Use for the Purpose Intended
These are absolutely superb tools. The reviews that complain about the punches bending have apparently not grasped the concept of "Starter Punches".You can't take a 1/16" or 3/32" punch with a 1" or more shaft length and start beating on them to get a tight pin started out. They will ALL break or bend, Starret, Mayhew, etc. included. Get a cheap punch and cut/grind the shaft to 1/4" long and use them to get the pin started. This is particularly true for AR gas block tapered pins.
Good product
Bought this set as a replacement. Other punch set I used had 3/5 punches break. One snapped in half and the other two bent very quickly. This set from Grace worked like a charm. Right out of the package it was obvious these were more heavy-duty. Pinned my gas tube quickly and easily. The 7 punch set was a nice replacement over the 5 punch set, as it added a bit more versatility for the set overall. Even if a punch does become unusable, you have a replacement option quickly without looking around the garage to try and MacGyver something.
Great tools for the application...
I've used these punches numerous times and have always beeen satisfied. Nothings better than knowing the punch is not going to snap off and damage my gun. While the smaller sizes tend to possibly bend under hard pressure, I'd rather have the punch bend then snap off and damage my gun. I just use a solid punch to get the pin started. Overall great USA Made product.
Cheap
Theyre not horrible punches, but if you use a punch very often you will find yourself buying replacements as these are simply too weak and will bend after only a little use. Unless you just need a set of punches for an occasional job youre much better off getting something good like Starret to start with instead of replacing them as they bend and the smaller ones break.
Bent with only a few uses
I received this set yesterday. Within a few min. I had bent the tips of two punches. Another thing there is no markings or labels on them to tell them apart.
not good as Harbor Freight
3 punches are bended out of two sets. While punching the same pin, my Harbor Freight punches did not bend. I am shocked to see that 50 cent punch from HF is better than this $7 piece punch. Quality is not there.
Not as durable as they should be
At first glance these appear well made and have all the potential of a solid performer. However, if you are going to be using them for heavy duty work, like removing a factory AR front sight post, don't expect them to hold up to much abuse. They WILL break right when you don't need them to. I imagine for light use they'd be okay, but not enough to rate them over one star.
Just about the worst.......EVER!!!
I'm sorry but I must say this: this product should really be pulled out of inventory from further sale. That said, I can say that every single time I have used one of the punches that required any measurable amount force, the punch simply bent over. I don't know what kind of metal is used, but pot metal or aluminum comes to mind. I was going to send them back but quiet frankly, they are not worth the postage or hassle. I can save you from the same mistake; DO NOT BUY THEM. I think I will melt mine down and use for shot.
Select another punch
Used these all of my first year at Yavapai College's gunsmithing program. I will buy a replacement set of punches for my second year. See list of "Cons".
