Easy-grip centre punch

[Philip Davies]

Because of its length, this is a handy centre punch for hot metal, and also it's easier to find. My fingers quickly become pain grasping thin tools. It is made from a worn sharpening steel (and these are good for ticketing cabinet scrapers). The tang has been cut off and the striking end blued, i.e. heated to a blue colour and allowed to cool slowly, which will prevent chips flying off when struck. The grip has come off a carpenter's brace. Many of these are discarded now, and they are just the right length for tongs' reins. Owing to the swelling of the steel, I can hold it either near the point, or higher where it's struck.