20+ Best Awl Tool In 2025: From Leather to Wood, Tailoring, Crafting & Bookbinding

What are some popular brands that make high-quality awls? Top brands like  C.S. Osborne, Stanley, Klein Tools, Narex, and WUTA deliver top quality and value.

We’ll help you pick the right awl for leatherworking, woodworking, Crafting, Bookbinding or more.

This guide covers the best awls, with expert picks and honest reviews to help you choose a durable, user-friendly awl.

Join our community for tips, updates, and a free PDF guide. Let’s find your ideal awl for 2025.

Best Awl tools Short lists by job categories: 

1. Awl Tool Kit for Beginners
2. Best awl tool for Woodworking
3. Best awl tool for leatherworking
4. Best awl tool for Bookbinding 
5. Best awl tool for Tailoring
6. Best awl tool for Crafting
7. Unique Applications (Carpet, Plastic, Bone)

Best Awl Tools by Craft Category

Let’s explore the best awl tools for each craft, with top picks and tips to get you started.

Best Awl Tool Kit for Beginners

About this item:

• Material: Synthetic
• Brand: Speedy Stitcher
• Package Information: Tube
• Included Components: Sewing Awl
• Care instructions: Hand Wash

USA-Made Sewing Machine, Best for Leatherwork and DIY Projects. This automatic sewing machine is the ideal companion for your leather repairs and DIY projects.

With multiple needles and threads, it makes a variety of sewing tasks easy. Being made in the USA, it ensures durability and high performance. This is a reliable and widely used sewing machine.

About this item:

• Package Dimensions: 8.31 x 1.46 x 1.46 inches
• Item Weight: 3.4 ounces
• It Contains 2 needles, 1 wrench,3 thread colors.

This high-quality automatic sewing owl is incredibly effective for leather and canvas repairs. Its aluminum alloy body and comfortable ebony handle ensure long-lasting use. With a variety of needles and three colors of waxed thread in the kit, it is suitable for all your projects.

According to one reviewer, it has become more efficient with a small change, making sewing a pleasure. This sewing owl is able to sew much faster than conventional models. This product is the best value for money, widely praised for its quality and extra thread.

About this item

• Material: Metal
• Brand: Speedy Stitcher
• Package Information: Bag
• Included Components: Straight Needle, Curved Needle, Threaded Bobbin

Versatile Repair Kit: Best kit for Tents, Leatherwork and DIY Projects

This compact repair kit is ideal for repairing tents, backpacks, sleeping bags, furniture and leather goods. It includes 25 meters of waxed thread with one straight and one curved needle. The piercing needle and thread are conveniently stored inside the wooden handle.

The sharp and easily replaceable needles make your repair work extremely easy. It is especially suitable for beginners, and has proven effective even on thick leather. Its traditional design is equally relevant and ingenious today. You can watch the YouTube video to learn how to use it.

Best awl tool for Woodworking

About this item

• Highly Rated: 100K+ customers rate items from this brand highly
• Trending: 100K+ orders for this brand in past 3 months
• Low Returns: Customers usually keep items from this brand

• Material: Wood
• Brand: General Tools
• Batteries Required?: ‎No

Which awls are good for woodworking? The General Tools Scratch Awl is ideal for soft materials, making screw holes, and layout work. It creates a sharp starting point, which prevents tools from slipping and damaging the structure.

To draw lines, mark with a pencil and make notches along a straight edge. To make holes, use a punch to mark the location, then drill.

This awl has a total length of 6.5″ and a 3.5″ blade, which helps create deep marks. Our goal is to provide affordable, reliable tools for crafters and DIYers in the USA.

According to one user, it is extremely sharp and saves a lot of elbow grease for attaching crochet hooks. Its rounded wooden handle is comfortable to use.

This well-made scratch awl perfectly completes all your marking and pre-drilling tasks. Made by a Czech firm, this tool has a beautiful beech handle and a high-carbon tool steel blade (3.5 inches), which ensures long-lasting performance. Although slightly blunter than the one shown in the picture, it is very effective.

