Abstract: A die punch includes a shank configured to operably engage a tool holder on a die, and a tip extending from the shank, the tip being configured to punch a hole in sheet material. A conductor extends from the shank to the tip along a longitudinally extending passageway in the punch. The conductor is insulated from the shank but electrically connected to said tip at one end by a bridge so that an electrical circuit is defined from the conductor through the bridge and tip to the shank. A first electrical contact is connected to the trailing end of the conductor and insulated from the shank, and a second contact is secured to the shank, either on the side or the end of the shank. The punch holder includes a pair of corresponding contacts so that the punch is electrically connected to the press control circuitry when the punch is secured in the punch holder. The continuity of the electrical circuit is continuously monitored to determine if the tip of the punch has been broken.