🔍 Enhanced SEO-Optimized Starrett 18A Adjustable Automatic Center Review

Like the previous reviewer, I spent a lot of money on this Starret brand because I was tired of falling short of budget hits (sticking). Guess what? This expensive starret brand does the same! Plug about every 2-3 times. I had to buy 10 Chinese ones, they last longer before at least failing.

I work in tooling and design and we have a zero millimeter tolerance so accuracy is everything and this thing delivers. I've used it several times and the tip is just as sharp as it was when it arrived. Starrett is well known in my area and they got it right. So more precisely and not with hammer and punches. It's also tension adjustable so you can use it on composites without chipping. Super high quality. good box. I would say I would buy it again but I probably never will.

It's awesome. I didn't have any misfire issues as some other reviewers have mentioned. If you somehow run into a problem (which is unlikely), you can ask Revain to replace it, or you can always send it to Starrett for a free repair. In my experience, Starrett has always performed very well on their warranty. If you are using it for fine woodworking I would recommend 18AA instead. This is a great all round hammer for both metalworking and coarser woodworking.

If you had a cheap grain you won't believe the difference. That's the difference between a professional tool and a home use model. The photo shows how far you can unscrew the top cover to change the thickness of the dent. In the lower left corner you can see a piece of aluminum, I checked the depth of the punched dent. If you use it on aluminum you should unscrew the top as you see in the photo. A much smaller, much more precise and easier dent for your first drill. The accuracy of your work…

After years of working with the General punch I finally decided to buy a Starrett. There is no comparison. The mechanism is smooth-running and triggers with a clear click. I've changed the tip on the general many times. If the tip was loosened even slightly, the mechanism would snap the thread when released. This type has a different design and nothing to break. 18A is weaker than the 18A/18C pair. If you're working with wood, aluminum, and other soft materials, the 18A is fine. When working…

I bought a General Tools automatic center punch a while ago and it has always disappointed me. It was always very difficult to get it working no matter how I set it up. Also, the tip always loosened with each hit. But the worst thing is that no matter how I adjusted it and no matter how gently I squeezed it, when fired, the tip ALWAYS jumped about 64 inches from the cross scratch. Not suitable for precise work. I have NONE of those problems with this Starrett beat. The mark isn't as deep as my…

I've had one of these gems for over 20 years, in my third phase, and someone walked away with it. I got by with an inferior and annoying model from General and went back to the tried and tested. If you use this tool much at all, it's worth spending the extra cash on Starrett. I was a bit concerned after reading some of the reviews on here saying it was stuck and hadn't been treated, had dirt or was dry etc. I'm happy to report that mine was handled just as well and is finished like the ones I…

I've always had bad luck with automatic center punches for some strange reason. I had regular Chinese whatever. For some reason, after accurately and carefully placing the dot where I need it, it seems that when I want to use it, I press and the damn thing gets stuck. Jam, click, click and no click. I finally decided to stop fighting the cheap ones and get a good one once and for all. I have this Starrett, spent a few bucks but I think it's the last I'll ever buy. I open it and take a look…

. I went looking because I lost my Home Depot "General" punch. I think it was worth about 1/8th the price, but what the heck. This thing beats like a mule (or maybe it was 18C). Regardless, both are amazing! When it arrived I almost thought I got a defective one. For some reason I couldn't get it to punch when pressed. Then I squeezed harder and still couldn't move it, so I took it apart. I think it's only 4 pieces or so but I found the problem. I believe this one was built on a Friday or just…