Center punches
The center punch is a machinist’s tool that the woodworker
occasionally finds useful for marking hole locations in metal and
wood. The simplest model is a hardened steel punch, much like a
pointed nall set, which is tapped with a hammer to creat a dimple
preparatory to drilling.
An automatic center punch has an internal trip spring that is
released by pushing down the top of the punch. To regulate the force
of the blow you turn the cap to adjust the spring pressure.
Center punches are available at your local hardware store and
through industrial supply catalogs.