Scratch awls

[d.mcfarland]

Why everyone using as far as scratch awls go?

I have an old Stanley wood handle, but am thinking about going with the Midwest Snips version.

Here's a picture by member katodog -https://www.flickr.com/photos/katodog/30874368750/

 

[bczygan]

Wood handles are great. I found a handful at the Restore.

Bill

 

[4Kings]

I have a half dozen USA Craftsman's stashed in my shop. For some reason I misplace awls, don't know why. But they turn up eventually.

 

[Empty Pockets]

I have a couple of CM awls, they do the job for me

 

[SweetD]

Harry Epstein's had a pretty nice selection of USA-Made scratch awls last year, might check there...I got a USA-Husky and an Osborne striking awl from them.

 

[Cope]

I have a couple of vintage Stanley, but i just picked up a decent General brand at Lowe's.

 

[gdpolk]

I have several. My favorites are the little generic ink pen sized, carbide tipped ones.

 

[zktk01]

I bought a Mayhew Yesterday at Tractor Supply on Clearance for $3.89

 

[larry4406]

MP&C uses old ice picks.

 

[pescados666]

I have a pratt-read awl that has worked for me so far. I paid $3.75 but it was an ebay auction that also included a made in usa wire brush.

 

[tarbellb]

What are you guys using your awls for?


I only find myself using a scribe (daily).

 

[d.mcfarland]

See I think I would use it instead of a pencil for wood and it would replace a marker for metal?

I am no expert in awls, but it is different material than a metal scribe correct?

 

[davethorik]

I bought a Mayhew Yesterday at Tractor Supply on Clearance for $3.89

That's funny, I have the same one, bought from tsc maybe 3 years ago. Mine came in Mayhew packaging but says Baltimore on the handle, and looks identical to yours.

I also have the Klein 650DD strike cap screwdriver handle scratch awl, but it is way bigger/heavier. I only use it for stuff I need to tap with a hammer. Or to line up steel panels with bolt holes.

 

[2oolhound]

What are you guys using your awls for?


I only find myself using a scribe (daily).

I use an awl for forcing a hole in something, maybe opening a small hole that was flattened etc. I have snap-on old style with the black handles. They don't get used too often.

I use scribes often and keep one in my leather apron pocket.

 

[gungatim]

I have a craftsman acetate, craftsman wood, but the one I use most is a HF screwdriver I ground to a point and heat treated. sharp as f**k! for anything that needs something harder I use a replaceable carbide scribe, again from HF...

edit: forgot to add, in the woodshop I made a scribing knive, similar to an awl, but flat. I used a craftsman 1/4" spade bit ground and sharpened, hardened it, then turned a nice little oak handle on the lathe and epoxied it in. works awesome.

 

[Ign]

I bought a Mayhew Yesterday at Tractor Supply on Clearance for $3.89

I was gonna say this too.

But I mostly use a carbide scribe or carbide tipped calipers

 

[TomB19]

My Dad was a sheet metal man. As long as I can recall, my Dad has purchased orange handle Malco scratch awls.

I've always used cheap, Fuller scratch awls. I've had two. Not as good as the Malco but good enough.

When my Dad passed and I took possession of his Malco scratch awls, I can't imagine ever going back again. If you work with metal, consider a high end scratch awl. If you work with wood, anything will do.

 

[jimreed2160]

Awls are handy around the shop and I like to keep one close by. Here is part of my collection. At the far right is a striking knife that I made from O-1 steel. I use it for precise lines on woodworking projects. The awl next to it was made by one of my ww buddies and is the one I grab most often. He also made the marking knife beside it. I also keep an awl in my inside tool box for household chores. It is a great screwstarter for drywall hangers.

 

[66354dream]

I know one thing I wont be scratching with those things

 

[bczygan]

Any "Birdcage" awls?

Bill

 

[jeffmoss26]

Klein! All my tools have to match

 

[2oolhound]

Awls are handy around the shop and I like to keep one close by. Here is part of my collection. At the far right is a striking knife that I made from O-1 steel. I use it for precise lines on woodworking projects. The awl next to it was made by one of my ww buddies and is the one I grab most often. He also made the marking knife beside it. I also keep an awl in my inside tool box for household chores. It is a great screwstarter for drywall hangers.

Those are awlsome Jim! Nice set there.

 

[skruft]

I think some look nicer but (for woodworking) they all function about the same. I use them more to start holes than to scratch lines.

 

[SRSemenza]

Just made up a new one from a Wera chiseldriver. Was a torx 20. I like the idea of having a striking cap awl with a decent handle.

Seth

 

[southalabama]

I have a couple screwdrivers with messed up tips. Awls they will become.

 

[bonneyman]

My Dad was a sheet metal man. As long as I can recall, my Dad has purchased orange handle Malco scratch awls.

I've always used cheap, Fuller scratch awls. I've had two. Not as good as the Malco but good enough.

When my Dad passed and I took possession of his Malco scratch awls, I can't imagine ever going back again. If you work with metal, consider a high end scratch awl. If you work with wood, anything will do.

for Malco.

Here's my Malco awls.

 

[davethorik]

Just made up a new one from a Wera chiseldriver. Was a torx 20. I like the idea of having a striking cap awl with a decent handle.

Seth

That's why I like my Klein 650DD