ToolGuyd

Tool Reviews, New Tool Previews, Best Tool Guides, Tool Deals, and More!

  • New Tools
  • Reviews
  • Guides
    • Best Cordless Power Tool Brand
    • Tool Brands: Who Owns What?
    • Best Cordless Drills (New for 2019!)
    • Dewalt UWO Explained
    • Best Multi-Bit Screwdrivers
    • Best Cordless Impact Drivers (2015)
    • Best Cordless Circular Saws
    • Best Tape Measure
    • Best Cordless Oscillating Tools
    • Best EDC Gear
    • Best Multimeter
    • Best Precision Screwdrivers
    • Best Modular Tool Boxes
    • Ultimate Tool Gift Guide
  • Hand Tools
    • Bit Holders & Drivers
    • EDC, Pocket, & Multitools
    • Electrical Tools
    • Flashlights & Worklights
    • Knives
    • Mechanics’ Tools
    • Pliers
    • Screwdrivers
    • Sockets & Drive Tools
    • Wrenches
    • All Hand Tools
  • Power Tools
    • Accessories
    • Cordless
    • Drills & Drivers
    • Oscillating Tools
    • Saws
    • Woodworking Tools
    • All Power Tools
  • Brands
    • Bosch
    • Craftsman
    • Dewalt
    • Makita
    • Milwaukee
    • Milwaukee NPS19 Tools
    • Ryobi
    • All Brands
  • USA-Made
  • Deals
ToolGuyd > Hand Tools > Layout & Measuring > The “Squid,” a Woodworking Centering Punch

The “Squid,” a Woodworking Centering Punch

Mar 5, 2015 Benjamen 10 Comments

If you buy something through our links, ToolGuyd might earn an affiliate commission.

Squid by Blokkz product shot

The Squid woodworker’s centering punch, from a company called Blokkz, is a simple yet ingenious device that allows you to mark the center of round, square, and rectangular pieces of wood in just one step.

No more drawing intersecting lines connecting corners (or as close to the corners as you can get), or using a center finder tool to find where multiple lines cross. With the Squid, you just line up the tool and tap it with a hammer. The Squid will automatically center itself and leave a punch mark at the exact center of your workpiece.

Advertisement

The Squid can find the center of round stock up to 2-3/8″ in diameter, square stock up to 2-3/8″ wide, and boards up to 1-5/8″ thick.

Blokkz Squid woodworkers center punch examplesThe four evenly spaced legs force the center punch in the middle of the material as long as the Squid is held perpendicular to the face you are marking, and as long as your stock is square. The legs are also notched along their entire length to capture the corners of rectangular materials, which does make it easier to hold the squid in the correct position.

A little misalignment probably won’t throw the center accuracy off by much, but it’s something to keep in mind in case you were hoping to use this on odd-shaped stock with uneven surfaces.

Blokkz manufactures the Squid in the USA. They make the body from high-strength polycarbonate, and the 3/16″ diameter punch is made from stainless steel. The body can be disassembled so that you can sharpen the punch.

Take a look at the video below to see a demonstration of the Squid being used. It’s interesting to note that when the guy in the video uses the Squid to mark the center of some square stock, he lines the legs up against the edges of the wood and not the corners. Evidently the tool is accurate being used either way.

The Squid is priced at $20. You can order it direct from Blokkz with free shipping (USA only), and it’s also available from Amazon through 3rd parties with shipping starting at $6. It’s also available at local wood supply chains, such as Woodcraft.

Buy Now (via Blokkz website)
Buy Now (via Amazon)
Buy Now (via Woodcraft)

Related posts:

Woodpeckers Steel Straight EdgesNew Woodpeckers One Time Tool: Steel Straight Edges Woodpeckers Woodworkers Edge Rule Close UpNew Woodpeckers Edge Rule for Woodworkers Woodpeckers Paolini Pocket Rules

Sections: Layout & Measuring, Made in USA, Woodworking More from: Blokkz

« This Swiss-Made Folding Pocket Ruler Costs $6 and is Totally Awesome!
Really Right Stuff MTX Multi-Tool Driver is a Photographer’s Companion »

About Benjamen

Benjamen Johnson grew up watching his dad work as a contractor and woodworker. He became an electrical engineer and took an interest in woodworking. Check out Ben's projects at Electronsmith's 3D Prints or Instagram.

10 Comments

  1. Adabhael

    Mar 5, 2015

    It seems like a pair of small bubble levels at right angles would help ensure it is vertical.

    Reply
  2. Allen

    Mar 5, 2015

    My name is Allen, and I have a problem.

    Seems center punches are an addiction with me, I have a ton. My favorite is a Lisle automatic, but this really seems interesting.

    I wish it was made in China. Then I wouldn’t be tempted.

    Congratulations on an interesting idea, and thanks for bringing it to my attention.

