brass pin punches?

[Boxer]

Can anybody recommend a quality brass pin punch set? I have read many reviews on several set and most say buy a better quality set. Lyman, Grace, and a few others, reviews not favorable.

[Gunhacker]

Starrett SB565Z Brass pin punch set.. about $40.

Google that and you'll find them at various places, amazon.com is one of them. I like the fact that they have the knurled surface to hold onto, like their steel punch brothers.

The Grace brass punches definitely suck, too soft and they deform/bend easily without too much effort.

[1911su16b870]

In my path along the gunsmithing trail, I have bought three punch sets, the first was a brass Grace, then I went with a Brownells roll pin set, and now I have found the best and greatest punch set, the Specialized Armament AR-15 armorer kit which has excellent steel punches and roll pin holders. Buy good stuff once.

[swifty]

Brass is a much softer material than steel. A lot of the reviews are from people who expect brass to act like a steel punch yet retain the advantages of brass, you really can't have both.

Use brass when a softer or less marring punch is needed or required. If you have a specific job in mind, recommendations will be made as to punch material.

[Boxer]

Thanks for the reply. I'll take a look at them both.

Front and rear sight change out.

[swifty]

Front and rear sight change out.

Depending on the make and model, steel frequently is needed to get the sights broken free then finished with brass.

The hardware store usually has a bin full of 3' sections of steel, brass and aluminum. Check there for material, then cut it to length and file the end to the shape you need.

[kendog4570]

Make brass punches from hardware store brass. Use, abuse, and reshape as needed.

[NorCalDustin]

Use steel punches & be careful. They last longer, they're cheaper, easier to find...

If you are really concerned with scratches, I've found that you can put a little electrical tape over the ends and it works just fine.

[JRJCP]

I use them in my shop.

http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/sid=2141/sku/6_Way_Nylon_Brass_Punch_Set

[kendog4570]

Use steel punches & be careful...

Yes

[sevensix2x51]

i have given up on brass punches. i always seem to bend them at the most inopportune moments.

[Sanjuro82]

Make brass punches from hardware store brass. Use, abuse, and reshape as needed.

Yep I buy Brass Round stock, cut them to size, and sand them down to what ever diameter I need. Works great and dirt cheap too.