center punch

noun

1. a punch for making shallow indentations in metal work, as to center drill bits.

Word History and Origins

Origin of center punch¹

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

One end of this wire is placed in the fixed center punch mark in the steam chest, and with the other a mark is made upon the slide spindle.

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With the center punch, mark the exact centers of the tops of the posts and connectors.

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A "center punch," not too sharp, is the best tool to use, but a slight dent may be made with a sharp wire nail, provided the watch-spring is first annealed or softened.

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Using the Dividers.—Then try your hand using the dividers, in connection with a centering punch.

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Put a center punch mark where the tool lines indicate the center of revolution.

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