The flat design of the handle prevents rotation, resulting in a comfortable grip while working. It works especially well with hardwood. The 2.5 inch (1.5 inch diameter) handle is comfortable in the hand. Its durability and quality make it a reliable and high-quality addition to your toolbox, offering the best value.

Best Awl Tool for Leatherworking

What are some good awl set for leatherworking? your search end here check this awl tool kit.

About this item

• Material: leather tools
• Brand: MORFEN
• Package Information: Tube
• Easy to Use & Great for DIY

I am so happy to have found this product at a much lower price than my local store! This is a great value product. It works great for repairing leather furniture that my dog ​​has damaged. Its cutting ability is excellent and it is very good quality.

It is cheaper than what is available locally. I have used it on my sofa, chair and camper sofa that were damaged by my dog. It will help save your furniture.

About this item

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Brand: ELKSKIER
• Point Type: Sharp
• Recommended Uses For Product: Sewing
• Item Length: 4.5 Inches

The high-quality steel cone head of this awl is extremely sturdy. The smooth wooden handle makes it comfortable to use. Its sharp and precise design is ideal for piercing, marking and breaking.

It is essential for leatherworking, carpentry, shoemaking and the garment industry. Users have praised its versatility, using it for leather crafts and inserting wicks into candles. Strong and versatile, this awl is the best for your work.

Best Awl Tool for Bookbinding

About this item

• Large bookbinding needles
• Ecru flat waxed thread
• Bone folder and paper creaser kit
• Bookbinding tools set

This essential tool set for beginners learning bookbinding offers great value and quality. It is sturdy, easy to use, and perfect for journaling.

The sharp awl and hole punch are a hit with users, and the quality of the thread is also appreciated. This kit will give you the joy of learning ancient bookbinding techniques.

Product information

• Material: Wood
• Color: pure
• Brand: SCITROFACTORY
• Hole Count: 30

This premium bookbinding punching cradle makes your paper work easier. Made of smooth bamboo, it is durable and comfortable.

Its guides have evenly spaced holes, ensuring clean and accurate punches every time, without the risk of page warping.

Whether you are hand binding books or creating notebooks in your preferred style, this cradle makes the process easy.

The sturdy bamboo construction punches through stacks of paper with ease and is gentle on the hand. It is a practical bookbinding tool that helps punch paper in a consistent, organized way.

Best Awl Tool for Tailoring

About this item

• Brand: PLANTIONAL
• Heavy Duty Sewing Kit
• Various Sewing Leather Needles
• Basic Upholstery Repair Kit
• Leather Sewing Accessories
• Wide Range of Uses

This 32-piece leather sewing kit offers great value for money. It includes 32 needles, 10 rolls of heavy-duty thread (30m each), awl, tape, scissors, and thimbles.

Customers praise its strong needles and sturdy thread assortment, especially the availability of a variety of colors. It’s great for sofa repairs. Its compact size and ease of use make it ideal for quick sewing jobs.

Top Brand: Clover

• Highly Rated: 100K+ customers rate items from this brand highly
• Trending: 100K+ orders for this brand in past 3 months
• Low Returns: Customers usually keep items from this brand

The Tailor’s Owl is a versatile sewing tool. It’s great for a variety of sewing tasks, including sewing flannel blankets and hemstitching. Customers praise its sharp tip, ability to make precise holes, and sturdy construction.

It’s comfortable to hold and easy to use, even for freeform fiber art. Its protective case makes it easy to carry and store, keeping it safe in your craft bag. It’s a high-quality and reliable tool.

Best Awl Tool for Crafting

About this item

• Practical Package
• Rich Colors of Threads
• Useful Tools
• Easy to Operate
• Multiple Usage

This 12-piece leather sewing kit makes your crafting easier. It includes a hand stitcher, 3 sizes of needles, and 8 colors of waxed thread. Its thoughtful design (wooden handle, 2.11 ounces weight) ensures comfort even during long sewing sessions.

The secure locking needles and sturdy screw design prevent needles from falling or loosening, making it safe to carry in your bag. It is an ideal and reliable tool set for leather and heavy fabrics.

