What does a spring-loaded center punch do?

A spring-loaded center punch is designed specifically to create an initial indentation on surfaces, which is particularly useful for marking points on materials like metal or glass before drilling. Its primary function is to break tempered glass by delivering a concentrated force to create a fracture point. When pressure is applied, the punch springs forward and strikes the surface, often causing it to fracture in a controlled manner. This is crucial in firefighting and rescue operations where access through glass is necessary, as it allows firefighters to effectively gain entry or clear pathways.

The other options involve actions not applicable to a spring-loaded center punch. Drilling holes typically requires a drill or a similar tool, while chiseling wood involves different tools like chisels and mallets. Striking nails is done with hammers rather than a center punch, which is specifically focused on producing impact for marking or breaking surfaces.