    Reply
    • Stan

      Mar 5, 2015

      Given this is USA made and thankfully not imported, I figured this would be under the USA tools section as well with the Toolguy’d website. I have the USA made Listle automatic center punch and even a USA made Starrett automatic center punch as well. Plus some USA made Wilde and SK center punches as well.

      Cool tool design, thanks for sharing this Benjamen.

      Reply
      • Benjamen

        Mar 5, 2015

        I didn’t check the “Made in the USA” category. I know Stuart reads all the comments but I’ll let him know to add it.

        Reply
        • Stan

          Mar 5, 2015

          Benjamen, I didn’t mention this earlier, but you have a fantastic writing style as well. You are so detailed and have such a unique style that is quite enjoyable to read.

          I never even knew this tool existed, but once again awesome article.

          Reply
  3. fred

    Mar 5, 2015

    Neat find.

    Having been in the pipe fabrication business – I’m more familiar with tools from Flange Wizard. Their centering punch comes with a spirit level:

    http://www.flangewizard.com/products115.html

    Reply
  4. Garrick

    Mar 5, 2015

    As with all measuring and marking tools, I need to know what the accuracy is. (It seems to be provided only for the most well made tools, and even then, not always.) In particular, for this device, I would need the errors occurring at up to, say, 5 degrees of tilt. If it is within my tolerance limits, it would certainly save a lot of time marking centres.

    Instead of 2 spirit levels, a single bubble level might work.

    Reply
    • Adabhael

      Mar 5, 2015

      Good point. It looks like it would be possible to user-fit a small circular bullseye level on top. That is certainly easier to retrofit than a pair that must be aligned properly, although best not miss with the hammer. Now I also am tempted.

      Reply
  5. NERemodeling

    Mar 5, 2015

    Whether the tool is level in relation to the earth is irrelevant.. in order for level to matter you would first need to ensure your workpiece was exactly level and clamped.. going through all that would void any time savings this tool promises imo… I’m very glad the author mentioned “as long as the Squid is held perpendicular to the face you are marking” that’s the first thing I thought when I saw the tool.. there is a good amount of room for error if the tool is not perfectly in line with the work piece. For joinery applications I don’t think this would provide the accuracy necessary to make multi faces perfectly aligned. however for wood turners that are going to be rounding out a blank anyway I’m sure close to center is more than good enough.

    Reply
  6. Nathan

    Mar 5, 2015

    as long as you push down on the top of the thing – it’s going to be self squaring. Note I didn’t say self leveling. But squaring to the piece, it doesn’t need a bubble level. even if you don’t have is jam up secure in the legs – when you tap the spike with your hammer – it’s going to press uniformly into the legs. About the only concern I have is that you might jam into the legs so hard you need a pry the thing off.

    but nice idea and good price.

    Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  • Email
  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Newsletter

Sign up to receive the latest tool news.

ToolGuyd Forum

Recent Comments

  • Stuart on Paslode “Nail the Cure” and Other Tool Skins: “Unfortunately, it seems Paslode either discontinued the program, or made them much harder to find than when I first posted…”
  • Stuart on Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021): “I can appreciate that. Thank you for the feedback! I consolidated recommendations from 8 prior “top tool picks” posts here,…”
  • Stuart on The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?: “Thanks! I figured that a lot of entry price point shoppers don’t research online, and many premium price shoppers tend…”
  • x lu on Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021): “I disagree with the cordless tool recommendations here not that the tools themselves are deficient per se. However any such…”
  • fred on Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021): “I have the Klein variant: https://www.amazon.com/Klein-Tools-Scratch-2-Inch-66385/dp/B0002RI83M/”
  • fred on Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021): “I’ve had the one from Champion (RMX7) – looks the same – but I paid more.”

Recent Posts

  • Best Tool Kit Upgrades and Add-Ons (Spring 2021)
  • The Best Mechanic Tool Brands in 2021?
  • Shout Out to Rocky Mountain BioAg, a Fantastic Organic Gardening Supplier
  • New Dremel Cordless Hot Glue Pen
  • Makita Launches New 2021 Flagship Drill and Impact Driver Combo Kit w/ Free Bonuses
  • New Ryobi 18V Cordless Dual Temperature Hot Glue Gun
  • Ryobi 18V One+ HP Cordless Power Tools in 2021
  • Can You Recommend a Basic Walkie Talkie?
ToolGuyd New Tool Reviews Image

New Tool Reviews

Buying Guides

  • Best Cordless Drills
  • Best Cordless Impact Drivers
  • Best Cordless Multi-Tools
  • Cordless Power Tool Brands
  • Modular Tool Storage Systems
  • Ultimate Tool Gift & Upgrade Guide
ToolGuyd Knife Reviews Image

Knife Reviews

ToolGuyd Multi-Tool Reviews Image

Multi-Tool Reviews

ToolGuyd LED Flashlight and Worklight Reviews Image

LED Light Reviews

  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Stores
  • Videos
  • Gear
  • AMZN Deal Finder
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Use
  • Disclosure