88 Tungsten Carbide Scriber

Good price on a hard to find part.

Muy ligero y discreto, marca muy fácil el metal sin esfuerzo. Lo recomiendo ampliamente para hobbistas por la facilidad en el uso.

After reading some reviews of the General Tools 88CM Tungsten Carbide Scribe and Magnet describing poor build quality, I bought this scriber instead. I got this scriber to mark hardened steel, and for that job works reasonably well, although it doesn’t confidently cut into steel. In terms of build quality of the tungsten carbide point and the retaining threads, I have taken some technical photos to help you decide for yourself (below). Photo 1. The machining of the tungsten carbide point may not be the finest work I’ve seen, but it’s good enough for my uses. I have calculated the point of the tool at around 50 microns across, and it’s hard enough to resist damage when scribing hardened steel or even corundum. See photo 5—showing how the scribe cut into a synthetic ruby, which suggests it’s slightly harder than corundum. Photo 2 shows the machining of the threads which retain the tungsten carbide point. Again, there are rough areas but the quality is satisfactory. Photo 3. shows the scale and nature of marks made to hardened tool steel. Notice how the tool skips a little across the steel and leaves an uneven line? Compare to photo 6. of marks left by a diamond on the same hardened steel—they are smoother, deeper, and with far less skipping. Ultimately, I found this scriber works much better on softer metals like copper and silver, as seen in photo 4 where I could make detailed and straight marks on soft copper sheet. In conclusion, I consider this a well-made scriber and most useful to me for scribing softer metals. For marking hardened steel, I will get myself a diamond scriber.

Now made in China, not USA. Collet does not hold the tip very securely, even when really tightened. Threads are rough. Even inserting the tip feels rough. Unlike my 10 year old made in USA General scribe. Disappointed.

Much prefer the original design. These are way shorter so they just stick out of the holder.