Brass punch recommendations and volunteering to wrench in Portland, OR

macleanflood

I break sh!t
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Anyone have a good recommendation for a brass punch? I looked on Amazon and just don't want to spend $50 on a tool without real advice.

I need one (probably) for doing some volunteer wrenching Sunday morning in Portland OR... driving up to Beaverton to help a gentleman drop and fix a 242 off his XJ (suggested a 231 swap...but he already bought parts.) If anyone in the Portland area wants to hang out and throw tools around PM me for the address. Happy to make this a mod party too if anyone else needs help.

And with enough help we might be able to hit a local trail by early afternoon. Never been to Browns Camp.

Napa has a 6" punch... would like a 12" to 16" punch for getting those races in the bottom of transfer cases and transmissions.

Thanks!
Mac
 
I use this one from Mac tools, he had it in his discount bin because it was bent. Works really good with the narrow wide end.
Mac # PB37LSS

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I used one of these to regear a couple years ago. Worked well but isn’t as long as you are wanting.

Drift Punch - Knurled Brass (Mayhew #25076) - 1/2" x 7" https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00A1BO6OY/?tag=wranglerorg-20

In my experience you can’t go wrong with purchasing ,Mayhew products. They are USA made and often rebranded under tool truck names. Over the years I have purchased punches , chisel, picks, and pry bars from them and never been disappointed. The fact that they are made in the USA and competitively priced is a plus in my book.
 
It might be too late now, sorry Mac, I just now saw this.

If you can find 1/2 inch brass rod, you can make your own. Hardware stores used to carry it, but decent metals are getting scarce and expensive at the usual stores. If you have a "real" metal store near you, prices can be 1/3 or 1/2 of hardware store prices. Get a long stick of half inch brass round and cut several different lengths. You can shape the tips to your liking.
 
So, broke ass shade tree trick. grab a 9mm casing, 38spl, 32 ACP, 45 ACP etc. and push it onto your steel punch. If its loose, whack the side of it making it out of round or a dent to retain the brass case.(I have siliconed them in place too) It gives you about 1/8 " of brass between the steel and the part. Mash away, replace as needed. I started doing this 19 years ago when I opened my gun smithing shop and well it works everywhere else too. If you find punches that fit specific calibers, they can be designated for it or turn on the lathe(belt sander, grinder etc.) for perfection if an option.
 
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So, broke ass shade tree trick. grab a 9mm casing, 38spl, 32 ACP, 45 ACP etc. and push it onto your steel punch. If its loose, whack the side of it making it out of round or a dent to retain the brass case.(I have siliconed them in place too) It gives you about 1/8 " of brass between the steel and the part. Mash away, replace as needed. I started doing this 19 years ago when I opened my gun smithing shop and well it works everywhere else too. If you find punches that fit specific calibers, they can be designated for it or turn on the lathe(belt sander, grinder etc.) for perfection if an option.

Shell casings these days are more expensive than a punch!

I ended up buying one...want a longer one...but good suggestion!

-Mac