Knurled Grip

Product Description

The STARRETT 51278 is a 1/16-inch center punch designed for accurately marking metal and other hard surfaces before drilling. At 3 inches overall length, it is a compact, single-hand tool suited for tight work areas and precision layout work. The body is machined from steel for durability under repeated hammer strikes. The knurled grip provides positive hand control when positioning the punch tip on a workmark. Licensed machinists, tool and die makers, sheet metal workers, and maintenance technicians reach for this punch as a standard layout tool.

This punch is appropriate for use in machine shops, metal fabrication shops, and general maintenance environments. It is commonly used to create a small indentation that prevents a drill bit from walking off a scribed or scribed-and-marked centerline. The 1/16-inch tip size is suited for fine-detail layout work where a larger punch point would obscure the target mark or cause excessive material displacement.

Key Features

• 1/16-inch punch tip for precise, fine-detail center marking
• 3-inch overall length for compact, single-hand use
• Steel construction withstands repeated hammer impact
• Knurled grip for secure hand control during placement
• Single-piece layout tool with no moving parts to wear out

Compatibility

Designed as a standard center punch for use with a machinists hammer or ball-peen hammer on metal, plastic, and similar hard surfaces in layout and drilling operations.

Installation Notes

Center punches are used by machinists, fabricators, and maintenance technicians and require no installation. Place the tip precisely on the scribed mark, hold the punch perpendicular to the work surface, and strike the head once with a machinists hammer or ball-peen hammer. Secure the workpiece in a vise or clamp before punching to prevent movement. Inspect the punch tip for mushrooming or chipping before each use and dress or replace as needed.