THE BRADAWL

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THE BRADAWL

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The bradawl (sometimes referred to as an ‘awl’), is often mistaken for a small screwdriver. However, it has a specific role / purpose. It is used to create a small, shallow ‘hole’ in the surface of wood, that is to be drilled (pilot hole) . It is also ideal for creating the starting point for a woodscrew or a nail. When drilling, the shallow ‘hole’ created by the bradawl, accurately locates the tip of the drill bit, ensuring that it does not slip out of position, when using a hand drill or machine drill.
The bradawl is the woodworking equivalent of an engineer’s centre punch or dot punch. The handle fits into the palm of the hand comfortably. It allows the user to apply downwards pressure and at the same time, twist the bradawl’s tip clockwise and anticlockwise, into the surface of the wood, creating the initial, shallow hole. The tip of the bradawl breaks through the fibrous surface of the wood.
The bradawl’s ferrule is tends to be a brass cylinder, that permanently holds the steel shank and handle together. The steel tip, which cuts into the wood surface, is normally ground to form a flat (but can be ground curved or to a sharp point).

HOW TO START USING THE BRADAWL

It is important that the flat tip of the bradawl is placed ‘across’ the grain, before pressure and a twisting force are exerted.

If the flat tip of the bradawl is in line with the grain, a split in the wood is likely.

PREPARING FOR DRILLING

PREPARING FOR USE OF A SCREWDRIVER

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