The Starrett 264G center punch is 5" long and has a 7/16" thick square shank with a 1/4" (6 mm) diameter tapered point. The punch has a tempered steel shank for strength and a hardened steel point for wear resistance. The shank is knurled for grip and has a square shape to prevent it from rolling when placed on a work surface. Center punches make small dimple marks in a workpiece to help guide a drill bit. Manual center punches have a metal shank with a point and are typically tapped with a ball-peen hammer to mark the material. Automatic center punches have an internal spring mechanism that enables them to mark the material without using a hammer, leaving one hand free for steadying the work. The L.S. Starrett Company manufactures precision measuring tools, metrology and testing equipment, and saw blade products. The company, founded in 1880, is headquartered in Athol, MA.