Steel Scratch Awl

This awl does its job, not for fine work like bookbinding or paper piercing, but it will last forever.

I seem to misplace these frequently, but this is handedly one of the most useful and high quality tools in existence. I probably have used these several times a week for 25 - 30 years now and the original one I started with is still totally functional after having beat the heck out of it more times than I can count. The steel is extremely high quality, I can put holes in vehicle body panels for fabrication work without bending it, that's compared to having destroyed probably a few dozen from big box stores with far less abuse in a few uses if not the first try. Marking drill spots, using one to drill a hole in drywall for an anchor, actually using for scratching, I can't even begin to list how many things I use these for on a near daily basis and how often people have never owned nor used and sometimes even heard of one of these. I would put this in the running for best tool of all time based on the price, quality, and versatility.

Nicely made. Good value, fast delivery.

Everything described. Very easy to use

I got this to do saddle stitching. Easy enough to use and has metal strike point on the back for tapping with a hammer which is great. The wood body is sturdy and solid feeling and a nice touch. Seems pretty durable. The point is sharp and makes a good impression and nice hole- however the size of the body of the shaft of the awl rapidly widens and so for thicker sets of pages you are left with a pretty large hole and it starts to mush up the edges of the hole. (See pictures) For leather work since the hole is more self-healing as this does not remove material like a punch, this might be ok- but for paper it's fairly destructive. It's probably a 4 star awl that's 3 stars for bookbinding. That said, with a lighter press you'd get a small hole on the outside with larger hole on the inside, for thinner sets of pages- it will work fine and hard to beat at the price for the quality of the build. In the future if I do more saddle stitching for smaller chapbooks and compositions, I will look for an awl with a a less aggressive taper and/or more slender shaft, something closer to a large needle.

This General Tools Scratch Awl is an excellent tool for woodworking. I always had a spring-loaded punch, but now this is the only tool when I need start a hole for drilling or to guide a screw into place. It’s a little smaller than scissors, comfortable in the hand, and feels really solid when applying pressure. I’ve never needed to use a hammer with it, but the metal strike cap feels sturdy enough to handle a solid hit if necessary. For the price, this is a great value. One tip: keep the rubber safety cover on the sharp point. Especially if you’re carrying it in your pocket.

I use awls most for making a hole to install anchors and screws in drywall and to make starter holes for all wood screws. I have had a similar awl for twenty years. It finally broke - the rod came through the handle. It is still usable, but I decided it was time for a new one. I got one that looked very sturdy and was all metal, but to my surprise the tip broke after a few uses. The steel was not strong. This one is very similar to the one that I mentioned earlier, and it is working very well so far. In my opinion, this is such a simple device that its main value is durability. Whether it will last for decades, I don't know. If it breaks soon, I will amend my review and go to fewer stars, but until then I give it 5 stars.

Classic scratch awl, just like the one I lost five years ago. Good price on Amazon. Every tool kit should have one. Perfect for making a small pilot hole in soft wood for screws or in drywall to make a hole for a screw fastener. Be careful, this tool is very sharp, do not let children play with it. Keep it in a safe place so the point and wood handle are not damaged.