About this item

• Durable Construction
• Professional Upgrade
• Perfect Design
• Ergonomic Design
• Multipurpose
• Brand: WUTA

Size: 132mm long (not including needle), thick needle diameter 2mm, thin needle diameter 1.5mm (no matter the needle is thick or thin, it has an effect similar to an awl, and is thicker than common sewing needles)

Scope of application: used for leather goods, saddlery, canvas, shoes, book sewing, and more.

Usage: The lock stitch is like a sewing machine. It can be powerful when holding the wooden handle. The hand sewing machine can achieve fast sewing.

It can not only be used on ordinary leather, thick canvas and heavy leather, DIY sewing books, Leather items, etc. can be sewn.

Best Awl Tool for Paperwork and Paper Embroidery

Product information

• Material: Polyester
• Brand: Goiio
• Package Information: Tube
• Included Components: Thread
• Unit Count: 11.0 Count

About this item

• Quantity
• Large bookbinding needles
• Ecru flat waxed thread
• Bone folder and paper creaser kit
• Bookbinding tools set

Our bookbinding kit is a great starter set, combining impressive quality and great value. It has sturdy and easy-to-use tools perfect for journaling.

The sharp awl and hole punch will make your work more perfect, and the thread also works wonderfully. While you may expect a beautiful folding press, it is sure to help you push your creativity forward.

Product information

• Material: Plastic
• Brand: JUPEAN
• Included Components: Scissors, Finger cots, Thimble, Thread

About this item

• Bookbinding Tools Set Includes
• Flexible and Useful
• Premium Bone Folder
• Scoring Tool Advantage
• Wide Application

This waxed thread ensures even wax and strength in your project, which remains intact even under heavy tension. In addition, the bone folder works great not only for folding and rounding, but also for smoothing out rough corners.

The strong binding tape keeps your paper securely attached, which will give your work a professional look.

Best Awl Tool for Metalworking

About this item

• SET Marking Tool Set
• Multi-Use
• Bit Storage
• Durable
• Brand: General Tools

The General Tools Carbide Scriber and Awl Set is a must-have addition to any woodworking tools and accessories. This versatile set marks steel, glass, ceramics, and wood and has three interchangeable tips, with a handy storage space for other bits in the handle.

It’s fabricated from carbide alloy and is resistant to heat, scratches, pitting, and rust. The shank has a chrome and black oxide finish, measures 4-3/4″ L, and comes in a protective case for safe and easy storage.

About this item

• Style: Carded
• Brand: Dasco Pro
• Ink Color: Black
• Age Range (Description): Adult
• Material: High Carbon Steel

• One-Piece Drop Forged Construction: 7″ (178 mm) design ensures superior strength and durability for tough tasks.

• Versatile Tool: Perfect for marking, scribing, and starting holes in a variety of materials with precision.

• Professional and DIY Ready: Ideal for both professionals and do-it-yourself enthusiasts seeking reliable performance.

• Exceptional Durability: Built to last with robust materials for consistent use in demanding projects.

• Made in the USA: Crafted with global materials for reliable quality and superior craftsmanship.

Best Awl Tool for Unique Applications

Best Awl Tool for Carpet

This heavy-duty carpet awl is made of high carbon steel and is designed for professional carpet repair. The 6-1/4-inch length and the fact that it extends through the plastic handle make it easy to use, even when hammering. It is a reliable tool for fixing damaged areas in carpets.

This carpet awl from Gundlach is another excellent option for carpet repair. It is made of durable metal and is designed to help you remove stains and burns from carpets. The kit includes four blades and a pivot pin, providing everything you need for various repair tasks.

Best Awl Tool for Plastic

This professional-grade scratch awl is made in the USA and is designed for a variety of piercing and punching jobs, including plastic repair.

The rigid, chrome-plated, heat-treated, tempered-steel shank provides extra strength, and the cushion-grip handle ensures comfort during use. It is a durable and reliable tool for your repair needs.

