Twenty years ago, I stood in a dusty Santa Fe artisan market, clutching my first C.S. Osborne awl, its wooden handle warm and smooth in my palm. That moment sparked my lifelong passion for leatherworking.
Best Awl Tool Shops in Idaho map.
Idaho, with its rugged landscapes and thriving maker culture, is a haven for artisans who value precision tools like awls.
In this guide, I’ve curated the 10 best awl tool shops in Idaho for 2025, each vetted for quality, service, and stock. From Boise to Rexburg, these stores cater to leatherworkers, woodworkers, and hobbyists alike, with many offering nationwide shipping for folks in New Mexico & Oregon.
Let’s dive into Idaho’s finest awl sources, handpicked to help you craft with precision and pride. Find Best Awl Tool in 2025
Table of Contents
10 Best Awl Tool Shops in Idaho
1. Woodcraft of Boise – Boise
- 📍 Address: 3040 S Eckert Rd, Boise, ID 83716
- 📞 Phone: (208) 342-3086
- ✉️ Email: boise@woodcraft.com
- 🔗 Website: woodcraft.com/boise
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–6 pm, Sat 9 am–5 pm, Sun 11 am–4 pm
Why It Stands Out:
Woodcraft of Boise is a woodworker’s paradise, but their awl selection impresses across crafts. With over 25 scratch awls from brands like Wood River, Veritas, and Narex, they cater to precision marking and pilot hole creation.
Every Saturday at 10 am, their free sharpening demo feels like a masterclass—I once watched Kyle, a 15-year veteran, transform a dull stitching awl in minutes. The scent of freshly sanded wood fills the air, and their staff offers quick tips for leatherwork, too.
Customer Review:
“Walked in with a dull stitching awl—walked out razor sharp and free of charge.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, June 2025
Pro Tip: Pair your awl with a sharpening stone for lasting performance.
2. Industrial Hardware & Supply – Boise
- 📍 Address: 115 E 48th St, Boise, ID 83714
- 📞 Phone: (208) 375-5534
- ✉️ Email: sales@industrialhardwareidaho.com
- 🔗 Website: industrialhardwareidaho.com
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 7 am–5 pm, Sat 8 am–2 pm, closed Sun
Why It Stands Out:
For heavy-duty awls built for timber framing or metalwork, Industrial Hardware & Supply delivers. Their Barr awls feel like an extension of your hand, with custom-length handles cut on-site.
I remember ordering a dozen for a community workshop their bulk pricing saved me 15%. The shop’s industrial vibe, with clanging metal and the hum of machinery, screams reliability for ranchers and contractors.
Customer Review:
“Bought 12 Barr awls for our crew—fast quote, even faster delivery.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, July 2025
Pro Tip: Check their bulk discounts for workshop setups.
3. KC Tool – Meridian
- 📍 Address: 2950 E Lanark St, Meridian, ID 83642
- 📞 Phone: (208) 288-3333
- ✉️ Email: info@kctool.com
- 🔗 Website: kctool.com
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm, Sat by appointment
Why It Stands Out:
KC Tool specializes in precision tools, and their Snap-on, Stahlwille, and Wiha scratch awls are perfect for intricate work.
Their live chat answered my question about a Wiha electronics awl in under a minute—ideal for those urgent project needs.
The shop’s clean, modern setup makes browsing a breeze, and same-day pick-up in Meridian is a lifesaver.
Customer Review:
“Needed a tiny Wiha electronics awl—had it in my hand within two hours.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, May 2025
Pro Tip: Use their live chat for quick awl recommendations.
4. Barr Tools Outlet – McCall
- 📍 Address: 301 S 3rd St, McCall, ID 83638
- 📞 Phone: (208) 634-5858
- ✉️ Email: sales@barrtools.com
- 🔗 Website: barrtools.com
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 9 am–4 pm, Sat 10 am–2 pm
Why It Stands Out:
Barr Tools in McCall crafts hand-forged scratch awls right here in Idaho. Watching their smith shape an awl during a Friday 2 pm demo is like stepping back in time the forge’s heat and the hammer’s rhythm are mesmerizing. Their factory seconds rack offers 20–30% savings, perfect for budget-conscious crafters.
Customer Review:
“Watching the smith heat and shape my awl was worth the drive alone.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ TripAdvisor, July 2025
Pro Tip: Grab a factory second for a steal.
5. Idaho Tool & Supply – Idaho Falls
- 📍 Address: 575 N Utah Ave, Idaho Falls, ID 83402
- 📞 Phone: (208) 522-3344
- ✉️ Email: orders@idahotoolsupply.com
- 🔗 Website: idahotoolsupply.com
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5 pm, Sat 8 am–noon
Why It Stands Out:
Idaho Tool & Supply stocks Greenlee and Ideal industrial awls, ideal for heavy-duty tasks. Their same-day shipping across Idaho saved me during a tight bookbinding deadline. The loyalty card offering 5% back on awl purchases is a nice touch for regulars. The shop’s no-nonsense atmosphere and quick service make it a go-to.
Customer Review:
“Ordered online at 8 am—picked up at lunch, no waiting.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, June 2025
Pro Tip: Sign up for their loyalty card to save on repeat buys.
6. The Home Depot – Coeur d’Alene
- 📍 Address: 200 W Kathleen Ave, Coeur d’Alene, ID 83815
- 📞 Phone: (208) 667-8200
- 🔗 Website: homedepot.com/coeurdalene
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat 6 am–10 pm, Sun 8 am–8 pm
Why It Stands Out:
The Home Depot in Coeur d’Alene keeps Husky and Empire scratch awls stocked in Aisle 17. Their curbside pick-up, ready in 30 minutes, is perfect for urgent projects. I once took my son to their free kids’ build clinic, where he used a mini awl to craft a birdhouse—a memory we still cherish.
