Scratch awl

A scratch awl is a woodworking layout tool. It is used to scribe a line to be followed by a hand saw or chisel when making woodworking joints and other operations.

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The scratch awl is basically a steel spike with its tip sharpened to a fine point. The tip of the spike is drawn across the timber, leaving a shallow groove. It may also be used to mark a point by pressing the tip into the timber.

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This instrument is generally used when dimensioning and for laying out with the grain. It may also be used across the grain, however a marking knife is preferred for this operation.

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