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The Starrett 818 automatic center punch with adjustable stroke is 5" long with a 5/8" (16 mm) diameter for creating a starter dimple without the need for a hammer. Internal parts and the punch point are made from hardened tool steel for wear resistance, and the handle is made from 818 aluminum alloy for lighter weight than all-steel punches. The punch has an adjustable stroke, which can be set by turning the knurled cap. It also has a built-in mechanism to center the dimple. The point can be removed for replacement or sharpening.
Center punches make small dimple marks in a workpiece to help guide a drill bit. Manual center punches have a metal shank with a point and are typically tapped with a ball-peen hammer to mark the material. Automatic center punches have an internal spring mechanism that enables them to mark the material without using a hammer, leaving one hand free for steadying the work.
The L.S. Starrett Company manufactures precision measuring tools, metrology and testing equipment, and saw blade products. The company, founded in 1880, is headquartered in Athol, MA.
From the Manufacturer
The Starrett 818.00 Automatic Center Punch with Adjustable Stroke automatically strikes a blow when downward pressure is applied. It has a lightweight, knurled aluminum handle for a positive grip and easy handling. The fore of the blow can be adjusted by turning the knurled cap.
brian v.
Reviewed in the United States on March 9, 2023
I have first hand experience with this tool in perfect working order. I liked it so much I ordered one here on Amazon. Same model number! Visually it’s almost the exact same. Functionally? Not so much. Maybe 1/50 for the price. I did not expect to have to return it.
Pat
Reviewed in the United States on January 8, 2023
It works well and the aluminum body makes it very lightweight so it doesn’t weigh down your tool pouch. As some others have mentioned in their reviews it doesn’t always punch but I have found that to be more of an operator error than a tool failure. Basically once it’s done an automatic punch, the punch piece has to come back all the way out to reset the spring. If you keep even the slightest amount of pressure on it and try to punch again in the same spot it doesn’t work. You have to let it come all the way out. It works every time if you do that.
BHG
Reviewed in the United States on February 12, 2022
Maybe the effectiveness of the punch is ok, the tip appears to be hard enough. But, the punch feels as light as a pencil. Starrett has always been known for quality steel tools, at least impact type tools. The tool just feels cheap, surely not worth the price. The whole case of the tool is made of aluminum. It just doesn't have that quality feel.
Niederessternengezuecht
Reviewed in Germany on May 30, 2020
Macht deutliche Markierungen. Kann manche negative Rezensionen nicht nachvollziehen. Ist nicht billig, aber gut. Preis halte ich für angemessen. Daher Kaufempfehlung!
Emilio Pozzo
Reviewed in Italy on January 29, 2017
Prodotto davvero ben costruito. Molto comodo da utilizzare con una sola mano mentre l'altra può essere libera di tenere il pezzo o il metro. Consegna precisa e puntuale.
Susi Q
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 13, 2016
Fab tool for art & crafts
AGI
Reviewed in France on February 19, 2016
Un biojou, une Rolls. Il faut son pesant d'euros, mais le prix s'oublie vite. A la simple vue, il respire la qualité, l'ingénierie harmonieuse, bien pensé.Une simple pression-rotation et le support est poinçonné, marqué à souhait.Il est livré dans une petite boite-rangement en carton dur, qui trouvera sa place avec mes accessoires menuiserie dans les Sys-container Festool.J'ai aussi commandé le set d'équerre et rapporteur de la même marque [...]. Je ne l'ai pas encore reçu au moment de ces lignes.
Glenzoni
Reviewed in the United States on April 27, 2016
I've wanted one of these for a while now. I admit I thought about getting a much cheaper version initially, but after reading lots of reviews on different units (like some that barely worked, wouldn't mark metal, or didn't last) I went with this "more expensive" one. I can't speak to the quality/abilities of the other punches, but this one works great. Puts a nice punch in steel (which is most of what I use punches on) and feels very sturdy. No instructions, but it's not exactly complicated. Over the years you learn that it's worth the money to have good quality tools that last.
Forrest
Reviewed in Spain on October 13, 2015
This is a strong tool and gives strong punches.It does the trick for me and it looks good as well.Somehow, that is important as well. :-)
J. Rismiller
Reviewed in the United States on April 15, 2015
I have used both the 18C and the 818 automatic punches and I prefer the 818 in my tool pouch and the 18C on the work bench. The light weight of the 818 is ideal for carrying around in a tool bag or pouch and the power of the punch is adequate for most jobs. The 18C is a workhorse that can be counted on to punch a clear impression on just about any material. Because of the added weight of the 18C, I feel that it provides more comfort in terms of kick-back than the 818 and is better suited to situations where repetitive use is needed. But if you need just occasional usage, the lighter weight 818 is a bonus.
Adam T.
Reviewed in the United States on February 2, 2013
I wanted an automatic center punch and researched online for a while as I usually do before I buy anything I'm not that familiar with. It quickly became apparent that Starrett was the best manufacturer of these tools. It also seems like there is a pretty steep drop off in quality between there automatic center punches and everything else. While you can get a cheap one for under $10 I've gone the cheap tool route before and it never pays off in the long run. So I dropped the roughly $40 on this one and I'm glad I did. I've only used it a few times but it works flawlessly and is well made. Being made in the U.S.A. is always nice as well.
azog
Reviewed in the United States on October 7, 2011
I don't need a punch very often, but when I do, I want one that works. A bit on the expensive side, but I'd rather spend more money on a high quality tool that will last forever, than skimp and get a cheap tool that breaks the first time I use it. I've had punches with replaceable tips, but they seem to break at inopportune moments. This one has a shaft that is a single solid piece. I doubt anything I ever need to punch will break that. Very nicely machined. Easy to adjust, has quite a range of power between the loosest to the tightest, at which setting I could barely trigger!
Kerry Pierce
Reviewed in the United States on January 4, 2010
Excellent machining on the tool, like all of the Starrett tools that I own. And, like all Starrett's I own, it comes without an instruction manual. I guess that they figure if you're buying Starrett, you don't need instructions. :-)The tool has a very wide range of operation, when you turn the top knob to adjust the striking force. It would likely dimple soft wood very significantly, at its lowest setting though. The point is very sharp and you can mark soft items quite well, by simply applying a little downward force that isn't sufficient to compress and release the spring that strikes the tip.The tool is very light and easy to handle, with lots of gripping area, if needed. A pocket clip would have been a welcome addition to the tool, but other than that, I can't think of any cons. It's a very nice tool.
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