TM 9-243
TYPES AND USES
There are two basic types of punches; solid (1) which
are the most common, and hollow (2) which are usually
designed for punching holes in leather, paper, and other
similar materials. Solid punches are used to mark metal,
drive pins, align holes and to do other similar jobs.
CENTER PUNCHES
There are two types of center punches, both used for
starting drill holes.
The hand-held type has a narrow, cone-shaped point
terminating in a sharp, conical tip. Hand-held types;
range from 1/8 to 5/8 inches in diameter and from 3 to 6
inches long. The hand-held punch must be struck with a
hammer.
The automatic type has an adjustable regulator for
determining the impact of the punch and also has inter-
changeable points. The automatic punch contains a
tension spring for marking without the use of a hammer.
DRIFT PUNCH
The drift punch has a narrow, tapered flat point. The
points range in size from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in diameter with
an overall length from 7 to 9 inches. Drift punches may
be used to remove shafts, pins, rivets (after heads have
been removed), and to align small parts.
ALIGNMENT PUNCH
The alignment punch has a narrow, tapered flat point.
The points range in size from 1/8 to 1/2 inch in diameter
with an overall length of 12 to 15 inches. Alignment
punches are used to line up mating parts for assembly.
Make sure the punch is large enough for the job. A
punch that is too small may bend or break.
DRIVE PIN PUNCH
The drive pin punch has a flat tip which may be tapered.
Points may range in size from 0.03 to 1/2 inch and are
from 3 to 6 inches long. Standard drive pin punches
usually come in sets of nine. Drive pin punches are used
to remove straight or tapered pins. Make sure the right
size punch is used for the pin being removed.
PRICK PUNCH
The prick punch has a long, conical-shaped point and
ranges from 4 to 5 inches in length overall. It is used to
mark soft metal.
27-2
