Best Awl Tool In USA – Leather, Wood, Metal, Bookbinding & Tailoring
Discover top-rated awl tools and kits for every craft. AwlTool.com features premium awls for leatherworking, woodworking, bookbinding, tailoring, and DIY projects.
Quiz The Right Awl Tool for the Job, Every Time
Don’t guess which awl you need. Answer a few questions, and our quiz will instantly recommend the perfect tool for your leather, wood, or crafting project in the USA.
Our Most Popular Guides & Reviews
Handpicked articles from Nicholas’s workshop, designed to help you master your craft and choose the right tools for any project in the USA.
The Best Leatherworking Awl of 2025
Our top picks for diamond and stitching awls that create flawless stitch lines in any leather project.
Read Full Guide →The Best Woodworking Awl for Precision
Discover the best scratch awls for marking accurate lines and creating perfect pilot holes in your woodworking.
Read Full Guide →The Best Tailoring Awl for Heavy Fabrics
From denim to canvas, find the ideal sewing awl for clean holes and effortless stitching in tailoring.
Read Full Guide →The Best All-Purpose Crafting Awl
Your guide to the most versatile awls for general crafting, from paper projects to polymer clay.
Read Full Guide →The Best Bookbinding Awl for Crafters
Achieve perfect signatures with our recommended awls for clean, precise holes in your bookbinding projects.
Read Full Guide →Top Awl Tool Sets: A New Mexico Guide
Discover the best awl tool sets for leatherworking, tested by Nicholas N. Goforth in his Albuquerque workshop.
Read Full Guide →10 Practical Uses for an Awl
Learn how awls are used for punching holes, marking lines, and more, tailored for New Mexico’s vibrant crafters.
Read Full Guide →How to Make an Awl in 4 Simple Steps
Craft your own awl with this DIY guide, inspired by Nicholas’ resourceful approach in his Albuquerque workshop.
Read Full Guide →Things to Know About Awl Tools – Uses, Applications & Benefits
Awl tools are essential for precision in leatherworking, woodworking, sewing, and bookbinding. They create pilot holes, mark surfaces, and aid stitching, ensuring clean, professional results for all your home and DIY projects. Unlock crafting potential with versatile awls.
Different Types of Awl Tools – Leather, Wood, Tailoring, Bookbinding & Specialty
Explore Different Types of Awl for every craft. From scratch awls for marking wood to diamond awls for leather stitching, and tapered awls for bookbinding, each offers unique precision. Discover specialty awls for carpet, plastic, and bone, enhancing your DIY projects.
Awl Maintenance – Sharpening, Cleaning & Storage Tips
Proper awl maintenance ensures longevity and peak performance. Regularly sharpen your awl tools for precise piercing. Clean blades after each use to prevent rust and residue buildup. Store awls and kits in a dry, protective case to maintain sharpness and prevent damage, maximizing their lifespan for all your projects.
History of the Awl Tool – When Was It Invented?
From Paleolithic bone awls 50,000 years ago to Bronze Age metal and today’s hardened steel, the awl remains humanity’s oldest hole-making tool—evolving with every craft revolution.
Inventor of the Awl Tool – Origins & Historical Facts
The exact inventor of the awl tool is unknown. Ancient crafters developed it to pierce, mark, and stitch materials like leather, wood, and paper. Its simple yet effective design proves why awls remain indispensable in modern crafting.
Awl Tool Safety – Tips to Use Awls Safely
Awls are sharp and must be handled with care. Always:
- Work on a stable surface
- Use steady, controlled pressure
- Keep tools away from children
- Store safely after use
Following these tips helps prevent injuries during leatherwork, woodworking, sewing, or bookbinding.
Awl Tool Guides – DIY Projects & Crafting Tutorials
Want to learn new skills? Explore our step-by-step awl tutorials for leatherworking, woodworking, bookbinding, tailoring, and sewing. From beginner kits to advanced techniques, our guides cover sharpening, stitching, and creative DIY projects you can start today.
Nicholas N. Goforth – Awl Enthusiast & Founder
Meet Nicholas N. Goforth, founder of AwlTool.com. Based in New Mexico, Nicholas has 20+ years of experience in leatherwork, woodworking, and more. His mission is to help crafters find the best awls in the USA through reviews & recommendations.
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Why AwlTool.com? – Trusted Reviews & Handpicked Tools
At AwlTool.com, we handpick the best awl tools in the USA for quality, durability, and performance. Compare top-rated products, read reviews, and find awl kits for every skill level.
Alternatives to Awl Tools – Piercing & Marking Options
If you need alternatives to traditional awls, consider needles, nails, drills, thumbtacks, or hole punches for piercing holes. For marking or scribing, use pencils, scratch awls, scribers, marking knives, chalk lines, or marking gauges. These tools provide precise, reliable results for leatherworking, woodworking, sewing, or crafting, offering flexible options when awls aren’t ideal for your DIY or professional projects.
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FAQ Section
What is an Awl Tool Kit for Beginners?
A beginner kit includes leather, woodworking, and sewing awls with accessories for safe, easy crafting.
Which Awl is Best for Woodworking?
The scratch awl or bradawl is ideal for marking wood and making pilot holes.
Which Awl is Best for Leatherworking?
A diamond or stitching awl provides clean holes and strong stitches.
Which Awl is Best for Bookbinding?
A tapered or straight needle awl works best for piercing paper signatures.
Which Awl is Best for Tailoring?
A sewing awl handles thick fabrics like canvas, denim, and leather.
Do Awls Have Unique Applications?
Yes. Awls are also used for carpet work, plastics, and bone crafts.