I'm going to need to stake a castle nut soon and was wondering what folks thought of this one?

Starrett Automatic Center Punch

I don't have any center punches (manual or auto) so I'm starting from square one here.

On the other hand, I could just get this manual set which might be handy for roll pins and such.

General Tool Center Punch Set 5 piece

Any advice would be appreciated as I'm not that tool savvy yet.

Also, I'm looking at getting one from Midway because I need to get some reloading supplies while I'm at it.

Eh, I decided to just grab the manual set. I know how to use a hammer. ;)

I use an auto punch for the castle nut stake. Works well and much easier than a regular punch IMO.

I use an autopunch too.

Don't use those center punches for roll pins. You'll end up flaring the ends of the pin making a real mess.


Get a set of roll pin punches for roll pins, right tool for the job.



LINK





 

I've used an automatic center punch on 4 or 5 lowers, works great.  You might have to punch is a dozen times or more, but it's easy, especially if you don't have a proper work bench or other tools.  Having used both, I'd recommend the $10 General Tool auto center punch from Lowes or Home Depot over the Starrett.  It just seemed to work better and displace more metal.

Matt:

Agree with the previous statement.  There is a differenence between a Staking (prick) Punch and a Center Punch - Angle of the grind.  I worked in a machine shop for about 8 years.  I will say this - It really doesn't matter between manual or auto.  If you are going to use something to pop a quick centering for drilling...The Auto Center Punch is for you.  If I was going to stake a nut on firearm, I would use the manual.  You can over do it with a hammer, but I know how to control a hammer.  

The Auto Centers are fantastic, but you get what you pay for.  I am not saying $30 is not enough.  However, if you need to use it alot, buy a good one.  The springs will never be as good as the first time you use it.  Hence, the spiking of the punch (so to speak) 8-10 times later in it's life.  I like the manual set you were looking at.  

Be careful and you can grind the proper angle needed for a STAKING or Prick punch.  There is a bit of difference in the ANGLE of the tip.  You can modify the center punches by grinding a new tip.  Just make sure that you keep the new angle centered in the center of the punch.

Try this for $5.99
http://www.brownells.com/.aspx/pid=25532/Product/SINGLE_PRICK_PUNCHES


RobF  

BTW, I did order a set of pin punches because I remembered (from reading here before ) that the standard center punches are not the right tool for roll pins. This is what I ordered:

Lyman Roll Pin Punch Set 4-piece

ETA - ...and thanks for the all the help in keeping me straight on this.

Rob, are you saying that the center punches I ordered will not work as-is for staking a castle nut? Please advise.

OP, I used an old center punch for staking my castle nut. Worked fine with a few taps from a hammer, and looks pretty professional, too.

Grab anything you have handy.

All you have to do is bend a little metal.

spin off the back and stretch the spring and have a go at any stake job ,its also how I do my bcg screws

Staking a castle nut is not a science.  Just use a center punch and hammer.  Hell, some people will use a screwdriver.  I believe in using the proper tool for the job but all this talk about center punches, auto punches and prick punches is way over the top in my opinion.  Personally I would not spend $30 on an automatic punch unless I had other uses for the tool.

I appreciate the input DitchDr. As I have never staked a castle nut (or staked anything for that matter), I just want to make sure I do it as close to right as possible the first time, that's all.

I use one like that just to start the hole and so my hand and hammer punch dosent slip Ive mared a couple before I learned what to do....Another thing that works well is to get one of your regular punches and grind it to a point like a screwdriver and use that to stake them... This one will also work on the bolt screws to the gass key.