Mayhew Select Vs. Pro Punches: A Comprehensive Comparison

As a mechanic who’s spent countless hours hammering away at punches and chisels, I’ve come to appreciate tools that can take a beating and still perform. In this article, I’ll compare Mayhew’s Select and Pro Punch lines, sharing my hands-on experience with both.

My goal is to help you decide which set suits your needs by exploring their features, strengths, weaknesses, and maintenance requirements. With a detailed comparison table, pros and cons, and practical insights, you’ll have a clear picture of what each offers. Whether you’re a professional or a DIY enthusiast, let’s find the right punch for you.

A Brief Comparison Table

My Experience With Mayhew Select Punches

When I first picked up a set of Mayhew Select Punches, I was drawn to their affordability and the fact that they’re made in the USA.

As someone who values quality tools without breaking the bank, these seemed like a solid choice for my home garage.

The set I got included a variety of pin punches and cold chisels, perfect for occasional automotive repairs and metalworking tasks.

The black oxide finish felt smooth in my hands, and the knurled grips made them easy to hold, even with sweaty palms.

Using them on lighter tasks, like knocking out pins or aligning holes, was a breeze. They cut cleanly and didn’t slip, which is a big deal when you’re trying to avoid damaging a workpiece. However, when I pushed them harder—say, trying to remove a stubborn, rusted pin from an old engine block—I noticed the tips starting to deform.

The alloy steel isn’t as tough as I’d hoped, and after a few heavy strikes, one of the smaller pin punches showed signs of mushrooming. It wasn’t a dealbreaker, but it meant I had to be more careful with how I used them.

The Select line’s 2-year warranty gave me some peace of mind, but I found myself wishing for more durability on tougher jobs.

For casual users or hobbyists working on smaller projects, these punches are a great value. But if you’re tackling heavy-duty tasks daily, you might find them lacking. I ended up keeping my Select set for lighter work and supplementing with stronger tools for bigger jobs.

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Pros Of Mayhew Select Punches

• Affordable Price Point: These punches are budget-friendly, making them accessible for DIYers or those just starting out with tool collections.
• Made in the USA: Manufactured in Turners Falls, Massachusetts, they carry a legacy of American craftsmanship, which is a big plus for quality-conscious buyers.
• Variety of Sizes: The Select line offers a wide range of punch types and sizes, from pin punches to center punches, suitable for various light to medium tasks.
• Comfortable Grip: The knurled handle design ensures a secure hold, reducing slippage during use, even in sweaty or oily conditions.
• Black Oxide Finish: This finish provides decent rust resistance, keeping the tools functional in humid or damp environments.
• Versatile Applications: They handle tasks like aligning holes or driving pins effectively, making them a solid choice for occasional automotive or metalworking needs.
• Compact Storage: Many sets come with a roll-up pouch, which keeps tools organized and easy to carry, a feature I found super convenient for my garage.

The affordability of the Select line makes it appealing for someone like me who doesn’t need top-tier tools for every job. I’ve used them for everything from basic automotive repairs to small woodworking projects, and they’ve held up well for those purposes.

The variety of sizes means you’re rarely stuck without the right tool, and the USA-made badge adds a layer of trust. However, the softer alloy steel limits their use for heavy, repetitive tasks, so they’re best for users who don’t push their tools to the extreme.

Cons Of Mayhew Select Punches

• Softer Steel: The alloy steel isn’t as durable as higher-grade options, leading to tip deformation or mushrooming under heavy use.
• Limited Warranty: The 2-year warranty feels short compared to the lifetime coverage offered by the Pro line, which can be a drawback for long-term users.
• Not Ideal for Heavy Duty: These punches struggle with tough, repetitive tasks like removing seized pins, making them less suitable for professional mechanics.
• Finish Wear: The black oxide finish, while rust-resistant, can wear off with frequent use, potentially exposing the steel to corrosion over time.
• Less Precision in Tough Jobs: For precision tasks requiring consistent force, the softer tips can deform, affecting accuracy.
• No Parabolic Head Design: Unlike the Pro line, Select punches lack advanced head designs that reduce mushrooming, which can be a safety concern.
• Availability Issues: Some specific sizes or sets can be harder to find compared to the more widely distributed Pro line.

I’ve had moments where the Select punches let me down, like when I was working on a rusted suspension component and the punch tip bent after a few strikes. The shorter warranty also makes you think twice about using them for anything too intense, as you might be out of luck if they fail after two years. For casual users, these cons might not be dealbreakers, but professionals will likely want something tougher.

Maintenance Tips For Mayhew Select Punches

• Regular Cleaning: Wipe down the punches with a clean, dry cloth after each use to remove oil, dirt, or metal shavings that could cause corrosion.
• Inspect for Damage: Check tips for mushrooming or bending before each use; file down any deformed edges to prevent injury or workpiece damage.
• Store Properly: Keep punches in their roll-up pouch or a dry toolbox to avoid moisture exposure, which can degrade the black oxide finish.
• Lubricate Lightly: Apply a thin layer of machine oil to the steel surfaces periodically to enhance rust resistance, especially in humid environments.
• Avoid Overstriking: Use appropriate force and the right punch size for the job to prevent tip deformation or cracking.
• Sharpen When Needed: If a chisel or punch tip dulls, use a bench grinder to carefully restore the edge, maintaining the original angle.
• Check Knurled Grips: Ensure the knurled handles remain free of debris to maintain a secure grip during use.