Best Bone Awl Tool

About this item

• Material: Bone, Horn
• Brand: SAVINA
• Point Type: Blunt

• Beautiful and Convenient Big Eyes Needle
• Convenient to Use
• Note: The horn may flex under high temperatures.

What materials are these needles made from? The Black needle is made from Horn and the White one is from Bone. Both of them are crafted by skilled artisans.

Does this product come with a storage case? The two Specialized Awl Tools in 2025o needles will arrive at your home in a Savina paper box, you can use this as a storage solution or just put them in your crafting box.

Specialized Awl Tools in 2025

Best Curved Awl Tool

About this item

• Material: Carbon Steel
• Brand: WORKPRO
• Handle Material: Rubber
• Number of Pieces: 9

Set includes:

• 45, ​90, 135, 180, degrees small hook
• 45, 90, 135 and 180 degrees large hook
• 1” flat shovel

Shaft: Made of heat treated carbon steel for durable strength.

Handle: Ergonomic, non-slip rubber handle provides comfortable grip and precise control to help with your precise work.

Multipurpose: Widely used in automotive and electrical work for removing gaskets, springs, oil seals, O-rings, and other small gadgets.

Best Diamond Awl Tools

This is a big upgrade from an entry level awl. I sharpened it initially, and it’s been plugging away ever since. I find it especially good after I’ve glued up along the stitch line, and it cuts right through with ease.

Just to keep all my blood inside, I use a large cork on the back side when I’m punching 2 or more layers of 10 ounce, like a sheath or wet molded cases. This awl has a good grip, and is pretty easy to control and index, for consistent stitches.

Best Hole Punching Tool Awl

About this item

• Material: Alloy Steel
• Brand: XOOL
• Multi-function
• High Quality and Safety
• Ergonomics Design
• Convenient Storage

If you compare it to the cheaper option, it’s about the same. The only difference is this can have the cut plates replaced. So in theory you’d get 4 of the cheap ones at only half the price by buying this instead .

This feels a lot more sturdy overall, being able to replace parts and sharpen the punches is always a better option. Spend the extra bit and get this one.

Best Pocket Awl

About this item

• Retractable Scribe with Red Barrel Excel Tools.
• Made in the USA. Intended for ages 14 and up.
• Fine point retractable awl / scribe from Excel with 0.090 inch protruding stock (22.8mm).
• Use for making holes or scribing on wood, leather, plastics, rubber, metals, fabrics and vinyl.
• Red barrel tool has a pocket clip and textured grip.

Designed for the modern craftsman, this is the best awl sewing tool for car wrappers, cake decorators and with your cricut vinyl project. Recommended applications for this tool include work with leather, paper, wood, plastic, vinyl, and fondant.

Best Square Awl

About this item

• Handle Material: Beech Wood
• Blade Edge: Bevel
• Blade Material: High Carbon Steel
• Manufacturer: Narex

• Made by a small tool manufacturer in the Czech Republic
• Has a beautifully turned stained beech handle with steel ferrule, 2 1/2″ long x 1 1/2″ in diameter
• High carbon tool steel blade. Blade length is 3 1/2″,
• Ideal for pre-marking for screws and general layout work
• In 2008 FWW earned Author’s Choice for Best Value in the western style bench chisel category.

Best Shoemaker’s Awl

About this item

• Material: Nylon, Metal, Copper
• Brand: WILLBOND
• Package Information: Bag or Pouch
• Included Components: Thimble, Thread

Perfect for beginners to intermediate. The kit comes with several colors of thread which is a HUGE bonus, and for the same price as a stitcher alone.

The needle assortment is good, but has like 3 hook pulls that are all the same as far as I can tell. I’m basically only using the thread-able needle.

There handle is small, so it may be difficult if you have large hands or arthritis but that also makes it easy to store. It’s very well constructed. Machined brass or whatever. It will last a lifetime.

All Awl Tool Comparison

Each tool is evaluated based on rating, best use, and unique features to help you choose the right awl for your craft.

