Pin Punch

What is it?

The pin punch is a straight, narrow punch with a flat tip used to drive out pins, dowels, and rivets after they are started with a tapered starter punch. It reaches through the hole without binding.

What is it used for?

• Driving out pins and dowels
• Removing rivets
• Aligning holes during assembly

How to choose

Use a starter punch to loosen, then a pin punch sized to the pin to drive it out. A set of diameters covers common pins.

Anatomy

Understanding the parts of a pin punch helps you use, maintain, and buy it with confidence.

• Body: the main working portion of the tool
• Working end: the part that contacts the material
• Handle: the part you grip for control and leverage

Materials & construction

Quality pin punchs are made from hardened, heat-treated steel (often chrome-vanadium or high-carbon) chosen for strength, edge retention, and resistance to wear and corrosion.

Safety & maintenance

• Wear safety glasses; metal chips and fragments are sharp
• Use the correct technique and pressure for the material
• Keep the tool clean and store it safely
• Fit a handle where the tool uses one to protect your hand

Also known as

drift punch, starter punch