Harbor Freight Die and Punch ..

[basenjib123]

I want to make brass shims for some vintage fishing reels. I will be using brass sheets around .015-.030 gauge. Will this cheap P&D Set from HFT be sufficient? https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-.../punches/9-piece-punch-and-die-set-95547.html ... Thank you for your time.

 

[matthewsx]

Well, it advertises making holes in steel so it ought to work in brass. Harbor Freight is pretty good about taking stuff back if it doesn't work for you, I have lots of their tools that work just fine.

John

 

[Superburban]

It says it is for 13 gauge aluminum & brass, you are close to 20 gauge with the .030, so by specs it should work. A friend had a similar one, not from HF, that his great for the steel he used it for. But, read all the one star reviews, they all pretty much say it is not good for thinner metals, too much clearance, it makes good indentations, and messes up the shim stock. I would keep looking.

 

[benmychree]

Precision Steel Warehouse makes and sells a punch / die device specifically made for that use, simple and not terribly expensive.

Precision Brand Punch & Die Sets, English, Punches; Dies; Plastic Case (1 SET / SET)

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[JimDawson]

It's not a SPI or Starrett punch set, but it does work and is cheap. Mine is a bit loose but it makes holes.

 

[Jim F]

You can use a lathe to make the shims.