Help with awl blade replacemant??

[Rayban]

This is my first and only awl. I bought it at Tandy a few years ago...like maybe 18.....the blade is still plenty sharp, but the part that inserts into the handle and thightened down is now worn round instead of diamond shape as it should be.

To my surprise, Tandy doesn't carry this handle any more, so of course, no replacement blades for it.

Does this one look familiar to anyone....and know where I can get a replacement blade for it???

Muchos gracias in advance...

[Dale]

It's a standard awl blade you can get just about anywhere, but I've found that's not the problem. The handles just aren't that good to begin with. I never could find one to hold a blade reasonably. You're better off to fix (i.e., epoxy) the blade into a handle and be done with it -- less time and cost in the long run. You can usually find the handles pretty cheap on ebay or have someone turn one for you. You can also make one yourself with a pocket knife and a drill.

Dale

[Rayban]

It's a standard awl blade you can get just about anywhere, but I've found that's not the problem. The handles just aren't that good to begin with. I never could find one to hold a blade reasonably. You're better off to fix (i.e., epoxy) the blade into a handle and be done with it -- less time and cost in the long run. You can usually find the handles pretty cheap on ebay or have someone turn one for you. You can also make one yourself with a pocket knife and a drill.

Dale

Epoxy....yeah, that's the ticket...THANKS!!!!

[Bob]

Rayban, I recently got two new awl blades from Bob Douglas. That was the smartest thing I've done in recent years. Are they ever nice and sharp. I wanted a small awl hole and asked him about it. He suggested a "Slim blade" of the two sizes he makes. They cost 25 dollars each, worth every penny. The handles, well I got a couple new ones from Tandy, and they work fine. Cheap too.

[Rayban]

Rayban, I recently got two new awl blades from Bob Douglas. That was the smartest thing I've done in recent years. Are they ever nice and sharp. I wanted a small awl hole and asked him about it. He suggested a "Slim blade" of the two sizes he makes. They cost 25 dollars each, worth every penny. The handles, well I got a couple new ones from Tandy, and they work fine. Cheap too.

Thanks Bob...I'm gonna try to get a few more miles out of this one, then move into something like you mention next.....for the projects I do, this one has served me really well.

[bruce johnson]

Rayban,

I used to use the red handled ones a lot. I liked them, and was sorry to see them go. I never tried to fix them, just tossed and replaced. I have a couple others I use. Osborne makes one in a similar shape at a decent enough price. One thing I found with the Osbornes is the the chuck is not as durable as the Tandy red ones. I tend to have them split out after a while. I get my money's worth out of them, but it is an issue for me. They always get loose about halfway across something major, and no backups.

One thing I do is shorten all my awl handles. Even the shortest one from Bob Douglas got shortened. On the red ones and the Osborne equivalent, I take the back knob off. I was taught to palm my awl and it gives me more control for the smaller blades. I chuck the frogsticker blade into a shoe awl with the leather cap - likewise cut off, but not quite as short to the tip. I also grind one side flat on my handles. Two reasons, the first is too keep it rolling off my bench, damaging the tip, and making me say bad words, the other reason is that I orient the blade the in relation to the flat spot. That way my fingers grip it and I know the blade angle by feel.

Another plug, Bob's are the best, and I have both slim and regular blades. I don't always treat myself to using them though. If I am sewing in cantle corners or through sheepskin where I am feeling for the tip, Bob's draw blood very easily. Diabetic finger stickers have nothing on me.

[Rayban]

Rayban,

I used to use the red handled ones a lot. I liked them, and was sorry to see them go. I never tried to fix them, just tossed and replaced. I have a couple others I use. Osborne makes one in a similar shape at a decent enough price. One thing I found with the Osbornes is the the chuck is not as durable as the Tandy red ones. I tend to have them split out after a while. I get my money's worth out of them, but it is an issue for me. They always get loose about halfway across something major, and no backups.

One thing I do is shorten all my awl handles. Even the shortest one from Bob Douglas got shortened. On the red ones and the Osborne equivalent, I take the back knob off. I was taught to palm my awl and it gives me more control for the smaller blades. I chuck the frogsticker blade into a shoe awl with the leather cap - likewise cut off, but not quite as short to the tip. I also grind one side flat on my handles. Two reasons, the first is too keep it rolling off my bench, damaging the tip, and making me say bad words, the other reason is that I orient the blade the in relation to the flat spot. That way my fingers grip it and I know the blade angle by feel.

Another plug, Bob's are the best, and I have both slim and regular blades. I don't always treat myself to using them though. If I am sewing in cantle corners or through sheepskin where I am feeling for the tip, Bob's draw blood very easily. Diabetic finger stickers have nothing on me.

Great "tips" and advise Bruce.....I'm taking notes.....thanks.

[savage_here]

If one were going to turn their own handle/haft, where could the adjustable metal part be found? Any sources?

Thanks.

Savage