Letter Punches

About Letter Punches

Letter punches are precision hand tools designed to permanently mark letters and characters into metal, wood, leather, and other materials. Each set contains hardened steel punches featuring raised letter characters that create clear, professional impressions when struck with a hammer. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks letter punch sets from trusted manufacturers including Draper, Faithfull, Priory, and Sealey, offering both individual letter sets and comprehensive kits that include numbers and symbols.

These essential marking tools are available in various sizes, typically ranging from 3mm to 10mm character heights, allowing tradespeople and engineers to create permanent identification marks, serial numbers, and labels on tools, components, and fabricated items. Quality letter punches feature hardened steel construction with precisely machined characters that deliver consistent, legible impressions throughout their working life.

Applications

Letter punches are widely used across multiple trades and industries, including:

• Engineering and fabrication: Marking component identification, part numbers, and batch codes on metalwork
• Automotive repair: Stamping VIN numbers, engine codes, and tool identification
• Construction and steelwork: Labelling structural components and equipment
• Maintenance professionals: Creating permanent asset tags and equipment identification
• Leatherwork and crafts: Embossing text and designs into leather goods
• Tool identification: Marking ownership details on valuable tools and equipment to prevent loss or theft

Choosing The Right Letter Punches

When selecting letter punches from the range at MyToolShed.co.uk, consider these key factors:

• Character size: Smaller punches (3-4mm) suit detailed work and compact spaces, while larger sizes (6-10mm) provide better visibility on larger components
• Material compatibility: Ensure the punch hardness suits your intended materials - hardened steel punches work on softer metals, wood, and leather
• Set composition: Basic letter-only sets cover alphabetic marking needs, whilst comprehensive sets include numbers and symbols for complete marking capability
• Storage case: Quality sets include organised storage cases that keep punches protected and easily identifiable
• Brand quality: Established brands like Sealey, Draper, and Priory offer reliable performance and longevity

Safety Information

Always wear safety glasses when using letter punches to protect against metal fragments and debris. Ensure workpieces are securely clamped or supported before striking. Use an appropriate hammer weight for the punch size - typically a 500g to 1kg engineer's hammer provides sufficient force without risking punch damage. Work on a solid, stable surface and keep fingers clear of the striking area. Inspect punches regularly for mushrooming or damage to the striking end, which should be dressed with a grinder if deformation occurs.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between letter punches and number punches?

Letter punches feature alphabetic characters (A-Z), whilst number punches display numerals (0-9). Many comprehensive sets, such as the Sealey 36 Piece set available at MyToolShed.co.uk, combine both letters and numbers for complete marking flexibility.

Can letter punches be used on stainless steel?

Standard letter punches work on mild steel and softer metals but may struggle with hardened stainless steel. For stainless steel marking, ensure you're using high-quality hardened steel punches and strike firmly with adequate force.

How do I achieve clear, consistent impressions?

Secure the workpiece firmly, hold the punch perpendicular to the surface, and deliver a single, confident hammer strike. Practice on scrap material first to gauge the required force for your specific material and punch size.