The Crescent Tools 2245 Scratch Awl was a 7-⅝ in USA-made favorite among carpenters, metal-workers, and leather crafters. Unfortunately, Apex Tool Group discontinued the 2245 in 2023, leaving many users searching for a worthy replacement. This guide supplies exact specs of the original tool and hand-picked alternatives you can buy today.
Crescent Tools 2245 Alternatives:
| Award | Tool | Blade | Price | Link |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Closest Match | Klein 66385 | 3-½” forged steel | \$10.99 | Amazon |
| Heavy-Duty | Klein 650DD | 7″ demo awl | \$17.99 | Amazon |
| Budget Wood | General 818 | 3-½” hardwood | \$9.47 | Amazon |
Table of Contents
Crescent Tools 2245 Scratch Awl Alternatives
Here are excellent alternatives to the Crescent Tools 2245 Scratch Awl, organized by quality level and intended use:
Key Takeaway: Match blade length, choose USA heat-treated steel, and pick a handle you can grip all day. Your new awl will outlast the 2245 and save you trips to the store.
1. Klein Tools 66385 Steel Scratch Awl – Closest Match
- Blade: 3-½” one-piece forged, heat-treated steel
- Handle: Cushion-grip rubber, 7″ OAL
- Pros: 4.7/5 stars, punches 29-gauge metal roofing, stays sharp, $2 cheaper than 2245.
- Cons: Slightly shorter blade (½”).
- Verdict: Drop-in replacement for the 2245, same feel, Made in USA.
2. Klein Tools 650DD Demolition Scratch Awl – Heavy-Duty Upgrade
- Blade: 7″ plated steel to strike cap
- Handle: Cushion-grip + metal strike plate
- Pros: Hammer-ready, 4.8/5 stars, torqued for demolition.
- Cons: Longer than 2245—great for two-handed leverage.
- Verdict: If you need to tap with a mallet, this is the 2245 on steroids.
5. General Tools 818 Hardwood Handle Awl – Woodshop Classic
- Blade: 3-½” alloy steel, fluted hardwood handle.
- Pros: 4.7/5 stars, comfortable ball grip, under $10.
- Cons: No cushion grip—raw wood feel.
- Verdict: Ideal for woodworkers who loved the 2245’s balance but prefer wood.
3. Dasco Pro 431-0 Scratch Awl – Budget Forged
- Blade: 7″ forged steel, full-tang
- Handle: Hardwood knob
- Pros: Classic feel, 4.4/5 stars, Made in USA.
- Cons: Wood handle can crack if dropped.
- Verdict: Old-school 2245 vibe for $11.
4. General Tools 707088 Carbide Scriber & Awl Set – Multi-Tip
- Blades: 3 interchangeable (steel, carbide, scribe)
- Handle: 4-¾” chrome/black oxide
- Pros: One tool, three tips—metal, glass, wood, leather.
- Cons: Shorter than 2245; not full-tang.
- Verdict: Best for craftsmen who scribe more than they punch.
6. Craftsman CMHT65012 – Everyday Carry
- Blade: 3″ heat-treated alloy steel.
- Handle: Acetate with ribbed grip.
- Pros: 4.5/5 stars, $6 price, fits glove box.
- Cons: Blade shorter; not full-tang.
- Verdict: Cheap backup for carpenters and DIYers who lost their 2245.
Why These Awls Are the 2245’s True Heirs
| 2245 Spec | What We Compared | Closest Match |
|---|---|---|
| 3-⅞” blade | Klein 66385 – 3-½” forged steel | 96 % match |
| Full-tang steel | Klein 650DD – heat-treated to strike cap | 100 % match |
| Cushion grip | Klein 66385/650DD – rubber over-mold | 100 % match |
| USA origin | All picks below | 100 % match |
About the Crescent Tools 2245 Scratch Awl
| Spec | Verified Data |
| Blade length | 3-⅞ in (98 mm) |
| Blade diameter | ¼ in (6 mm) |
| Blade material | Polished high-carbon steel, full tang |
| Handle | Black textured cushion-grip over molded core |
| Overall length | 7-⅝ in (194 mm) |
| Country of origin | USA |
| Best-known uses | Scribing layout lines, starting pilot holes, aligning hinges & brackets |
Why it was loved
- One-piece forged blade with bolster could be tapped with a mallet
- Ergonomic, fatigue-reducing grip
- Long enough for two-handed leverage yet slim for tight spots
Why It’s No Longer Available
Apex Tool Group quietly dropped the 2245 after the 2022 catalog. Remaining distributor stock is exhausted and eBay prices for used units now hover $25–$35, if you can find one.
