Multi-Tool Awl uses – 11 uses I bet you’ve never thought of!

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Multi-tool awl uses – are awls actually good for anything?

What’s with multi-tool awls? What are they about exactly? As some of you know, I’m new to the multi-tool universe. And when I was starting my search for my first ‘perfect’ multi-tool, I noticed that often an awl was included in the toolset. At first, I wasn’t even sure how to even pronounce “awl” let alone what I was supposed to do with it. It looked just like a spike of some sort and sometimes it had a hole in it which I had no idea what to do with. I looked like a pretty useless piece of steel to me. I’ve got a screwdriver, a knife, a file so why do I need a sharp spike?

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Well now I’m a multi-tool owner and yes my first multi-tool has an awl. I’d like to say that the awl now makes good sense to me and I find that I can’t live without one. But that’s not the case at all. I reckoned the awl is a waste of prime multi-tool real estate that could be better put to use for a tool that does something useful.

Then I thought about it a bit longer and decided there must be a good reason why so many multi-tools come with an awl. Maybe I just don’t get it? So I started doing some research on awls and found out that there are different types of awls. And that there are so many great things to use your multi-tool awl for. I was so surprised I’ve made a list of 11 fantastic uses for your multi-tool awl. After you’ve read the list, I challenge you to disagree with me that your awl does in fact well deserve the space it takes up on your multi-tool.

11 fantastic uses for your multi-tool awl I bet you’ve never thought of

Need your knife tip for something? Don’t risk breaking it, use your awl tip instead.
Looking for something to clean dirt and grime out of small spaces? Use your awl to poke around in those difficult to reach places.
Forgot your manicure or pedicure set and have an important date? Use your awl to clean under your nails – good for fingers AND toes!
Stuck in the bush with a cut that needs stitches? Use your awl with thread loophole to sew your skin together. Grab a piece of wood to bite down on. You’ll be fine.
Upsized on that upsized burger meal deal? Easily fixed, use your awl to give yourself some extra breathing room. Just add a hole in your belt.
Did that fish that was worth mounting above the fireplace slip through your net? Fix the hole with your awl. That’s what the thread loophole in your awl is for.
Don’t have your pry bar with you but really need to pry something loose? Use your awl to get the job done.
Will your stubborn dog not get off the bed? Use your awl for the encouragement to follow your commands (no seriously, never use your awl for pet discipline!)
Got some food stuck between your teeth at the restaurant but can’t see a toothpick? Use your awl but have some manners and go to the bathroom to do it.
Trying to start a fire with your firesteel but using the back of your knife just isn’t doing it? Try using your awl. There’s no reason it will work better but it’s worth a try and will save some wear and tear on your knife!
Had to fend off a giant grizzly bear in the woods armed with only a small log? And now you have a splinter in your thumb? Well, you can use your awl to dig the splinter out.

OK, I probably wouldn’t use my awl for ALL these tasks. Hopefully, though after reading this list you can see that your multi-tool awl is actually really useful and if you’ve ever wondered what is an awl then I hope you learned. I’ve sure changed my mind about the awl and will be putting it into service a lot more from now on.

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Have you used your multi-tool awl at all? Or maybe it’s one of your favorite tools on your multi-tool? Let me know in the comments below if you use your awl or you’ve got other ideas for how the awl can be used.

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All awls are not the same

Not long ago I didn’t even know what an awl was now I know that an awl is not just an awl. Awls come in 3 different designs to do different things. What type of awl does your multi-tool have?

The Bradawl

The Bradawl is a hand tool for woodworking. If you press the blade across the grain of the wood, cut the grain then turn it 90 degrees, you’ll make a small hole. Once you’ve done that, it should stop the wood from splitting along the grain.[x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”https://pocketmultitools.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Bradawl.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]

The Stitching Awl

The Stitching Awl is the type of awl you use to make those holes in your belt. Because it can make holes in heavy fabric, leather etc, this is also the awl that you would stitch a sail, net or your fancy dress caveman outfit. It’s also the type of awl that shoemakers (cobblers) use. If your awl has a thread hole in it, you use the hole to push and pull the thread through the material you’re trying to sew together. Cross stitch works best in case you were wondering.

Here’s a FUN FACT about the stitching awl courtesy of our friends at Wikipedia – The English disparaging term “cobblers”, meaning “nonsense”, is Cockney rhyming slang for “balls” from the phrase “cobblers awls”. Who knew awls could be so entertaining?[x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”https://pocketmultitools.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Stitching-Awl.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”]

The Scratch Awl

The Scratch Awl is a sharp spike tool that is well named. It’s an awl that you use to scratch a line in timber. You then use the line to saw along. Because the line makes a shallow groove in the timber, it makes it easier for the saw to follow along the line. Alternatively, you can use it to just make a point in the wood. Think of it like a marker pen for marking timber or even sheet metal. Pretty useful really.[x_image type=”none” float=”none” src=”https://pocketmultitools.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/08/Scratch-Awl.jpg” info=”none” info_place=”top” info_trigger=”hover”][/cs_text][/cs_column][/cs_row][/cs_section][/cs_content]