Lee Valley Czeck Edge Birdcage Awl

While awls like this are named for their use in birdcage making, their ability to mark drill centers and quickly bore holes makes them useful in any shop.

This is a particularly well-made example. It has a robust 3/16″ thick square shaft with a finely ground pyramidal tip. The sharp tip lets you precisely locate holes and the crisply defined edges rapidly ream holes, even in hardwood, making it ideal for pre-drilling for screws or square-cut nails.

The handle is made from turned and polished hardwood, with a rounded end to allow comfortable application of force and a machined bronze ferrule at the shaft/handle connection. Available with an A2 steel shaft, hardened to Rc59-60 for durability, or in a carbide version that retains its sharpness longer (diamond abrasive required for resharpening). The shaft is just under 3″ long, and the tool’s overall length is 7 3/4″.

Made in USA, it is as useful as it is attractive.