Awl

Hand tool for punching holes in wood (1). It is a round or square, sometimes triangular metal tip of approx. 5-20 cm, which sticks into a wooden or plastic handle of approx. 10-15 cm.

The Japanese awl (Japanese: tatsupu horuda) is cone-shaped and resembles the marlingspike. It is about 14 cm long and about 2.5 cm thick and has a wooden handle.

In theory, the awl is not struck, except by hand. It is only used to make small and shallow holes, eg for screws. Not infrequently it replaces the scribing point.

The basketmaker uses a similar awl, but with a blunt point (see basketmaker's awl). [MOT]

(1) To punch holes in leather, the leatherworker uses a shoemaker's awl.