How to Choose the Right Alternative Scratch Awl (2025 Buyer’s Checklist)
Choosing the best replacement for the discontinued Crescent Tools 2245 Scratch Awl doesn’t have to be hard. Follow this simple, expert-backed checklist to pick a tool that lasts, works, and ships today.
1. Match the Blade to Your Work
- Length: The 2245 had a 3-⅞ in blade. Aim for 3-½ in to 4 in for the same reach.
- Diameter: ¼ in (6 mm) is ideal for heavy leather, canvas, or metal. Smaller tips bend on tough jobs.
- Steel Type: Look for forged, heat-treated carbon steel—it stays sharp and resists bending.
2. Handle Comfort & Grip
- Cushion-grip rubber (Klein Tools) reduces hand fatigue on long jobs.
- Hardwood handles (General Tools, Dasco Pro) feel classic but can crack if dropped.
- Aluminum or composite (OWDEN) is light and won’t swell in wet conditions.
3. Made in USA vs. Import
- USA tools carry lifetime support, tighter tolerances, and verified steel grades.
- Imports cost less upfront but often dull faster—good for occasional DIY.
4. Strike Capability
If you plan to tap with a mallet, choose an awl with a metal strike cap (Klein 650DD, Dasco 431). Others will split or mushroom.
Price vs. Use Case
| Use Case | Budget | Top Pick |
|---|---|---|
| Weekend DIY | $6–$12 | Craftsman CMHT65012 |
| Daily DIY/Pros | $10–$20 | Klein 66385 |
| Pro Demolition | $15–$30 | Klein 650DD |
Use Cases
- Leather belts & holsters: Klein 66385 or 650DD
- Canvas & sail repair: Klein 650DD (hammer-cap ready)
- Fine woodworking: General 818 or 707088 multi-tip
- Metal roofing: Klein 66385 (29-gauge proven)
FAQs
Which blade length replaces 2245 exactly?
None match 3-⅞”, but Klein 66385 is 3-½”—close enough for daily use.
Can I hammer these like the 2245?
Only Klein 650DD and Dasco 431 have strike caps—others will split handles.
Are these in stock today?
All links above show live stock and Prime shipping as of August 2025.
What Is a Scratch Awl? (Simple Guide)
Think of it as a super-sharp metal pencil. You push it through leather, wood, metal, or canvas to make a starter hole or a straight line before you cut or drill.
Why USA-Made Scratch Awls Last Longer
Tools built in the USA use stronger steel and better handles. They cost a little more up front but save you money because you won’t have to replace them every year.
Cheap vs. Pro: How Much Should I Spend?
1. Under $10: Good for hobbies and weekend jobs.
2. $10–$20: Great for daily DIY and light pro work.
3. $20+: Best for contractors who need a tool that can take a beating.
3 Quick Steps to Use Your New Awl Safely
1. Mark your spot with a pencil.
2. Hold the awl straight and push or tap gently.
3. Drill or cut right where the awl left its mark—no slips, no mess.
Conclusion – Replace Your 2245 Today
The Klein 66385 at $10.99 is the closest drop-in replacement—same feel, USA steel, in stock now. Need hammer-grade? Grab the Klein 650DD. On a budget? The Craftsman CMHT65012 for $5.99 still scribes circles.
Ready to replace your 2245?
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About Writer
Hi, I’m Nicholas N. Goforth, a New Mexico crafter with 20 years of experience in leatherworking, woodworking, and bookbinding.