Awl Tool	Rating	Best For	Unique Features
Speedy Stitcher Sewing Awl Kit	4.6	Beginners	USA-made, includes multiple needles and waxed thread, ideal for quick leather repairs
WUTA Leather Stitching Awl	4.7	Leatherworking	Ebony handle for comfort, precise for detailed leatherwork, great for chrome tan leather
Narex Scratch Awl	4.6	Woodworking	High-carbon steel blade, beech handle prevents rolling, perfect for hardwood marking
Goiio Bookbinding Kit	4.7	Bookbinding	Includes awl and waxed thread, ideal for coptic binding and journaling
Clover Straight Tailors Awl (485/W)	4.5	Tailoring	Lightweight, sharp tip for precise fabric piercing, great for denim repair
WUTA Repair Stitch Kit	4.6	Crafting	Zinc alloy construction, titanium-plated needles, versatile for leather and canvas
Goiio 19 Pieces Bookbinding Kit	4.7	Paper Embroidery	Sharp awl and large-eye needles, perfect for paper embroidery and crafting
General Tools Carbide Scriber and Awl Set	4.8	Metalworking	Carbide tips for durability, interchangeable tips for marking steel and ceramics
Crain 6.25-Inch Carpet Awl	4.5	Unique Applications (Carpet)	High-carbon steel, extends through handle for hammering, ideal for carpet repair
Klein Tools Cushion-Grip Scratch Awl 650	4.8	Unique Applications (Plastic)	Chrome-plated steel shank, cushion-grip handle, durable for plastic piercing
Savina Nalbinding Needle Bone & Horn	4.6	Unique Applications (Bone)	Handmade bone and horn needles, large two-eyed design for weaving and stitching

What Is an Awl Tool and Why It Matters

An awl is a small, pointed tool with a sharp metal tip and a handle, often wood or plastic. What is the purpose of an awl tool? It pierces or marks leather, wood, or fabric. 

What were awls used for? Historically, awls helped with shoemaking, leatherworking, and bookbinding. Who uses an awl to work? Awls are currently used by carpenters, tailors, and bookbinders for specific tasks.

Why Awl Tool Matters:

Versatility: Awls are valuable in a variety of crafts and trades in New Mexico, the most common of which are leatherworking, tailoring, woodworking, and shoemaking.

Precision: This tool makes it easy to make perfect holes for things like nails, woodworking, or sewing, without damaging the surrounding area.

Marking and Scribing: For marking and scribing, these awl tools are very important if you have metalworking and woodworking-related projects. This handy tool can easily make accurate marks and scratch lines, this tool makes it simple and makes your cutting and sawing more easy.

Sewing and stitching: A sewing awl is an essential tool for strong stitching. It is a hand-sewing tool that creates particularly strong and durable stitches. It is the perfect tool for easily sewing thick fabrics or leather.

Survival and Repair: It is not only useful for repairing clothes or tools but also very useful in emergencies. With its help, you can easily and quickly make strong stitches. This awl is also very important for emergency tasks like starting a fire or making things necessary for survival.

Foundation for Other Tools: It creates pilot holes for screws, nails, or drill bits, increasing accuracy and preventing wood splitting. This easy-to-use tool makes woodworking stronger and safer.

The awl is a simple but essential tool that has been used throughout history. It has versatile uses, making the work of craftsmen easier.

Choosing the Right Awl Tool for Your Craft

Picking the best awl tool depends on your project and skill level. Here’s what to consider when Choosing for an awl tool:

• Blade Material: High-carbon steel or stainless steel for durability.
• Handle: Ergonomic designs for comfort during long sessions.
• Tip Type: Diamond for leather, round for general use, square for woodworking.
• Price: Budget-friendly for beginners, premium for pros.

Which awl tool features are most important for professional use? Pros need sharp, durable blades and sturdy handles for repetitive tasks. For awl tools for beginners? look for affordable, versatile options with easy-to-use designs. 

Is this tool easy to use for beginners? Yes, especially with kits that include instructions. Top brands like C.S. Osborne, Stanley Tools, and Klein Tools offer great value for money, balancing quality and price.

