Local source {PDX) for brass punches ?

[ob1]

I have been making the rounds at various tool outlets in the area and have not been able to find a decent source for brass punches. Either they don't carry brass or sell them in a set sized big enough to work on a D-9 Cat.
Trying not to buy a whole (expensive) set just to get one punch small enough to be usable.

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[F2CMaDMaXX]

Grace might do a single punch?

 

[ob1]

Grace might do a single punch?

Thanks,
I was hoping to find a local source, but it's looking like ordering some is going to be the only route.

 

[Kristina]

Don't know what size you're looking for but Grainger has brass rod. I've picked up some for work from the one on swan island. I had to buy three foot lengths though.

 

[Mikej]

Thanks,
I was hoping to find a local source, but it's looking like ordering some is going to be the only route.

Do you have a bench grinder? When I needed a brass punch I picked up a brass bolt at the local hardware store and turned it down to what I needed. Worked like a charm!

 

[jbett98]

The counter guy at a welding supply house just handed me a 3' length of their biggest brazing rod and told me to have a nice day.
Harbor Freight use to carry them, but didn't have them last time I looked.

 

[UserNameInUse]

Don't know for sure but I would check Sportsman's Warehouse. They probably have a Wheeler set like this one that is also showing in stock in the Tualatin Cabelas.

Wheeler® Hammer and Punch Set : Cabela's

Unless this is what you mean by a big expensive set. If so, never mind.

 

[Velzey]

Western Tool Supply in Milwaukee, right near Bobs Red Mill.

 

[Ura-Ki]

Hall Tool in Portland off MLK! Careful, its a Tool Junkies Crack house! LOL

 

[ob1]

Hall Tool in Portland off MLK! Careful, its a Tool Junkies Crack house! LOL

Yup, thats where I was this morning, and you are right..lotsa great stuff. Unfortunately I didn't feel like paying $ 70 for just one 1/16" punch, the smallest in the set.

 

[Kristina]

My other half just told me he bought some thin brass rod in different sizes from Hankin's (Ace) Hardware on MLK.

 

[Keane]

Yep, I end up using scrap lathe stock when i need a punch. My current sight pusher tool is a piece of aluminum I undersized for my project.

 

[ob1]

Thanks everyone for all your ideas.

 

[Stomper]

Hall Tool in Portland off MLK! Careful, its a Tool Junkies Crack house! LOL

Yeah, complete with REAL junkies roaming the streets and parking lots trying to steal anything that isn't nailed down!

 

[ob1]

Yeah, complete with REAL junkies roaming the streets and parking lots trying to steal anything that isn't nailed down!

You must have been there around the lunch hour, after all it is only a few blocks from City Hall.

 

[rick benjamin]

https://amazon.com/SE-ST1032B-8-Pie...&qid=1535696593&sr=8-3&keywords=brass+punches

 

[F2CMaDMaXX]

If we're just posting Amazon links now...

I love my Grace roll pin and regular punches, so if you want/need brass:
https://www.amazon.com/Grace-USA-Gu...F8&qid=1535702730&sr=8-2&keywords=grace+brass

 

[P7M13]

You need a .0625?
I use my drill sets and a resin/leather hammer, using the non-pointed end. Guaranteed machined end, can't deliver enough force to damage anything, provided my alignment is correct.
[ETA] you say D-9, as in a Cat? Because for such small stuff, I will do my best to chuck up the pin punch and gently press it out.

 

[BillM]

The counter guy at a welding supply house just handed me a 3' length of their biggest brazing rod and told me to have a nice day.
Harbor Freight use to carry them, but didn't have them last time I looked.

^^^^^^ This. Plain brass, aluminum bronze, silicon bronze all available in 3 ft lengths in diameters from 1/16 (and maybe smaller) up to at least 1/4". Gas and TIG brazing filler rod.

 

[ob1]

You need a .0625?
I use my drill sets and a resin/leather hammer, using the non-pointed end. Guaranteed machined end, can't deliver enough force to damage anything, provided my alignment is correct.
[ETA] you say D-9, as in a Cat? Because for such small stuff, I will do my best to chuck up the pin punch and gently press it out.

A little sarcasm about the D-9 (not that I have ever been accused of that).
I was thinking about just a few smaller sized punches, tapering up to a larger sized striking surface. Brass for when I miss.