Of the two tools, you will probably use the center punch almost-always - if you intend to create openings the professional way by drilling holes instead of punching them. Whenever you need to drill a hole, you've got to have a center punch to start the hole.

The scribe is a layout and marking tool and is used for making clear lines on metal sheet to indicate cuts, folds, or other layout lines. Small corks or a small chunk of eraser on each tip are both great ways to protect those sharp points.

Choosing a center punch:

There are several sizes and shapes of center punch on the market. I like the tapered version with a textured shank. Look for a hardened steel model, and purchase several - I leave one near the drill press, another on my bench top and a third in my travel tool box. There are also automatic center punches on the market that work with a spring loaded shaft - simply push down and the punch tip sharply strikes the metal and creates a divot immediately. No hammer required! Expect to spend anywhere from $4.00 and up for a manual punch and up to $30.00 for a well made automatic punch.

Some examples:

Auto Center Punch, 5 Inches

Put your hammers away because this 5″ spring-loaded punch automatically strikes a sharp blow when pressed down firmly. Hardened and ground alloy steel center point is well-tempered for long life. Convenient size for jewelry and other applications.

Center Punch, 4 1/2 inches

This simple 4-1/2″ center punch is perfect for all non-ferrous metals. Made of high quality tool steel, the point is well tempered for long life. The perfect size and shape for jewelry or other applications

Choosing a scribe:

I like a very sharp scribe with two sharpened tips and a textured shank. Again, carbide or hardened steel is a must. Expect to spend $10.00 or more for a well made scribe, and never forget to protect those tips.

Some examples:

Carbide Scribe, 5-1/4 Inches

Pen sized knurled aluminum holder is 5/16″ in diameter and 5-1/4″ overall length with a 1/8″ tungsten carbide tip firmly pressed into the end.

Deluxe Tool Steel Scribe, 4-3/4 Inches

Designed to fit the hand perfectly to assure accuracy and fatigue-free use. Our scribe features an American-made hardwood handle and a tempered tool steel point which may be resharpened. Check out our price - you won't find a scribe of this quality anywhere near this price. 4-3/4″

How to use the center punch:

The idea of the center punch is to make a small dimple or divot in sheet metal for positioning something. For drilling, it is used to mark the center position for the drill bit, and that divot creates a place where the rotating drill can remain steady to allow the bit to shave a sliver of metal (called swarf) out of the hole. When you position the center punch on the metal sheet, make sure you've got a steel block under the metal to keep it flat. After carefully positioning the punch, lightly tap it with a ball peen or chasing hammer - you don't need to go through the sheet, you just need to create a shallow divot. Then, move the metal to a wood block and slowly drill the hole. Drill saving tip: go as slowly as you can when drilling metal to preserve the sharp edges of the drill bit.

How to use the scribe:

A scribe is the best way to indicate straight lines to be sawn. Use a metal straightedge and the scribe and carefully pull the scribe along the edge to denote the line. Scribe the first pass gently and barely break the surface of the sheet. If you intend to fold along the scribed line, score the line with the scribe several times along the straight edge, cutting the metal deeper each time. A channel will be cut that will allow a clean, straight fold which can later be soldered for security if desired. You can also use the scribe to trace the perimeter of a stone on a bezel backing sheet, or to transfer a pattern to metal. Once you have finished using the scribe, protect the tips immediately with a cork, because once the tip is bent, the scribe will need to be sharpened and tempered again.

My 5 favorite tips for this tool duo:

• Indicate a sawing line with Sharpie first and then scribe it. If you wear off the marker, your pattern remains intact.

• A center punch can be used as a decorative metal stamp

• Use a center punch to flare out the shanks of tube rivets by slowly rotating it in the opening

• Use a scribe to draw on or texture metal sheet

• Use a scribe to indicate solder seams at the base of a bezel wall - solder will neatly flow around the track instead of onto the surrounding sheet.