How to Use a Square Awl | Paul Sellers

[@skippylippy547]

Whenever I'm disturbed I simply watch a Paul Sellers video. Then all is right with the world again. :))

[@johnstanton8499]

Skippy Lippy The English Zen Master

[@milehighslacker4196]

Or, in this case, awl is right with the world again!

[@T8Hants]

So simple, yet so effective, makes you wonder how many low tech tricks we have forgotten in our rush for high tech solutions - love it.

[@AvinashArora0]

but my laser guided wifi drill press with netflix is so convenient.

[@bradthorne22]

T8Hants thank god for power tools. taking a log and turning it into furniture is amazing without the saw mill amd all the tools we use to build them

[@T8Hants]

I never said Boo to power tools, only that some simple tricks are worthy of revival. Should you go for a walk in the forest and feel the need to make a hole in something, what would you rather carry, a battery drill and bits, or this wee fellow with a cork on the point. One does not negate the other.

[@bradthorne22]

T8Hants i knew what you meant all i said was thank god for power tools. calm down

[@bhaygood7306]

Wonder just how much electricity u would save by use just hand tools 👍🙏

[@Xartab]

I'm always amazed that I can watch a video of Paul talking about nails, and still learn something useful and unexpected that I hadn't realised before.

[@MrWoody135]

Yet again Paul...impressed by the simplest of your videos. Now off to sharpen my awls....Never realised they were quite so versatile. 5 stars AGAIN !

[@mysticmonkey6976]

Thanks, Paul. I love learning the origin of tools and why they got their names. It always amazes me how something so simple as this awl can be so efficient. The ingenuity of our past forefathers can be very inspiring.

[@Paul8851]

Thanks for the information about the Square Awl and how to use it. I did not know how to use it and why it makes a perfect hole for a wood screw.

[@markdmaker3173]

Tools and a history lesson. I love it it doesn’t get any better than that.

[@52memor]

Thanks Paul. I've started to renovate old furniture..... Can't call them antiques and I've noticed that hinge screws aren't seated correctly so your awl is just the answer I've been looking for... Many thanks

[@lemagreengreen]

Got one just like this, found it in my grandfathers old tool chest. Never used it for making holes like this, just for marking hole positions. I'll have to give this a try, hadn't even considered to use it for making starter holes.

[@joshwalker5605]

You've mentioned these before and I made one for myself and i love it - i can leave the power drill on the shelf and quickly drill pilot holes without fussing with the right sized bit or whether ive got enough battery or whatever. Beautiful, simple, quiet. thanks so much for sharing this and all the other accumulated wisdom you hand out.

[@shawnlynch6899]

Paul thank you for all this knowledge you share with us. From the smallest of things to the most intricate of woodworking. It's very helpful and you are always pleasant.

[@rpower1401]

I just accidentally acquired one of these. Had previously watched your video and knew in the back of my mind what it was for (although the seller had different notions). $5 later and a re-watch of this video and I should be good to sharpen and use it.

[@escapedfromnewyork9641]

I love these videos. As my father slowly passes down his fathers tools to me I often have an idea of what they are for but not their true origin and uses.

[@ecaff9515]

I agree. Quick and simple prep for small screws and pre drilling. Thank you for the history.

[@imortaldeadead]

Thank you for sharing the history of this tool with us, it now makes sense what it was used for

[@boozoochavis7506]

THANK YOU for sharing this, and many of the other practical subjects you discuss. I wish I got paid for every time I had a problem ruining stock with the standard modern awl (I'd be rich) and we still need these kinds of tools. I sure would like to know more about how to make my own, these are very scarce on my part of the globe.

[@JeepTherapy]

I always knew what they were designed to do... but I didn’t know the birdcage history. WOO HOO I learned something!!! Thanks Mr. Sellers.

[@dwarfsbaneironfist2527]

I mainly use mine when replacing floorboards, quick and easy to use, no split wood, saves money, no broken drill bits when using a cordless drill.

[@peckelhaze6934]

Paul makes everything interesting. Great video.

[@SebR-FR]

I use it often, thx for sharing how much this simple tool can be convenient.

[@raraavis7782]

Useful little tool, thanks for sharing!

[@richardbarnes3757]

Thanks again, Paul. Wonderful as always! Cheers,

[@ShawnsterVideos]

Thanks for these excellent details.

[@pauloaten]

"I like awl of them" :)

[@louduva9849]

It's awl Greek to me...

[@xoxo2008oxox]

He's awl there!

[@SmokeFlame1]

Awl right! That's enough!

[@Aubreykun]

I like when Paul gives us these *sharp tips* , he really *drills* down into the history so we have just enough of the *hole* story behind such a tool to get the imagination *turning* , and really *drive* creativity.

[@danbreuer]

You, sir, are a punny guy!

[@garyhorton6652]

Thanks taking the time to share your knowledge.

[@boozoochavis7506]

I see this morning that Marples Irwin still makes a smaller version of these, if they are any good is just a guess. Ordering them from overseas raises the price by 4x's so I will keep looking for a good way to make some myself - just as Mr. Sellers would do his very self I do believe?! Thanks for posting this.

[@DerHolzbastler]

Nice short Video. Thank you from Germany!

[@GizziMoD]

im currently using mine in 4" ebony... i started in 1949 .. i think im about 1/4" through atm

[@jackreeves3001]

Very cool. Wonderful concept!

