What is the proper use of a center punch?

The proper use of a center punch is to lightly tap with a hammer, creating a small indentation in the material to prevent the drill bit from wandering during drilling. This indentation centers the drill bit accurately, ensuring that holes are drilled at the desired location.

When drilling into metal or other materials, it is common for the drill bit to slip off the intended mark, particularly on smooth surfaces. By using a center punch to create that initial dimple, you provide a guide that helps stabilize the drill bit, increasing precision and reducing the risk of damaging the workpiece or affecting the hole location. This technique is especially important in applications where accuracy is critical, such as in aviation and structural work.

The other options involve tasks that do not align with the intended purpose of a center punch. For instance, creating large indentations or boring holes implies functions that are not associated with a center punch, while smoothing surfaces pertains more to finishing work rather than preparation for drilling.