Best Centre Punches of 2025

Jennifer Fraser Avatar
Jennifer Fraser
Last Updated: 1 Feb 2025

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Centre punches are essential tools for any mechanic or DIY enthusiast. These punches are designed to create a small indentation in metal or other materials, providing a starting point for drilling or other processes. They are available in a range of sizes and styles, including automatic and adjustable options. Centre punches are an ideal addition to any toolbox, providing accuracy and stability when working with metal or other materials.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Starrett 18A Adjustable Stroke Centre Punch Cover #TOP 1
Starrett 18A Adjustable Stroke Centre Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.9
Starrett 18C Heavy-Duty Automatic Centre Punch Cover #TOP 2
Starrett 18C Heavy-Duty Automatic Centre Punch
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Eclipse 65-171R Automatic Centre Punch Tool Cover #TOP 3
Eclipse 65-171R Automatic Centre Punch Tool
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 10 Centre Punches

#TOP 1

Starrett 18A Adjustable Stroke Centre Punch

Silver/Black
Starrett 18A Adjustable Stroke Centre Punch Cover
Starrett 18A Automatic Centre Punch With Adjustable Stroke

The Starrett 18A Centre Punch is designed for durability, featuring all-steel handles and components. Its internal mechanism strikes a blow automatically when you apply downward pressure, making it easy to use. You will appreciate the spring tension that ensures uniform marks in depth and size, regardless of the setting you choose. Additionally, the point is removable, allowing you to regrind or replace it easily, ensuring that your tool remains effective over time.

What We Like
Durable all-steel construction
Automatic striking mechanism
Uniform marking depth and size
Easy point replacement
Adjustable blow force
#TOP 2

Starrett 18C Heavy-Duty Automatic Centre Punch

Starrett 18C Heavy-Duty Automatic Centre Punch Cover
Starrett 18C Automatic Centre Punch Heavy-Duty With Adjustable Stroke, 5-1/4" Length, 11/16" Diameter

The Starrett 18C Centre Punch is a heavy-duty tool designed for easy use, allowing you to create starter dimples without the need for a hammer. Its adjustable stroke feature enables you to customise the impact force, ensuring that you can achieve the desired depth and size for your marks. With a constant spring tension, you can rely on uniform results every time. Made from hardened and tempered steel, this durable punch promises long-lasting performance and strength, making your tasks simpler and more efficient.

What We Like
Adjustable stroke for customised impact
Consistent spring tension for uniformity
Durable steel construction
Easy point removal for maintenance
#TOP 3

Eclipse 65-171R Automatic Centre Punch Tool

ECLIPSE
65-171R
Black/White
Eclipse 65-171R Automatic Centre Punch Tool Cover
Eclipse Professional Tools 65-171R Automatic Centre Punch

The Eclipse 65-171R Punch is designed for effortless operation, delivering a punch with just hand pressure applied to its knurled head. This allows you to work with one hand, making it convenient for various tasks where a hammer is unnecessary. You can easily adjust the depth of the impression by turning the knurled head, ensuring precision for your projects. Crafted from high-quality carbon steel, the punch is built to withstand continuous use, providing you with reliability and durability for all your punching needs.

What We Like
One-handed operation
Adjustable depth of impression
High-quality carbon steel
Durable and reliable

Draper 3mm Centre Punch with Knurled Body

84464
Blue
3 x 100mm
Draper 3mm Centre Punch with Knurled Body Cover
Draper 3 x 100mm Centre Punch | 3mm Tip Diameter | Knurled Body Tool | Carbon Steel Marking Tools | Polished Ends | 84464

The Draper Centre Punch is an efficient tool designed with a square section striking head and a knurled body, which gives you optimal control for precise marking on various materials. Its durable construction, made from hardened and tempered carbon steel, ensures long-lasting performance, so you can rely on it for all your marking tasks. The polished ends of the punch allow for smooth and accurate marks on any surface, adding a professional touch to your projects. This tool is essential for anyone looking to achieve precision in their work.

What We Like
Optimal control and accuracy
Durable carbon steel construction
Smooth, precise marks
Professional finish on projects
#TOP 5

Eclipse 351W Set of 4 Centre Punches

ECLIPSE
351W
Black
Eclipse 351W Set of 4 Centre Punches Cover
Eclipse Professional Tools 351W Set of 4 Round Head Center Punches 3.2mm (1/8") - 6.35mm (1/4") Point Diameter

The Eclipse 351W Centre Punches set includes four essential tools designed for marking and indenting work pieces before drilling. Each punch features a point ground to a precise 90 degrees, ensuring accuracy in your work. Made from high-quality carbon steel, these punches are hardened and tempered for durability, allowing for continuous use without wear. Additionally, the well-cut knurling provides a secure grip, making it comfortable for you to use, even during extended tasks.

What We Like
Accurate 90-degree point
Durable carbon steel construction
Comfortable grip
Includes four sizes
#TOP 6

Stanley Square Head Centre Punch 3.2mm

58-120
Black, Grey
1 - Pack
Stanley Square Head Centre Punch 3.2mm Cover
STANLEY SQUARE HEAD CENTRE PUNCH 3.2MM 0-58-120, Black, Grey

The Stanley Centre Punch is a reliable tool designed for precision marking. With a 3.2mm diameter, it is ideal for creating accurate indentations on various materials. Its hardened and tempered construction ensures durability, allowing you to use it confidently on tough surfaces. The knurled shank provides a secure grip, so you can maintain control during use, enhancing your accuracy. Additionally, the black coated finish adds to its aesthetic appeal while protecting it from corrosion.

