Center Punch & Metal Punch

When preparing to make holes on the lames, an automatic center punch is invaluable.  It has a long spring in it, so you don't even need a hammer. Just pick the spot you want, push, and it whacks a nice little divot in the metal.  (hard to capture well in a photograph)

This divot is very useful as a guide for positioning your drill bit or metal punch.  Since I wanted something quieter than a drill (remember, I'm in an apartment!), I went out and got a metal punch.  It's basically like a pair of pliers - (squeeze to operate) but with interchangeable bits on the jaws.  There is a toothed piston (the punch) and the shaft it mates with.  The little tooth on the piston is the best part -- when you insert the lame into the jaws, you can slide it around a bit until the tooth catches in that divot from the metal punch.  Presto!  Perfectly centered, every time!