No. 5 Jr. Punch Kit

This is a beautiful tool in its design and quality. Now that I have begun to use it at its design limits working with 16 gauge mild sheet steel, I appreciate its usefulness. I would gladly have paid twice its remarkably low cost. The design limit here is a 1/8 inch hole in a single sheet of 16 gauge, but with a little planning it is easy to use an initial hole to position the punch pin for making a hole in a second sheet of 16 gauge just where you need it for fastening with a pop rivet. Or, if you can make the first hole with a drill press, even easier. Just be sure the drilled hole is clean and clear so you can easily get the punch pin in there. This is so much faster then trying to use a hand held drill in a tight space that you will never go back. Of course, if you are fastening sufficiently thin steel or aluminum you can make your hole in both sheets at once. Try to do that with a drill and unclamped metal. One detail: It is easiest to punch metal with the adjustable hole anvil opened as wide as possible for the best leverage. If your hands are not large and strong, you might need to contrive cheater handles to use this at its limit, but for thin steel or aluminum it is easy.

Nice, solid punch. I've used another for years, and this is just as solid. It needs a little breaking-in - it has paint on some of the moving parts that should be removed - either by use, or scraping/dissolving it off. Once that was done, it does the job. As I recall, the one I had previously used had a slightly larger capacity - in retrospect, I wish I had searched that out. But this one is fine for the holes that it is designed for. A great, basic, solid tool.

This product was recommended to me through some blacksmith and armoring books and I must say that it lived up the recommendation. It came in a hard plastic ROPER WHITNEY case that was very nice. The punches all function wonderfully and leave a nice de-burred hole. I would only recommend that you get some pipe for the handles because they are a bit short and if you are punch anything thicker or stronger than 16ga sheet steel you will get tired fast. Overall this is an outstanding product.

good

I'm generally happy with this punch set. If you plan on punching holes for a long time to come, this punch is probably the one to get. It's well made, and all parts are available for service in the future. If you only need to punch a few holes from time to time, you might look at the Neiko. It's an oriental knock-off of this one, and does a reasonable job-at less than half the cost. But, the steel in it doesn't seem as well made and tempered as the Roper Whitney's. (Neiko broke on some stainless steel, which is why I replaced it with the Roper Whitney) I believe this punch was worth purchasing. It works well. I don't like the case it comes in (plastic, doesn't stay shut very well, living hinge). The punches fall out of their 'holder' slots and rattle around in the case. It's just a design issue. The tool itself is fine.

Works great! This is to replace an aolder unit I borrowed from a friend so I would have my own. Punches consistent, neat holes in various thicknesses of material. It's a handy little set.

Worked good for sheet metal as stated. Did have one of the dies break while trying to remove.

I had an older one that I broke on punching metal outside spec. It shattered on the very last hole of the very last plate, so no complaints. Took a while to find a dealer to replace it, I cannot believe how much I've missed this tool. Highly recommended for what it is.