Looking For A Good Scratch Awl

[Urshag]

I have been using what I would call a scratch awl blade in a stitching awl handle to widen stitching holes.

The blade is ice pick like in that it is round in profile, very sharp and tapers from a fine point to a width of about 2 mm.

The problem I am having is the blade keeps popping out of the handle when I withdraw it from the leather.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a more sturdy replacement?

[particle]

Go to the big box home improvement store, buy yourself a scratch awl, then cut at least half the length of the awl off and grind/file the tip to whatever you prefer. That's what I did, and it works great!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_11495-72068-9753-12C_0__?productId=3125273&Ntt=awl&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dawl&facetInfo=

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100062306/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=awl&storeId=10051

[Bluesman]

I have been using what I would call a scratch awl blade in a stitching awl handle to widen stitching holes.

The blade is ice pick like in that it is round in profile, very sharp and tapers from a fine point to a width of about 2 mm.

The problem I am having is the blade keeps popping out of the handle when I withdraw it from the leather.

Does anyone have any suggestions for a more sturdy replacement?

Is there a point in the end that goes into the handle? If not put one in. Then put it in the handle. Hold the handle in your hand with the handle end pointing to the ceiling. Now tap the handle end with a hammer. The awl will walk into the handle. This is how I install files into handles.

[Urshag]

Is there a point in the end that goes into the handle? If not put one in. Then put it in the handle. Hold the handle in your hand with the handle end pointing to the ceiling. Now tap the handle end with a hammer. The awl will walk into the handle. This is how I install files into handles.

I appreciate the suggestion. But this is a awl handle with a chuck at the end of it that tightens.

I'm not really looking to repair this one I will be using the handle for other types of awl blades. What I'm looking for is a replacement.

Go to the big box home improvement store, buy yourself a scratch awl, then cut at least half the length of the awl off and grind/file the tip to whatever you prefer. That's what I did, and it works great!

http://www.lowes.com/pd_11495-72068-9753-12C_0__?productId=3125273&Ntt=awl&pl=1&currentURL=%2Fpl__0__s%3FNtt%3Dawl&facetInfo=

http://www.homedepot.com/h_d1/N-5yc1v/R-100062306/h_d2/ProductDisplay?catalogId=10053&langId=-1&keyword=awl&storeId=10051

Thank you for your suggestion!

However, I live in an apartment and I don't have a grinder so that would not really be something I could do. I'm looking for for something that is ready to go out-of-the-box so to say.

Edited May 8, 2012 by Urshag

[Bluesman]

If you want a new one here are my suggestions.

1.) Hardware store, cheap

2.) Barry King, $15, really nice, can also use it to transfer patterns and smooth out rough spots.

Jon

Edited May 8, 2012 by Bluesman

[particle]

However, I live in an apartment and I don't have a grinder so that would not really be something I could do. I'm looking for for something that is ready to go out-of-the-box so to say.

They make short awls as well with a short handle and short shank...

[Urshag]

If you want a new one here are my suggestions.

1.) Hardware store, cheap

2.) Barry King, $15, really nice, can also use it to transfer patterns and smooth out rough spots.

Jon

Can you provide a link to the Barry King tool? I looked on his site and could not find it. I found the page called "Hand Tools" and he lists a "Marking Awl" for $35.00. Is that what you were referring to?

http://www.barrykingtools.com/handtools.htm#

I've looked in Home Depot and the scratch awl they have has a thick blade with a point that then narrows to a point in less than a 1/8 of an inch. Not really good for what I am using it for.

[Bluesman]

Can you provide a link to the Barry King tool? I looked on his site and could not find it. I found the page called "Hand Tools" and he lists a "Marking Awl" for $35.00. Is that what you were referring to?

http://www.barryking.../handtools.htm#

I've looked in Home Depot and the scratch awl they have has a thick blade with a point that then narrows to a point in less than a 1/8 of an inch. Not really good for what I am using it for.

Your on the right page. it's called a Stylus Awl. I use to to transfer patterns, draw lines with a straight edge and mark centers for pucnhing holes. It's nice and long and I really like it.

[Urshag]

Your on the right page. it's called a Stylus Awl. I use to to transfer patterns, draw lines with a straight edge and mark centers for pucnhing holes. It's nice and long and I really like it.

Ah OK. Well again, this is something I am using to widen a stitching hole with. What I have is an Osbourne #32 stabbing awl round point blade.

http://www.csosborne.com/no32.htm

But the Awl handle I have it in doesn't grip the blade hard enough because when I pull the awl back out of the hole it pulls the blade out of the handle. Which means I have to get the pliers and pull the blade out, reset it in the handle, etc. etc.

So what I am looking for is something that has a blade already in it that wont come out. Like a scratch Awl.

After looking on the Osbourne site I think one of their Heavy Duty Scratch Awls, # 4-1 or # 4-2 might do. I'll look around and see if I can find one. However, if anyone comes up with a better suggestion, I'm still open to them!

Dennis

[Bluesman]

Ah OK. Well again, this is something I am using to widen a stitching hole with. What I have is an Osbourne #32 stabbing awl round point blade.

http://www.csosborne.com/no32.htm

But the Awl handle I have it in doesn't grip the blade hard enough because when I pull the awl back out of the hole it pulls the blade out of the handle. Which means I have to get the pliers and pull the blade out, reset it in the handle, etc. etc.

So what I am looking for is something that has a blade already in it that wont come out. Like a scratch Awl.

After looking on the Osbourne site I think one of their Heavy Duty Scratch Awls, # 4-1 or # 4-2 might do. I'll look around and see if I can find one. However, if anyone comes up with a better suggestion, I'm still open to them!

Dennis

Here's waht i would do. If that awl has a point on the end, do this. Go to your local, Tru-Value or other smaller hardware store. If you need a poin gorund on they can do it for you. Buy a file handle and check the fit before you grind. if the fit is soemwhat tight get a hammer and pound the top of the handle, pay the guy and your done. You could even use some epoxy. It won't come out no more.

[particle]

The specific awl I use is a Kobalt brand. It's not really a scratch awl - but is part of a pick set. You can see me using it here at 32:40.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rfhdG9jjbAA

Not long after I made that video I cut the shank much shorter and ground it to a point with a slight (very small) chisel on the end. It marks holes great, and also works great for slicing through the grain to rough up the surface for gluing. Specifically, I bought the "Kobalt 4-Piece Hook and Pick Set" from Lowes - item # 239658. The set is cheap enough you could make several specialty tips - one for marking, one for punching holes, etc.

http://www.lowes.com...ollow&cId=PDIO1

[BearMan]

Here are a few scratch awls I've made in the past year or so. Ed the"BearMan"