[@Al-Fiallos]

Dear Paul. Somewhat off subject, bu you will appreciate my relevation. I just made 4.5 lbs of hamburger, but that's not the revelation; I stoned the plates and knives on my diamond stones and voila! Perfect cutting without gumming or jamming up. When my wife and I first used the meat grinder we were less than impressed by it's performanc, now it is a totally different story. Thank you for your common sense teaching.

[@smasica]

Something totally new to me. Thank you.

[@horaciocastillo3082]

GREAT JOB!! THANKS FOR SHARING

[@ianturnbull985]

Never let anyone say you're not a dedicated woodworker, you gave us your awl on that video. I've got my coat....Taxi!!

[@Sarrienne]

I'd love to see a video about, and comparing, similar tools like the Awl, Bradawl and Gimlet...!!

[@HistoricHomePlans]

Very clever! I must make one. I wonder if a variation could be made like a countersink.

[@heldaneurbanus5135]

Very useful to go awl the way through a workpiece.

[@SoundsToBlowYourMind]

Very cool, please do a video showing how to make one! What size / type of steel is required ?

[@martinw4261]

Now I want to learn how to make a birdcage in the forest.

[@lbhunter6341]

Awl for one and one for awl!

[@MRrwmac]

Thanks for the info and the demonstration!

[@timbarry5080]

That's awesome

[@carloslopezcolon4387]

The Japanese have a similar one but the handle is longer. Is used to put like mini stake like dowel pins.

[@AndrewMorgan666]

Thank you, I'd seen these but didn't understand their use, thought they were some scribing tool.

[@sylviaapperley4966]

Thanks Paul, :)

[@bhimabi1993]

Please make a short on making your own awl. You cant get away with just say make one yourself without telling us ;)

[@Aubreykun]

You just need to take an old screwdriver and file/sand it to shape. Preferably one with a mangled tip or broken handle so you're giving it a second chance at life. If you don't have one they're typically the cheapest tools at garage sales. A philips, robertson, modern style flat blade or pozidriv tip would be the easiest to work off of because you can use the existing flats on the tip to guide you. Certain styles of flat blades and less common types would need you to cut the end off first. An alternative though: You can buy a small piece of high speed steel (the kind for cutters used on machinists' lathes) and grind a point on it. This will make a very durable, sharp awl but HSS is very slow to grind. You will also need to make a handle and ferrule to fit it.

[@grizzlydan8]

I bought a lot of old tools on ebay that had one of these in it. I have occationally used it but did not know why it is 4 sided.

[@CrimeVid]

Birdcage awl for me ! I sharpen mine on a stone

[@danmottesheard5294]

I never knew that. thanks

[@patbassman8251]

what is the difference between a Braddle and an Awl ?

[@coryulrich6489]

This is where spax screws got their idea for making pilot holes.

[@helfehelpstone]

Show us, how to make one of those

[@louduva9849]

Please...

[@elund408]

What size steel do you recommend?

[@phillipjones3342]

Take a cheap screwdriver you can cut off the end And file it down it has to be square shank

[@Aubreykun]

You just need to take an old screwdriver and file/sand it to shape. Preferably one with a mangled tip or broken handle so you're giving it a second chance at life. If you don't have one they're typically the cheapest tools at garage sales. A philips, robertson, modern style flat blade or pozidriv tip would be the easiest to work off of because you can use the existing flats on the tip to guide you. Certain styles of flat blades and less common types would need you to cut the end off first. An alternative though: You can buy a small piece of high speed steel (the kind for cutters used on machinists' lathes) and grind a point on it. This will make a very durable, sharp awl but HSS is very slow to grind. You will also need to make a handle and ferrule to fit it.

[@SWhite-hp5xq]

Ayer you should buy one if you can’t work out how to shape a piece of steel and jam it into a wooden handle?!

[@darktherapy]

Yorkshire men dig awls

[@spidermancereal]

I want to start an awl company and name it The "Phucket" Co. Our product will be the "Phucket Awl".

[@sbtoolman12123]

And i will invest!!

[@ajeje1996]

Do they work with hardwood as well? Also, why would you use one of these instead of a drill? Genuine question, I'm all for hand tools but with this one I really don't see the point (no pun intended), except in a specific historical context

[@Paul.Sellers]

Yes, they do. Just the same.

[@ajeje1996]

@@Paul.Sellers cool!

[@Astrogazzr]

I echo the comments below about showing how to make the awl or even where to purchase such.

[@sigogglin]

Regardless of how many views this video gets, you gave it your awl 😂

[@darktherapy]

It goes awl the way through the wood

[@davidbowser2040]

Good video Paul Sellers. Question for you though. IF this is one of your "Favorite tools that you use quite a bit" WHY have we NEVER seen you use one? You have screwed a lot of things together in your shows !

[@Paul.Sellers]

I think you should have done as I start most holes using one, especially in hinges are the good. I also tend to bore holes for threads of screws too. I suppose I'm saying it's not an either or.

[@MJFAN666]

"I like awl of them"

[@MrSlushy87]

"I like awl of them" :D

[@Lodewikus]

And I thought they were only meant for marking centres...

[@DaveBoatBuilder]

I'm not sure i see the point. 😮