scratch awl
{{short description|Woodworking tool for layout and point marking}}
A scratch awl is a woodworking layout and point-making tool. It is used to scribe a line to be followed by a hand saw or chisel when making woodworking joints and other operations.{{cite book|author=Jim Tolpin|title=Measure Twice, Cut Once: Simple Steps to Measure, Scale, Draw and Make the Perfect Cut-Every Time.|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=yqOfUCFr1K4C&pg=PA50|date=18 June 2007|publisher=F+W Media|isbn=978-1-4403-1760-6|pages=50–}}
The scratch awl is 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.{{cite book|author1=Bob Beranek|author2=Ann Schuelke|title=The Complete Guide to Auto Glass Installation|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=nPOaLJGpVyEC&pg=PA52|date=1 August 2011|publisher=AuthorHouse|isbn=978-1-4634-4148-7|pages=52–}} It 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.
Scratch awls are traditionally used in leather crafting to trace patterns onto leather.{{cite book|author=Geoffrey West|title=Leatherwork: A Manual of Techniques|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=q5t8AwAAQBAJ&pg=PP38|date=18 October 2011|publisher=Crowood Press, Limited|isbn=978-1-84797-348-1|pages=38–}} They are sometimes used in the automotive and sheet metal trades to punch holes and scribe lines in sheet metal.{{cite book|author=John C. Butler|title=Sheet Metal: Theory and Practice|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QN8iAAAAMAAJ|year=1944|publisher=Wiley}}