Punches

Punches are precision-engineered hand tools designed to create permanent indentations, align holes, or drive pins within a workpiece. Essential for maintaining the accuracy of layouts in metalworking and woodworking, these tools ensure that your initial markings remain visible and functional throughout the fabrication process.

At RS Australia, we supply a comprehensive range of industrial-grade marking and striking solutions. Whether you require individual centre punch tools, a professional pin punch set, a high-speed automatic centre punch, or a heavy-duty drift punch, our selection is built to withstand the rigours of professional workshops.

Key Benefits & Uses of Punches

Using the correct punch tool is vital for achieving professional accuracy and preventing damage to your materials.

Precision Marking for Centre Punch Tools

Before drilling into metal or hard plastic, a centre punch is used to create a small dimple. This recess guides the drill bit, preventing it from "walking" across the surface and ensuring the hole is positioned exactly where intended.

Permanent Indentation in Metalworking

Scribed lines can fade or be obscured by metal shavings and lubricants. Punches allow operators to "prick" these lines, creating a permanent physical record of the layout that remains visible during cutting or machining.

Woodworking Applications for Pin Punch Set

In cabinetry and joinery, a pin puncher is frequently used to drive fastener heads below the surface of the timber or to remove dowels and hinge pins without marring the surrounding wood.

Industrial Grade Punches

For heavy-duty engineering, our punches are manufactured from hardened and tempered high-carbon steel. This ensures the tip maintains its geometry even when striking hardened alloys, providing a reliable punch set for Australian industrial standards.

Different Type Of Punches

Selecting the right punch tool depends on the specific task at hand. Our range includes specialised geometries for every application:

Centre Punch Tools

The most common punch tool, these feature a blunted, conical tip. Creating a significant indentation in metal, they are primarily used to mark the centre of a hole for drilling. RS offers centre punches in various sizes, typically made from high-quality tool steel to ensure longevity.

Pin Punch Set & Parallel Pin Punch

A pin punch features a long, straight shank with a flat face. These are specifically designed to drive out pins or bolts from mechanical assemblies. Buying a pin punch set provides a variety of diameters, ensuring you have the exact size to remove a pin without damaging the surrounding component.

Drift Punch

Also known as a “pokey” or alignment punch, the drift punch features a tapered body. It is used to align holes in two separate components prior to bolting or to enlarge existing holes in softer materials.

Automatic Centre Punch

The automatic centre punch is a spring-loaded tool that doesn’t require a hammer. Simply pressing the tool against the workpiece releases the internal spring, delivering a strike of consistent depth. This is ideal for one-handed operation or for use on delicate surfaces.

Wad Punch

Designed with a hollow, sharpened head, wad punches are used to cut clean, circular holes in textiles, leather, rubber, or thin gaskets. They are essential for creating custom washers or belts.

Spring Pin Punch

Also called roll pin punches, these are shaped with a small ball or nub on the tip. This unique geometry allows them to sit securely inside a roll pin, allowing for removal without the tool slipping and damaging the fastener or the housing.

How to Choose the Right Punches for Your Needs

To find the best punch tool for your kit, consider the following factors:

• Punch Type: Determine if you need centre punch tools for marking, a pin punch set for fastener removal, or an automatic centre punch for speed.
• Material Requirements: Select hardened steel for metalworking or softer alloys/protective grips for delicate woodworking.
• Point Shape: Consider the shank diameter and overall length required to reach recessed pins or create specific indentation sizes.
• Application: Opt for heavy-duty industrial punches in Australia for manufacturing or precision-ground tools for electronics and fine-scale work.
• Set vs Individual: A centre punch set or pin set is often more cost-effective for trade professionals requiring versatility across different projects.

Your Trusted Punches Manufacturer & Supplier in Australia

RS Australia is your trusted manufacturer, supplier, and distributor of high-performance marking and striking tools. From specialised punches for precision engineering to all-purpose workshop sets, we stock leading brands like Bahco, Facom, and RS PRO to ensure your project's success.

Browse our extensive range to buy punches online, alongside punch and die kits and tools such as chisels and thickness gauges. We offer next-working-day delivery, with free shipping for approved business accounts on orders over $40 ($80 for offline orders). You can also opt for convenient self-collection from our Sydney branch. For more details, visit our Delivery Page.