center punch

American  

noun

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

---

Etymology

Origin of center punch

First recorded in 1875–80

Example Sentences

The center punch mark upon the steam chest should, however, always be placed in about the same spot, so as to avoid mistakes in case of there being other similar marks upon the chest.

From Project Gutenberg

When you have turned the nuts down tight, lock them in place by driving a center punch on the threads on the post just above the nut, Fig.

From Project Gutenberg

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.

From Project Gutenberg

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

From Project Gutenberg

A piece of brass rod was clamped in the chuck of a lathe, and a depression made in the end slightly eccentric, by means of a center punch.

From Project Gutenberg