What We Like
Durable hardened construction
Secure knurled grip
Precision 3.2mm diameter
Corrosion-resistant finish
#TOP 7

S&R Centre Punch Set – 4 Sizes, Durable Steel

S&R
283.101.004
blue
4 pcs.
S&R Centre Punch Set – 4 Sizes, Durable Steel Cover
S&R Centre Punch Set – 4-Piece, 3, 4, 5, 6 mm, CRV Steel, Impact Resistant, Made in Germany

The S&R Centre Punch Set includes four different sizes—3, 4, 5, and 6mm—allowing you to mark and punch with precision across various tasks. Made in Germany from high-quality chrome vanadium steel, this set offers exceptional strength and durability for professional use. Each punch is heat-treated to achieve a hardness of HRC 58-60, ensuring that they resist wear and impact effectively, which means you can rely on them for long-lasting performance. Additionally, the punches are stored securely in a sturdy, dust-proof plastic box, making them easy to access whenever you need them.

What We Like
Multiple sizes for versatility
High durability and strength
Excellent impact resistance
Organised storage solution
#TOP 8

QWORK 2 Pack Spring Loaded Centre Punch Tool

WD6504-N
Black & Silver
QWORK 2 Pack Spring Loaded Centre Punch Tool Cover
QWORK® 2 Pack Automatic Center Punch, 5" Spring Loaded Center Punch, Hole Marker Tool

The QWORK Centre Punch is designed for easy one-handed operation, allowing you to mark a starting point on various surfaces such as metal, wood, and glass without the need for a hammer. With an overall size of 5 inches, its durable chrome tip and stainless steel body provide you with a comfortable grip for precise handling. The built-in spring adjusts tension, making it more convenient than traditional options, as it uses internal spring force for impact. Additionally, it can serve as a manual punch tool, ensuring versatility in emergencies.

What We Like
Easy one-handed operation
Durable stainless steel body
Adjustable tension for convenience
Versatile for various materials
Can smash car windows in emergencies

SabreCut AHPSC01 Heavy Duty Centre Hole Punch

AHPSC01
SabreCut AHPSC01 Heavy Duty Centre Hole Punch Cover
1 Piece SabreCut AHPSC01 Heavy Duty Automatic Spring Driven Centre Hole Punch with Adjustable Strike Force 60-140 Newtons Suitable for Metal Wood Plastic and Many Other Materials

The SabreCut Centre Hole Punch is designed to create a precise dimpled starting point on various materials, preventing drill bits or screws from wandering. With its automatic strong spring-driven mechanism, you can easily achieve consistent results with just a press against the surface. The adjustable punch force, ranging from 60 to 140 Newtons, allows you to tailor the strength to suit your needs without the hassle of using a hammer. Its hardened S2 impact steel tip ensures durability and effectiveness on metal, wood, plastic, and more.

What We Like
Automatic spring-driven punch
Adjustable punch force
Durable steel tip
Ergonomic rubberised handle
Prevents drill bit wandering
#TOP 10

S&R Adjustable Automatic Centre Punch Set

S&R
283.300.101
S&R Adjustable Automatic Centre Punch Set Cover
S&R Automatic Centre Punch Set - Adjustable Thrust 60-130N - Made in Germany - Includes Spare Tip

The S&R Automatic Centre Punch is designed for precise one-handed use, making it ideal for tight spaces. You can easily adjust the impact force from 60 to 130N, ensuring your punches are accurate and effective. Its ergonomic design provides a comfortable wrist-rest, protecting your hand during each use. Crafted in Germany, this durable tool features a replaceable tip for long-lasting performance, giving you confidence in your craftsmanship.

What We Like
One-handed operation
Adjustable impact force
Ergonomic wrist-rest
Durable German craftsmanship
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What are Centre punches?

A center punch is used to mark the center of a point. It is usually used to mark the center of a hole when drilling holes. ... A center punch forms a large enough dimple to "guide" the tip of the drill. The tip of a center punch has an angle between 60 and 90 degrees.

2. Why is a Centre punch used?

A center punch tool is a special type of punch tool that's used to create a shallow indention in a workpiece for the purpose of drilling. Prior to drilling a hole in a workpiece, a worker may use a center punch tool to “mark” the area of the workpiece where the drill bit will enter.

3. What is the best Centre punch?

Top Best Center Punches. NEIKO 02638A 5-Inch Automatic Center Hole Punch.Mayhew Tools 62215 Center Punch Kit.Automatic Center Punch 5 Inch Spring Loaded Center Punch Adjustable Tension Punch Tool.Starrett 117C Center Punch With Round Shank.HORUSDY 2-Pack Super Strong 6" Automatic Centre Hole Punch.

4. How many types of center punches are there?

Punches can be classified into two distinct types: hollow and solid. Hollow punches are designed to puncture a surface, such as sheet metal or leather in order to create a hole.

Editor's Notes

During our centre punch research, we found 306 centre punch products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 39,370 customer reviews through our big data system to write the centre punches list. We found that most customers choose centre punches with an average price of £11.15.

The centre punches are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of centre punches, including Starrett, ECLIPSE, Draper, Stanley, S&R.

Written by
Jennifer Fraser Avatar

Jennifer Fraser is a licensed contractor specializing in sales, maintenance, and kitchen, bathroom, and home appliances, tools, and utilities. She owns a store in Leeds where you can get any home and tool appliance. Jenny has a degree in literature, but she combines her knowledge and experience with her degree to publish DIY articles on solving home appliances issues to keep up the family enterprise.