Punch (tool)

They usually consist of a hard metal rod with a narrow tip at one end and a broad flat "butt" at the other.

When used, the narrower end is pointed against a target surface and the broad end is struck with a hammer or mallet, causing the blunt force of the blow to be transmitted through the rod body and focused more sharply onto a small area.

Punches are used to drive fasteners such as nails and dowels, making a hole, or forming an indentation or impression of the tip on a work piece.

A center punch forms a large enough dimple to "guide" the tip of the drill.

As it is driven in, the taper forces the two components into alignment, allowing for easy insertion of the fastener.

Unlike most punches, force is never (and should never be) applied to the tip, or end of a drift pin.

It is virtually impossible to regrind the tip of the roll pin punch and properly shape the center projection.

When you strike the roll pin punch, hit it directly on the top of its head.

If you strike the head of the roll pin punch at an angle you may bend the shank.

Specially-made stamps used to strike hallmarks for metal, maker, manufacturing date (also known as date letter), city (or county), fineness, or assay office, to certify the content of noble metals—such as platinum, gold, silver.