Maintaining my Select punches has been straightforward, but it’s critical to stay on top of it. I’ve found that a quick wipe-down after each job keeps them in good shape, and storing them in the included pouch prevents them from banging around in my toolbox. Filing down mushroomed tips has saved me from replacing punches prematurely, but I’m careful not to overdo it and weaken the steel. These steps have extended the life of my set, making them a reliable choice for lighter tasks.

My Experience With Mayhew Pro Punches

The Mayhew Pro Punches were a game-changer when I started taking on more demanding projects.

I picked up a 19-piece set for my shop, and right away, I could feel the difference in quality.

Made from S2 steel, these punches are noticeably tougher than the Select line.

The first time I used them to drive out a seized pin on a heavy-duty truck axle, they held up without a hint of deformation, even after repeated heavy hammer strikes.

The Pro line’s lifetime warranty gave me confidence to push them hard.

I’ve used them for everything from automotive repairs to industrial metalworking, and they’ve never let me down.

The black oxide finish feels slick and resists rust well, though I’ve noticed slight wear after months of heavy use. The variety of sizes and types—pin, center, and solid punches—means I always have the right tool for the job.

They’re pricier than the Select line, but for professional work, they’re worth every penny. The parabolic head design also reduces mushrooming, which is a huge safety plus.

Pros Of Mayhew Pro Punches

• S2 Steel Construction: The higher-grade S2 steel offers superior durability, resisting bending and mushrooming even under heavy use.
• Lifetime Warranty: Mayhew’s lifetime warranty ensures long-term reliability, making these a safe investment for professionals.
• Parabolic Head Design: This feature minimizes mushrooming, enhancing safety and reducing the need for frequent maintenance.
• Precision Machining: The Pro line is crafted with tighter tolerances, ensuring accurate cuts and marks in demanding applications.
• Wide Range of Sizes: Available in numerous styles and lengths, these punches cater to a broad spectrum of tasks, from automotive to industrial.
• Black Oxide Finish: Provides excellent rust protection, keeping the tools in top shape even in challenging environments.
• Rugged Build: Designed for heavy-duty use, these punches handle tough tasks like removing seized pins without failing.

I’ve been impressed by how the Pro punches hold up under pressure. The S2 steel makes a noticeable difference when I’m working on stubborn components, and the lifetime warranty means I don’t worry about replacements. The parabolic head design has saved me from dealing with deformed tips, which was a constant issue with cheaper tools. These are my go-to for any job that demands precision and durability.

Cons Of Mayhew Pro Punches

• Higher Cost: The Pro line is significantly more expensive, which might be a barrier for hobbyists or those on a tight budget.
• Heavier Weight: The robust S2 steel makes these punches slightly heavier, which can be tiring during prolonged use.
• Finish Wear Over Time: The black oxide finish, while durable, can wear off with heavy, repeated use, exposing the steel.
• Overkill for Light Tasks: For simple DIY projects, the Pro line’s advanced features might be more than necessary.
• Limited Availability in Some Regions: Finding specific Pro punch sets can be challenging depending on your location or retailer.
• Requires Careful Storage: Despite their durability, improper storage can still lead to surface rust if the finish wears off.
• Learning Proper Use: Using the right punch (e.g., starter vs. pin) is critical to avoid damage, which might be tricky for beginners.

The price tag on the Pro punches stung at first, but their performance justified it for my professional work. The weight can be a bit much during long sessions, and I’ve had to be diligent about storage to keep them rust-free. For casual users, the cost and robustness might feel excessive, but for heavy-duty tasks, these drawbacks are minor.

Maintenance Tips For Mayhew Pro Punches

• Clean After Use: Wipe down with a dry cloth to remove debris or oil, preventing corrosion on the S2 steel.
• Inspect Tips Regularly: Check for any signs of wear or mushrooming, even though the parabolic head reduces this risk.
• Store in Dry Conditions: Use the provided pouch or a dry toolbox to protect the black oxide finish from moisture.
• Apply Light Oil: Periodically coat the punches with machine oil to maintain rust resistance, especially after heavy use.
• Use Correctly: Match the punch type and size to the task to avoid unnecessary stress on the tool.
• Grind Carefully: If tips dull, use a bench grinder to restore the edge, preserving the original angle for optimal performance.
• Keep Grips Clean: Ensure knurled handles are free of grime to maintain a secure grip during use.

Maintaining the Pro punches is similar to the Select line but feels less urgent due to their durability. I’ve found that a quick clean and oiling after a tough job keeps them in pristine condition. The parabolic head design means I rarely need to file down tips, but I still check them regularly to ensure precision. Proper storage is key, as even S2 steel can rust if neglected.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Conclusion: Mayhew Select Vs Pro Punches

You’re now equipped to choose between Mayhew Select and Pro Punches. If you’re a hobbyist or tackling lighter tasks, the Select line offers great value with its affordability and variety, though it’s less durable for heavy use. For professionals or demanding projects, the Pro line’s S2 steel, lifetime warranty, and rugged design make it the clear winner, despite the higher cost. Both are quality tools, but your choice depends on your workload and budget. Pick the Select for casual use or the Pro for relentless performance, and you’ll have a reliable partner in your toolbox.