A steel or brass rod, used to transmit pressure or a sharp blow to a required point. Punches are made for many purposes, e.g. Making centres before drilling, and for riveting, chasing, matting, blanking and stamping out shaped holes or parts. Serial letters and numbers are marked on clock parts with punches. Punches may be solid, hollow, flat, round or otherwise shaped at the working end. Many of them are designed to be used in a staking tool in which the punch is held in a guide for accurate positioning in relation to an anvil or stake.