Pin punch set

[Junkie]

I bought a cheap Amazon pin punch set a while but they were really soft. I'm not making money with my tools, just a hobbyist, but would like something a little better quality. Any suggestions?

[HardwoodRods]

Look at the sets on ENCO

[liber]

What about a used Starrett set on ebay?

I have one good punch and several crappy ones, been meaning to get some Starrett myself.

Search for "Starrett pin punch set".

The small 1/16" size is nice to have, but I seem to use 3/32nd the most, some pistol pins are too small for it.

[liber]

How about something like this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/STARRETT-8PC-4-Drive-Pin-Punch-Set-Model-S565PC-Length-4-/381786891874

[shafferds]

What's your budget? Brownells, Grace, miwall?

['ol shooter]

Grace are very good for the price, so is Proto.

[Cokebottle]

I'm not making money with my tools,

But a gunsmith will when you mess something up.

Buy quality tools. Doesn't have to be Mac/Proto/Snap-On, but don't buy from ebay or Harbor Freight.
Shoot for the midrange price/quality.

[ar15barrels]

Starrett punches rock.

[readysetgo]

Been eyeballing this one. American made, heat treated etc. ~ $50

TEKTON 66564 Gunsmith Punch Set, 18-Piece



Also have just the roll pin punches ~$30, here: https://amzn.com/B012TKY0UE

Use this link to benefit CGSSA: www.amazon.com/?tag=calgushootspo-20

[liber]

Starrett punches rock.

Indeed, made the right way. I have 2 broken small punches that I bought at Ace hardware. They were like $4/ea...you get what you pay for in that case.

I'm going to get some Starretts next.

EDIT: I just bought that set I linked to...$26.99 w/shipping.

Junkie, whatever you decide to do, PLEASE, and I repeat, PLEASE, do not buy punches from Harbor Freight. (for your own sake)

[Killer Bee]

admittedly a Snap-on snob here, but certain tools just shouldn't be skimped on..

especially punches and chisels that rely on their steel quality and hardness to perform..

spent the extra money for these pin and roll pin punches and never looked back, worth every cent..



and yah, I haven't worked daily out of this box for about 9 years so surface rust is always looming around my natural steel tools

[Grumpyoldretiredcop]

Been eyeballing this one. American made, heat treated etc. ~ $50

TEKTON 66564 Gunsmith Punch Set, 18-Piece



Also have just the roll pin punches ~$30, here: https://amzn.com/B012TKY0UE

Use this link to benefit CGSSA: www.amazon.com/?tag=calgushootspo-20

I bought a couple of Tekton punches on Amazon to try them out. I won't make that mistake twice. They are too soft to be useful, neither made it through a single work day. I work on ARs of every description on a daily basis and they are cheap crap IMO.

[Killer Bee]

short thread on the subject Snap-on VS Starrett punch set/Pics

points of interest from thread;
Starrett doesn't make roll pin punches
Snap-on made in house [USA]
Snap-on lifetime warranty, Starrett no

garage journal is good resource for tool info but should be confirmed..

quick browse revealed some decent Snap-on deals on eBay

good luck!

[Junkie]

But a gunsmith will when you mess something up.

Buy quality tools. Doesn't have to be Mac/Proto/Snap-On, but don't buy from ebay or Harbor Freight.
Shoot for the midrange price/quality.

Right, that's what I meant by that. There's typically something in between the China crap I have now ( https://smile.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-P...-no-redirect=1 ) and Mac/Proto/Snap On, and that's what I want.

short thread on the subject Snap-on VS Starrett punch set/Pics

points of interest from thread;
Starrett doesn't make roll pin punches
Snap-on made in house [USA]
Snap-on lifetime warranty, Starrett no

garage journal is good resource for tool info but should be confirmed..

quick browse revealed some decent Snap-on deals on eBay

good luck!

Given that I'm a hobbyist I don't have easy access to a Snap On truck so warranty would be difficult at best.

[Killer Bee]

Right, that's what I meant by that. There's typically something in between the China crap I have now ( https://smile.amazon.com/Grip-Roll-P...-no-redirect=1 ) and Mac/Proto/Snap On, and that's what I want. Given that I'm a hobbyist I don't have easy access to a Snap On truck so warranty would be difficult at best.

no, actually not a lot of in between in these types of tools, either made of the right kind of steel or not..

if you're that tight on funds, you might try SK, Proto, Irwin, VA, Williams, etc. and save a couple of bucks on the brand name..

or, if you really only need certain sizes, buy them individually to save a few bucks..

I still think high quality brand used from ebay or craiglist is your best bet..

very unlikely you'll ever need to chase down a Snap-on or Mac van to replace any of these for hobbyist / gunsmith work..

and btw, you can call their 800 number to locate a route near you and meet the driver wherever is convenient for you..

and besides, where are you going to take your non warranted broken tools to?

this is a market where you get what you pay for, how many receivers do you have to scratch or mar to pay for a decent punch?

I've been through a lot of tools and worked with other professional mechanics for over 25 years, good tools in the right hands do make a difference..

good luck in your search..