Small specimen test techniques are suitable for assessing the current mechanical properties of in-service components using small volume samples compared to conventional tests. Small punch test is a reliable test method for predicting the post-yield response. The effect of lubrication of the punch-specimen interface on the load–displacement response and strain distribution in the specimen is presented here. Lubricating the punch-specimen interface reduces the ultimate load and also moves the failure site closer to the pole of the punch. It is found that the loading slope changes as a function of displacement. However, its effect on the plastic properties like strength coefficient and strain hardening exponent was considerably less (~6 % with respect to dry condition). Interrupted tests were conducted at different fractions of ultimate load which revealed that the peak strain was greater in dry condition than the lubricated case. © 2015, The Indian Institute of Metals - IIM.