What tool is used to start holes in metal?

The center punch is specifically designed to create a small indentation or dimple in metal surfaces, which serves as a starting point for drilling. This indentation helps prevent the drill bit from slipping when it initially makes contact with the metal, ensuring that the hole is drilled accurately at the desired location. By creating this precise guide, the center punch is essential in machining and metalworking processes.

While a drill is used to actually create holes, it is the center punch that prepares the surface, making the drilling process more efficient and precise. The other tools listed, such as a scriber, are used for marking purposes, while a punching tool typically refers to tools used to create holes by shearing material, which is different from starting holes.