Narex Scratch & Birdcage Awls

The scratch awl has a round point for scribing clean layout lines, while the birdcage awl has a square point on two bezels that actually cuts wood to start pilot holes and countersink drill points. Browse more marking tools.

A scratch awl parts wood fibers easily and cleanly to scribe layout lines for joinery, including dovetails, mortise and tenons, and even veneer and marquetry patterns. Its ergonomic shape lets you hold it in many positions for precise placement.

A birdcage awl cuts pilot holes and countersinks existing drill points precisely and efficiently. Its square point cuts wood cleanly, something a round scratch awl is not designed to do.

Both awls use high-quality chrome-manganese alloyed steel with a black surface treatment, paired with a stained and varnished beech wood handle.

The square point is sharpened on both the primary and secondary cutting bezels, so it cuts wood fibers rather than just parting them. This lets it bore clean pilot holes that a round awl cannot.

Yes. The scratch awl (101-743) and birdcage awl (101-744) are distinct tools, so you can choose the one that fits your scribing or pilot-hole needs.

Yes. The scratch awl is ideal for marking out dovetails, mortise and tenons, and other joinery thanks to its clean-parting round point. Pair it with other layout tools for accurate joinery.

Both awls have stained and varnished beech wood handles assembled with a traditional ferrule, giving a comfortable, durable grip for years of use.

They belong to the Narex Wood Line series of premium hand tools. Explore the broader hand tools range for more Narex options.

Hone the point on a stone to maintain a clean, accurate tip, especially on the birdcage awl's cutting bezels. See our sharpening supplies for stones and accessories.