Awls & Bradawls

Awls and bradawls mark and start holes in wood, leather and plastics.  They help guide screws and nails, reducing the risk of splitting.  Some awls include square points for marking mortises and hinge recesses.

What are awls and bradawls used for?
Awls and bradawls are pointed hand tools used for marking, piercing, and starting holes in materials such as wood, leather, and soft metals.

• Bradawls are mainly used in woodworking to create starter holes for screws or nails, preventing wood from splitting

• Scratch awls are used to scribe lines, mark layouts, or pierce soft materials

• Saddler’s or stitching awls are used in leatherwork to create holes for stitching

What is the difference between an awl and a bradawl?

• A bradawl has a flat, chisel-like tip that is twisted into wood to displace the fibres and create a clean hole

• An awl usually has a sharpened point and is pushed (not twisted) to pierce the surface, making it better for marking or soft materials
  Choose a bradawl for accurate screw starts in wood, and an awl for layout marking or leatherwork.

How do I use an awl or bradawl properly?

• For bradawls, position the flat edge across the wood grain, then push and twist gently to open a clean starter hole

• For scratch awls, press the point along your marking line or spot to create a visible guide

• For leather awls, use consistent pressure to pierce cleanly without tearing the material
  Keep tips sharp and handles secure for safe, accurate, and efficient use.