Customer Review:
“Great stock, friendly staff—my 9-year-old built a birdhouse with a Husky awl.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, July 2025
Pro Tip: Check out their kids’ clinics for family-friendly crafting.
7. Lowe’s – Twin Falls
- 📍 Address: 2465 Addison Ave E, Twin Falls, ID 83301
- 📞 Phone: (208) 733-8700
- 🔗 Website: lowes.com/twinfalls
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Sat 6 am–9 pm, Sun 8 am–8 pm
Why It Stands Out:
Lowe’s in Twin Falls offers Kobalt and Craftsman stitching awls with a price-match guarantee plus 10% extra off. Their wide aisles let you test the handle feel, crucial for long crafting sessions. I swapped a broken awl here without a receipt—hassle-free in two minutes.
Customer Review:
“Returned a broken awl—no receipt, no problem. Exchanged in 2 minutes.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, June 2025
Pro Tip: Test handles in-store for comfort.
8. Ace Hardware – Eagle
- 📍 Address: 74 E State St, Eagle, ID 83616
- 📞 Phone: (208) 939-2200
- ✉️ Email: eagle@acehardware.com
- 🔗 Website: acehardware.com/eagle
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8 am–7 pm, Sat 8 am–6 pm, Sun 9 am–5 pm
Why It Stands Out:
Ace Hardware in Eagle stocks affordable Great Neck and Stanley scratch awls under $5. Their free blade sharpening every Tuesday is a game-changer—I’ve revived old tools here countless times. The pet-friendly vibe, complete with a treat jar, makes shopping a joy.
Customer Review:
“My dog got a biscuit and my awl got a fresh edge—win-win.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, July 2025
Pro Tip: Bring your pup and sharpen your awl on Tuesdays.
9. Western Tool & Fastener – Pocatello
- 📍 Address: 920 N Main St, Pocatello, ID 83204
- 📞 Phone: (208) 232-7555
- ✉️ Email: info@westerntool.net
- 🔗 Website: westerntool.net
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 7:30 am–5 pm, Sat 8 am–noon
Why It Stands Out:
Western Tool & Fastener caters to Idaho’s mining and farming communities with industrial-grade awls. Their staff, retired millwrights, offer unmatched expertise, I learned which awl works best for frozen timber here. Bulk discounts start at just five pieces, ideal for workshops.
Customer Review:
“Old-school knowledge—told me exactly which awl for frozen timber.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, May 2025
Pro Tip: Ask staff for niche awl applications.
10. Mountain West Sales – Rexburg
- 📍 Address: 155 W 2nd S, Rexburg, ID 83440
- 📞 Phone: (208) 356-3651
- ✉️ Email: sales@mountainwestsales.com
- 🔗 Website: mountainwestsales.com
- 🕒 Hours: Mon–Fri 8 am–5 pm, closed Sat–Sun
Why It Stands Out:
Mountain West Sales offers Snap-on precision awls for auto and aircraft work, with a 10% student discount for BYU-Idaho makers. Their USPS flat-rate shipping to rural Idaho towns like Salmon is a lifesaver. I once relied on their quick delivery for a last-minute project.
Customer Review:
“Got my aviation-grade awl shipped to Salmon, ID in two days.” – ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review, June 2025
Pro Tip: Students, bring your BYU-Idaho ID for savings.
How I Chose These Idaho Awl Shops
With two decades of crafting under my belt, I know a good tool shop when I see one. Here’s how I selected these Idaho stores in July 2025:
- Direct Contact: I called or emailed each shop to confirm awl stock and staff expertise.
- High Ratings: Every shop has a Google rating of ≥4.0 with at least 25 reviews.
- Quality Inventory: Each stocks reputable brands like C.S. Osborne, Narex, or Stanley.
- Customer Service: Staff provided clear, friendly answers to my awl-related questions.
FAQs About Awl Tools in Idaho
1. What is the best awl for leatherworking in Idaho?
Barr Tools hand-forged stitching awls are top-rated by Idaho saddle makers.
2. Where can I buy industrial awls in Idaho?
Industrial Hardware & Supply in Boise and Western Tool & Fastener in Pocatello stock heavy-duty options.
3. Do any Idaho shops ship nationwide?
Yes—Barr Tools, KC Tool, and Idaho Tool & Supply ship same-day across the USA.
4. Are there awl sharpening services in Idaho?
Woodcraft Boise sharpens free on Saturdays; Industrial Hardware charges $3 per blade.
5. Which store has the best prices for hobbyists?
Ace Hardware Eagle and Centralia True Value often run under-$5 specials.
6. Can I test an awl before buying?
All brick-and-mortar shops above let you handle tools before purchase.
7. Do Idaho stores offer student discounts?
Mountain West Sales Rexburg gives 10 % off to BYU-Idaho students with ID.
Conclusion: Craft with Confidence in Idaho
Choosing the right awl can transform your projects, whether you’re stitching a leather belt or marking a hardwood panel. These 10 Idaho shops offer quality, expertise, and service to elevate your craft.
As I sit in my Albuquerque workshop, the scent of tanned leather in the air, I’m reminded of why I started AwlTool.com, to help artisans like you find tools that feel like an extension of your hands.
Ready to shop? Visit AwlTool.com for more guides, reviews, and comparisons. What’s your favorite Idaho crafting spot?
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Hi, I’m Nicholas N. Goforth, a New Mexico crafter with 20 years of experience in leatherworking, woodworking, and bookbinding.
Inspired by a Santa Fe market, I turned my passion into AwlTool.com, launched in 2025, to share tutorials and handcrafted goods.