Awl Tool Technique

Below is detailed information about the technique of the awl tool:

Techniques for using an awl

• Proper gripping: Hold the handle of the awl firmly, but do not apply to much pressure. Keep the handle steady in the palm of your hand and control it with your fingers.
• Piercing technique: Place the tip of the awl correctly on the material. Apply slow and controlled pressure. Excessive force can damage the material. Keep the awl straight while piercing, so that the hole is the correct size.

• For sewing on leather: To make holes for sewing, first make marks on the leather at the desired distance, for example, with a wheel or ruler. Pierce the holes with the awl at the marked places. Using a stitching awl makes it easier to sew with thread. It is important to make the holes evenly spaced and neatly.

• Making marks on wood or metal: Use a scratch awl to make marks on wood or metal, which will later serve as a guide for drilling or cutting. Make the marks with light pressure, so as not to damage the surface of the material.

• Safety precautions: Be careful of the sharp tip of the awl. During use, injury to hands or other parts of the body may occur. Use a hard surface or cutting mat while working. Store the owl in a safe place after use.

Awl Tool Alternative

Sometimes if you do not have an awl or want to use something different, an alternative tool can be used. 

Now we will learn about alternatives for awl tools.

Alternative tools to the awl tool

Below are some easily available and effective alternative awl tools:

1. Needle: Easily available, inexpensive, and suitable for small jobs.

2. Drill Bit: Makes quick and precise holes.

3. Push Pin/Thumbtack: Easily available and effective for small jobs.

4. Nail: Available in every home and easy to use.

5. Punch Tool: Creates professional quality holes.

Alternative usage warnings

• Safety: Be careful when using sharp tools. Gloves will keep you safe.
• Choosing the right tool: Choose the option according to the type of material. For example, a needle or punch is better for leather and a drill or nail for wood.
• Quality control: The quality of the hole may vary slightly with alternative tools compared to an awl.

Needles, drill bits, push pins, nails, or punch tools can be used as alternatives to an awl tool. 

These are easily available and effective on a variety of materials. It’s very important to work according to the right technique and safety.

How to Make an Awl Tool in 4 Steps

The essential components laid out for making a custom awl tool, demonstrating the first steps in a DIY tool-making process.

To make an awl tool for the first time is a great project because it is very easy to do and this tool is very helpful if you have it in your shop.

To make it, you will need some materials and tools, there are many ways to make it.

Among them, I will talk about the easiest way.

Step 1: What You’ll Need

Materials

I used a block of walnut wood for the handle and a large nail or something sharp, I used stainless steel. 1/2 inch copper piping for the ferrule (not necessary) and Epoxy.

Tools needed to make the owl tool:

• Lathe / Chisel and sander for the handle shape.
• Drill + Drill Bit
• File for sharpening the nails.
• Pipe cutter hacksaw or dremel. (You can use anything else to cut the nails).

Step 2: Method

• Shape the Handle: Start by shaping the handle first. Use a lathe, chisel, spokeshave, or sander. These tools make it easy to create.

• Add a Ferrule (Optional): If adding a Ferrule to your awl tool, shape one end to fit 1/2-inch copper tubing. A lathe works best for this.

• Choose Handle Shape: Make the handle short and chubby, long and slender, or in between. Pick based on your preference and available wood.

• Drill the Hole: Find a drill bit matching the size of your stainless steel nail. Mark the center of the handle’s end (or ferrule). Drill halfway through the handle.

Step 3: The Blade & Assembly

• Blade Making: Measure the length of the blade. Cut the nail to the correct size, considering the depth of the hole in the handle.
• Sharpen the nail: Sharpen the tip of the nail using a file.
• Cut the ferrule: Measure the length of the copper ferrule and cut it.
• Assembly: Mix epoxy glue and apply the nail and ferrule to the handle.
• Drying and Finishing: Let the glue dry. Sand the sharp corners smooth. Finish by applying wax polish or oil to the handle. Your new all-purpose tool is ready!

Step 4: Conclusion – Watch the Video

For a detailed guide, watch the video.

How to Use an Awl Tool

Using an awl is easy!

