Neiko 02612A Hand Held Power Punch and Sheet Metal Hole Punch Kit, Cr-V 3/32" x 9/32"

Packaging says made in China. No instructions. Bought this to create a supply of plastic washers. Have punched out about 150 of these in 3 sizes. Generally worked great. Found 3 issues. As you punch, the cutter tends to vibrate loose, and you need to keep checking/tightening it. 2nd is that one time the screw which holds in the center point came loose enough that the whole point and spring popped out. Replacing the screw with a nylon tipped version or brass screw might be a better solution. 3rd is that there is some play with the center point but was surprised that in use it mostly marks the punched piece in the center. This of course is very helpful to perform concentric punches when creating washers where the inner dia is punched as the 2nd operation. The point screw needs to be in a position loose enough to allow free movement of the point yet set deep enough to retain the point. The punches are sharp, so that in many cases required only one blow to make the cut and hard enough that they held their edge. The machine finish on the punches is excellent. Supplied case is well fitted to keep punch heads in place. Not perfect yet pleased with this very good value.

So for decades I've been using my dad's old manual center punch (the kind you hit with a hammer) which has always worked just fine for me. But I watched a video of a guy using one of these self-contained center punches and thought I'd give it a go since the item was surprisingly affordable. I wasn't expecting anything too fantastic or even useful. I was delighted to discover that this thing works FANTASTICALLY! Nobody could be more surprised than me. I used it on metal (mostly aluminum and steel) so I crank it down to the "strongest" setting, ie giving the hardest "punch", and it leaves a very impressive divot that is easy for a drill to stay centered on. It's use is so easy that I typically trigger this device 3-4 times in quick succession jus to ensure I have a good dent made but I'm pretty sure just a single punch would answer the mail as far as drilling goes. One single triggering of this punch gives at least as good a result as my dad's old center punch that I have to hit with the hammer, probably better; unquestionably much better if I trigger multiple times in quick succession. It is now the only punch I use, since it is so convenient not having to grab a big hammer along with the punch to make a starting divot. And easily done with just one hand to boot! I highly recommend!

I've only used a couple of the punches so far but they held up well. They didn't bend or deform like my Harbor Freight punches did. I recommend these.

Well made product and good price. Very satisfied with my purchase.

Why did you pick this product vs others?:Never used a hole punch before. The hole is very small but I suppose its nice to not use a larger one + hammer. Quality is very nice when you're holding it. I expect to use it for many years

Excellent grip! This is great for getting drill bits to have a starting reference. The punch is strong and adjustable, depending on your punching material.

Good quality

Very useful tool