The 9 Best Metal Stamping Kits
Updated by · How we research
Nine metal stamping kits and punch sets compared on letter size, steel and what comes in the box. The DkOvn 74-Piece Kit is our pick for beginners. When users buy our independently chosen editorial choices, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
Letter punches are only half of metal stamping. Without a steel bench block under the blank, a firm strike still leaves a faint, uneven letter, and jewelry-size punches look lost on a dog tag. Here are complete starter kits, plain punch sets and gift boxes for crafters stamping names, dates and initials on jewelry, tags and leather.
Editor's Notes
October 27, 2026, by Ezvid Wiki Editors:
A box of letter punches doesn't do much without a bench block and a hammer, so the new top pick is a complete kit: the DkOvn 74-Piece Kit, with capitals, lowercase, a jig, a block and a hammer. The OWDEN 6mm Set is the punch set to get for pet tags and keys, and the HORUSDY 3mm Set stays as the cheap way in. We kept the ImpressArt Bridgette, the STMT Hand Stamped kit and the WKSTOOL Heavy Duty Set, which used to carry the Wokesi name. New are the OWDEN 167-Piece Kit, the NEIKO 02629A for tiny lettering and a wood-boxed set with bigger letters for leather.
We dropped the Tekton 6610 and the ImpressArt jewelry kit because neither can be bought now, and the RMP Handwritten listing now sells a different calligraphic set. The Coral Cactus set overlapped the 3mm sets we kept, the Cousin Stamp & Go is one holder with swappable bits, and the PandaHall pack is blank tags rather than a kit.
Nobody has lab-tested hand-stamping sets, so we weighed makers' steel and hardness claims, what each box contains, stamping guidance from ImpressArt and Pryor, and the problem owners raise most often, which is buying the wrong letter size.
Earlier notes
November 19, 2020, by Edmund Dawson:
After reevaluating this selection, we kept the durable Wokesi Tool High Hardness Set for it's reliability, and added the similar-looking and equally tough Horusdy ABCD as well, just to give a little choice.
We omitted the RMP set that used lowercase letters and just kept the uppercase RMP Handwritten, as it wasn't necessary to include both, and used the freed-up space to include the Cousin DIY Stamp & Go, a compact set that beginners will find affordable, portable, and safer on the fingers than most sets thanks to the long driver tool that's included.
We removed the two ImpressArt kits in favor of the more popular and affordable ImpressArt Jewelry Making, which includes everything you need to get started and is one of only three items on the list to feature a handy little bench block, so you don't need to bash chunks out of your wooden desk or kitchen table.
We included the comprehensive 63-piece ImpressArt Punch Set for those that need both upper and lowercase letters, and as the list didn't previously offer any extra blank tags, we offered the 120-piece PandaHall Elite to keep even the most prolific hobbyists occupied for a while.
October 11, 2019, by Melissa Harr:
Just like a leather working kit, a metal stamping kit is an excellent way to try out a new hobby or expand your collection of arts and crafts tools. For those who are just starting out, the Romazone Jewelry, RMP Calligraphic Uppercase, or RMP Handwritten might be a good way to go. They aren't cheap, exactly, but they offer plenty of value for the cost. Note that the RMP Handwritten is a lowercase set, and the font feels quite informal, so it's perhaps not for "fancier" designs (although we recognize that this is rather subjective). For those who want to give metal stamping a try, but who don't have lavish funds available, we added the Horizon Group STMT DIY. It's a craft kit that teens or adults can enjoy — but it has small pieces, so you'll need to keep it away from young children.
Finally, we elected to keep the Coral Cactus set, even though some of the letters are meant to be used interchangeably (the W is the M, and so on). This could be problematic for those who are strict about fonts. Also, the logo on the side of each is not designed for orienting the stamp; you'll want to pay careful attention regarding placement.
Special Honors
Infinity Stamps This family-owned U.S. stamp maker cuts custom alphabet and number sets, including fonts drawn from your own handwriting, and sells stock steel type in four sizes with holders. A custom alphabet costs many times what a budget set does, so it suits jewelry businesses and makers who want a signature look. infinitystamps.com
Choose The Letter Size First
Most stamping sets come in one character size, and that size decides what the set is good for.
