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Precision at its Finest: General Tools 88 Tungsten Carbide Scriber – Medium, Silver Review

7

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Average

Revainrating 3.5 out of 5  
Rating 
3.7
🖊️ Marking Tools, 📏 Measuring & Layout Tools

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Description of Precision at its Finest: General Tools 88 Tungsten Carbide Scriber – Medium, Silver

The General Tools and Instruments 88 Tungsten Carbide Scriber is a great choice for both machinists and hobbyists. This engraving pen comes with a chuck for reversing tungsten carbide point when not in use; this scribe is an essential machining tool. The durable etching point works effortlessly on hardened and stainless steel, ceramics and glass. The scriber point is also easily replaceable, providing like-new performance for years. the convenient pocket clip and reversible point make this scriber an ideal travel companion for those on the go.

Reviews

Global ratings 7
  • 5
    4
  • 4
    0
  • 3
    1
  • 2
    1
  • 1
    1

Type of review

Revainrating 1 out of 5

Dull after first use Good for marker

I've used this on ceramic tile to draw a line and after 2 feet of marker it's downright dull. Not worth the price given how quickly it fell into disrepair.

Pros
  • Enjoyable
Cons
  • New competitor

Revainrating 2 out of 5

Poor quality for markers

The tip is attached like an office knife with a clamp fitting with a screw cap. The tip doesn't get caught on the handle right from the start. I haven't used it once and can say it's a piece of junk. Don't waste money.

Pros
  • Weight
Cons
  • So-so

Revainrating 5 out of 5

So much potential. Maybe it's a flute?

At maximum tightening the tip barely stays in place, at less it just falls out making use very difficult if not impossible (which becomes impossible as this tip is lost almost instantly).

Pros
  • Price
Cons
  • Hard to tell

Revainrating 3 out of 5

The product is strong, but not enough carbide

the photo differs from the amount of carbide. Carbide is shorter (maybe 0.060? : from Carbide) so it doesn't need to be resharpened much in the future. I say it for the scribe, it feels sharp and durable like a micro grain.

Pros
  • hands-free operation
Cons
  • brittle

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Several months went by and

Honestly this is my first writer but it's fun to use. I originally bought it with Kem dye to mark some car seals for gasket fitting. I've only used it on cast iron but it did such a good marking job that I skipped the paint and just paint now. It comes with an extra tip and a tip cover which I use to keep it safe when kept in my messy little tool box etc.

Pros
  • Easy to read control panel
Cons
  • I don't remember but there was something

Revainrating 5 out of 5

The point is harder than the Starrett

I have probably two dozen scribers/punches. From Freight by the Bay to Stanley, Mitutoyo and Starrett. The two I use the most are the generals. This and a smaller model with a plastic handle and a replaceable tip. carbide tips. MUCH harder than the hardened steel Starrett tip. Starrett's tip deteriorates after a few minutes of layout and needs touching up. These universal carbide tips will never become blunt, even if treated improperly (tapping, etc.). This (and the other general) is the best…

Pros
  • Good product for the price
Cons
  • Modern

Revainrating 5 out of 5

Good quality - better use for me - softer metals - see pics

After reading several reviews of General Tools 88CM Carbide Scriber and Magnet that described poor build quality I bought this scriber instead. I have this scriber for marking hardened steel and it does the job quite well, although it doesn't cut steel well. As for the build quality of the tungsten carbide tip and retaining threads, I took some technical photos to help you decide (below). Photo 1: Machining a carbide tip may not be the finest work I've seen, but it's good enough for my use. I…

Pros
  • good thing
Cons
  • negative impression