Posted by
Easy WoodCraft on
Jan 11, 2016
The awl has historically been used to create starter holes in wood for brads and nails, and to create starting points for drill bits. The most common type of awl is the scratch awl. As you can see, the size and length of the awl can vary greatly, but each has a cylindrical shaft that tapers to a point. Another type of awl (
not shown here) that's very hard to find anymore is a brad awl. The tip of this awl comes to a chisel point, much like screwdriver. A brad awl was used in the past to create starter holes in tougher hardwoods, where the grain would often deflect a scratch awl. The chisel point of the brad awl was aligned with the grain at the mark, then pushed in and twisted to cut a small hole. These have been superseded by
the center-punch.
Marking Hole Locations
In my shop, I frequently use an awl as a center-punch to mark hole locations. An awl is especially useful when marking holes using a template. That's because the thin tapered shank can pass through the holes in a template, where the blunt tip of a center-punch can't get through.
Basic Grip
To use an awl as a
center-punch or to create starter holes for nails or brads, nestle the handle of the awl in the palm of your hand as shown in the bottom photo, and then wrap your fingers around the handle. This grip positions the awl in line with your forearm so you'll transfer maximum thrust into the work-piece.
Wobble if Necessary
If you do use an awl in place of a
center-punch, you may or may not 'want to wobble the awl—it all depends on the drill bit you're using. If it's a brad-point bit, or a Forstner bit, a single thrust into the wood will do. However, when using a twist bit, I've found that if I enlarge the hole by wobbling the awl, the tip of the bit will have less tendency to wander.
As a Holder
But an awl can be used for much more than marking starter holes. It's also useful as a holder or a "third hand," and as a marking tool. I often use an awl as an all-purpose holder to temporarily fasten thin materials together, or as the pivot point when scribing a long, graceful arc with a thin strip of wood and a pencil. An awl is equally effective as a "third hand" when you're working by yourself with long boards or with anything greater than your arm span: Just secure the end of a tape measure or chalk line to a work-piece with an awl, and then stretch it to the opposite end to measure or snap a line.
Marking
I've known quite a few woodworkers who prefer a sharp awl to a pencil. The thin, tapered blades of awls make them particularly useful for reaching into tight quarters, such as when marking pins for dovetails. You can use one in lieu of a marking knife; just make sure to keep the point razor-sharp, as it will tend to tear wood fibers instead of cutting them like a knife.
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