Most stamping sets come in one character size, and that size decides what the set is good for. The smallest common size, 1.5 millimeters (1/16 inch), fits ring bands and narrow cuffs. Three millimeters (1/8 inch) is the usual jewelry size for pendants, bracelets and charms. Six millimeters (1/4 inch) reads well on pet tags, key tags and leather, and 8 millimeters (5/16 inch) and up suits wood, tools and belts. Specialty makers such as Infinity Stamps sell steel type in 1/16, 1/8, 1/4 and 3/8 inch for the same reason.
Bigger letters need a bigger blank and a harder blow, because more steel has to push into the metal. Small letters show every wobble, so a jig or a strip of tape matters more at 1.5 and 3 millimeters. Many budget sets skip the 9 to save a punch, and you turn the 6 upside down instead. Most sets are capitals only, so check the contents if you want a name in mixed case.
Ordering the wrong size is a common complaint. Sellers often list four or more sizes on one page, and the photos look alike. Measure the space on your blank, count the letters and spaces, and pick the size that fits before you order.
The Block, The Hammer And A Steady Hand
The punches are only part of the job. Pryor Technology's beginners guide to stamping metal lists the rest: metal blanks, a flat-faced hammer, a steel bench block, masking tape to hold the blank and mark a straight line, and a holder that keeps fingers away from the hammer. The steel block matters most. On a wooden table, the blow soaks into the wood and letters come out faint and uneven.
ImpressArt, which makes jewelry stamps, tells buyers of its Bridgette set to use a flat brass-head hammer and a steel bench block on a level, stable table (ImpressArt). Its stamps ship oiled against rust, so wipe them dry first. Hold the punch straight up and down and strike once, firmly. Pryor notes that a deep mark can take more than one strike and suggests practicing on scrap first. If the punch shifts between blows, you get a doubled letter, so keep it still.
Complete kits bundle the block, a hammer and often a jig. Punch-only sets cost less, but add a block and hammer to the bill if you don't own them. Wear safety glasses, since hardened steel can chip when it's struck hard, and work on a sturdy bench rather than a folding table.
Which Metals Work, And Rules For Selling
Aluminum is the cheapest and softest blank and the best place to start. Pewter, copper, brass and nickel silver take more force but stamp cleanly with a good hammer. ImpressArt rates its Bridgette punches for those soft metals and for wood, and says not to use them on stainless steel. Stainless is far harder. Sets sold as able to mark it still need a heavy hammer, a taped-down blank and practice, so save it for later.
If you sell what you make, two U.S. rules apply. The Federal Trade Commission's jewelry guides say a piece can be called sterling only if it is at least 925 parts per thousand silver, and silver-plated pieces can't be marked sterling (16 CFR 23.5). For children's jewelry, the Consumer Product Safety Commission limits lead to 100 parts per million in any part a child can reach (CPSC), so buy blanks from suppliers who state the alloy.
Never use letter punches to change or re-stamp a serial number on a firearm, a vehicle part or anything else that carries a legally required marking.
How we researched this
We compared 22 metal stamping kits and punch sets, read the makers' specifications and stamping instructions for the 9 finalists, looked for patterns in owner feedback, reviewed federal rules on sterling marks and lead in children's jewelry, and checked the brands against the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's recall database. Steel hardness figures are the makers' own claims.
Frequently asked questions
What size metal stamps should I buy?
Three millimeters (1/8 inch) is the standard for pendants, bracelets and charms. Choose 6 millimeters (1/4 inch) for pet tags, keys and leather, and 1.5 millimeters for ring bands. Measure your blank and count the letters first.
Do I need a bench block for metal stamping?
Yes. A steel bench block gives the blow something solid to push against. On wood or a padded table, letters come out faint and uneven. Many complete kits include one.
What kind of hammer works for metal stamping?
A flat-faced hammer that feels comfortable and suits the metal. ImpressArt recommends a flat brass-head hammer for its jewelry stamps. Harder metals need a heavier hammer.
Can I stamp stainless steel with a beginner set?
It's hard. Stainless needs hardened punches, a heavy hammer and a taped-down blank, and some makers, including ImpressArt for its Bridgette set, say not to try it. Start with aluminum, copper or brass.
Why is there no 9 in my stamp set?
Many sets leave out the 9 to save a punch. Turn the 6 upside down and it stamps a 9.
Can I sell hand-stamped jewelry?
Yes, but in the U.S. call a piece sterling only if it is at least 92.5 percent silver, and keep lead under 100 parts per million in children's jewelry.
