Bradawls

About Bradawls

A bradawl is a fundamental hand tool for creating pilot holes in timber before inserting screws or nails, preventing wood from splitting and ensuring accurate fixings. This simple yet essential tool features a sharp point attached to a comfortable handle, making it indispensable for carpenters, joiners, and DIY enthusiasts alike. MyToolShed.co.uk stocks a comprehensive selection of bradawls from trusted brands including Draper, Faithfull, Stanley, and Wera, covering everything from traditional chisel tip models to modern soft grip designs.

Our range includes various tip styles to suit different applications: chisel tips for general carpentry work, square tips for cleaner screw holes, and scratch awls for precision marking and scribing. Modern bradawls often feature ergonomic soft grip handles that reduce hand fatigue during extended use, whilst traditional wooden-handled models offer classic reliability. Whether you need a standard bradawl for everyday tasks or a specialist twist gimlet for deeper penetration in harder woods, MyToolShed.co.uk has the right tool for your woodworking projects.

Applications

Bradawls are used across numerous trades and applications:

• Carpenters and Joiners: Fitting hinges, locks, and ironmongery; hanging doors and assembling wooden structures
• Cabinet Makers: Creating precise pilot holes for furniture assembly and specialist hardware installation
• Shopfitters: Installing fixtures, fittings, and display units in retail environments
• Electricians: Marking and creating starter holes for mounting accessories and trunking to timber
• Plumbers: Fixing pipe clips and brackets to wooden joists and studs
• General Builders: Various timber fixing and construction applications
• Property Maintenance: Repairs and refurbishment work requiring accurate fixings
• DIY Enthusiasts: Home improvement projects, furniture assembly, and general woodworking tasks

Choosing The Right Bradawls

Tip Style: Chisel tips are versatile for general carpentry, square tips create cleaner holes with better screw thread grip, whilst scratch awls with ultra-sharp points excel at marking and scribing work.

Handle Design: Soft grip handles with ergonomic profiles significantly reduce hand fatigue during repetitive tasks and provide superior control. Traditional wooden handles offer classic feel but may be less comfortable for extended use.

Build Quality: Professional-grade bradawls from Draper Expert, Faithfull, Stanley, and Wera feature hardened steel tips that maintain sharpness longer and won't bend under pressure. Tradespeople should invest in quality tools for daily use.

Application: For site work and general carpentry, choose robust models with durable handles. Fine furniture work or precision tasks benefit from bradawls with finer points and enhanced control characteristics.

Safety Information

Always position hands behind the bradawl tip when applying pressure, never underneath or in front of the workpiece where the point might exit. Secure workpieces properly using a vice or clamps—never hold small pieces in your hand whilst working. Keep bradawl points sharp and rust-free; dull points require excessive force and are more likely to slip. When using chisel-tip bradawls, position the blade across the grain rather than along it to prevent splitting. Store bradawls with protective covers or in tool rolls to prevent accidental contact with sharp tips.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a bradawl and a scratch awl?
A bradawl typically has a chisel or square tip designed specifically for creating pilot holes for screws, whilst a scratch awl features a needle-like point primarily used for scribing lines and marking positions. Many carpenters keep both types for different tasks.

Should I use a bradawl across or along the wood grain?
When using a chisel-tip bradawl, position the blade edge across the grain (perpendicular to wood fibres) rather than along it. This allows the chisel to cut through fibres cleanly rather than following and splitting them, creating a pilot hole that won't cause splitting when you insert screws.

How do I maintain my bradawl?
Keep your bradawl clean and lightly oiled to prevent rust. Sharpen chisel-tip models using a fine file or sharpening stone to maintain the flat blade edge, preserving the original angle. For scratch awls, gentle work with a fine stone will restore the point's sharpness.