What punches do you use?

mauser_central

The screwdriver thread caused me to think of this.
All my gunsmith tools are satisfactory except my punches, seems i cant buy a good set. all the brands i have tried batter, bend and break, even my Lyman punches were only good for about 4 uses each then bent. i don't mind to pay for quality, but which brand is a quality set?

I've always followed my father's advice: he told me, first to always keep my word and, second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be damn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble.
John Wayne

Hangfire

It doesn't get any better than Starrett. Available at...

www.brownells.com

Love them Pre-64's!!!!-Bob

FrancF

I'll second Hangfire, Thats what I use at work and home.

v35

If you can start with a tapered punch to get the pin going then follow up with the pin punch you may do better.
Look at the MSC catalog and see what's out there. Starrel and Browne and Sharp used to be the best if they still make them.

101AIRBORNE

Sometimes a sucker punch is necessary.

mrmike08075

brass punches are designed to be soft. they are designed to be non-maring, and non-sparking. thats why they are preffered by gunsmiths. you can buy tungstan-carbide punches through most mail order tool catalogs. best regards, mike.

What other dungeon is so dark as ones own heart, what jailer so inexorable as ones own mind.

taperloc

V35 has the answer, but try Sears Craftsman. If they bend or break, take it back and they will give you a new one.
Taperloc

madmarc0

I have always used Snap-On and I have had mine 10+ years with no failures.
Even banging the rivets out of an AK stock trunion!

I measured it and cut it twice, and it's still too short!

mauser_central

Thanks for the brand selections. I use mostly steel punches and only use brass on ocassion. I admit i had never thought of using a tapered punch on stubborn pins [ ie; early 1900's era never been removed pins ] before using the pin punch. As the brits would say '' what a splendid idea ol' chap ''. Im sure whatever brand i go with that this method will prolong their life. I Thank all of you again for the replies.

I've always followed my father's advice: he told me, first to always keep my word and, second, to never insult anybody unintentionally. If I insult you, you can be damn sure I intend to. And, third, he told me not to go around looking for trouble.
John Wayne