centerpunch

center +‎ punch

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centerpunch (plural centerpunches)

1. A hand tool used to prepare a workpiece prior to drilling a hole. It typically compresses and then suddenly releases a spring, creating a small indentation that, in turn, guides and centers the drill.
2. The indentation left by such a tool.

centerpunch (third-person singular simple present centerpunches, present participle centerpunching, simple past and past participle centerpunched)

1. To prepare a workpiece for drilling by using a centerpunch to create an indentation.
2. To place something directly in the middle.

• centre punch, centrepunch