1. Safety: Be careful, the tip is sharp.
2. Hold Firmly: Grip the handle tight.
3. Poke: Place the sharp point on the spot and push.
4. Twist (if needed): If it’s hard, twist as you push.
5. Stitching Awl: For sewing, thread the awl and push through the material. Pull the thread back to make a loop and pass the other thread through. Pull tight for a stitch. Repeat for each stitch.
6. Practice: Try on scrap material first.

What are some safety tips to keep in mind when using an awl?

How to Use an Awl Safely? Wear gloves to protect your hands. Use a cutting mat or soft surface to prevent tip damage. Thread the needle with 6-8 inches of thread. 

Push gently through fabric or leather. Move slowly, the needle is sharp! Store the awl in a holder to avoid accidents.

Awl Tools PDF Download

Want a handy guide? Download our free awl tools PDF download summarizing the best awls for each craft.

Beginner Projects Learning by Doing 

For beginners, using an awl is all about getting comfortable with its feel and how to make consistent holes or marks.

Here are a few simple projects you can try:

1. Practice Punching & Marking

• Use a ruler to guide straight lines with the awl.
• Trace curves like “S” shapes or circles.
• Punch holes at evenly spaced dots along a line.
• Check the back for straight, accurate holes.

2. Leather Projects

• Leather Bookmark DIY USA
• Leather Keychain
• Leather Card Wallet
• Leather Cord Organizer
• Leather Coaster Set

3. Woodworking Projects

• Wooden Coaster Set
• Picture Frame
• Wooden Key Rack
• Cutting Board
• Wooden Pen Holder

Follow us for more projects: YouTube & Facebook.

Tips and Tricks for Awl Tools

what are some safety tips for using an awl? Here are some tips and tricks for using an awl tool effectively:

• Sharpness is key: A sharp awl makes the job easier and prevents damage to your material. Regularly hone or sharpen your awl to maintain its sharpness. You can use a diamond sharpening stone or strop with a polishing compound for this.

• Prevent overheating: Excessive friction during use can weaken the awl. Strop or sharpen briefly before each use to reduce friction and overheating.

• Use a soft surface: When punching or marking, use a soft surface like cork, sponge, or wool underneath your material to protect the awl’s tip from dulling or bending. Speedy Stitchers and other stitching awls can be used for repairs on materials like canvas, leather, and upholstery.

• Clean your awl: Remove any residue from the tip after use. A soft cloth can be used. For stubborn residues, a damp cloth with isopropyl alcohol can help. Apply a thin layer of oil to the metal part of the awl to prevent rust.

• Choose the right awl for the job: Different types of awls are available for different purposes. For example, a scratch awl is great for marking, while a diamond awl is ideal for creating precise stitching holes.

• Practice with scrap material: Before working on your project, practice making holes or marks on scrap material to get a feel for the tool and the pressure needed.

If you want to know more about these tips and tricks then visit our full guideline: Tips & Tricks.

What are Some Common Materials Used to Make Awls?

What materials is he awl made of? Awls can be made from a variety of materials, depending on their intended use and the desired characteristics like durability, sharpness, and comfort. 

Here are some common materials used in awl construction:

1. Blades
   1. Steel
   2. Bone
   3. Steel points embedded in bone or antler
   4. Other materials like: ceramics, obsidian, and plastic.
2. Handles
   1. Wood
   2. Bone or Antler
   3. Other Materials
3. Ferrules
   1. Metal: Ferrules are often made from metal like copper, brass, or stainless steel.

Conclusion

Choosing the best awl tool for 2025 depends on your craft, whether it’s leatherworking, woodworking, tailoring, crafting, or bookbinding. Brands like C.S. Osborne, Stanley, and Klein Tools offer top-quality options for every skill level. 

Explore our recommended products, join our community, and DOWNLOAD OUR FREE PDF GUIDE to start crafting.

FAQs

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Share your leather bookmark or wood project photos in the comments! Which awl worked best? Join our community for tips and a chance to win a free C.S. Osborne awl kit.

Related Articles:

• What Is The Main Purpose Of An Awl? 10 Practical Uses for New Mexicans

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