scratch awl

American  

noun

Carpentry.

1. an awllike device for scribing wood.

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Etymology

Origin of scratch awl

First recorded in 1890–95

Example Sentences

The "Odd Job" Tool.—A most useful special tool, which combines in its make-up a level, plumb try-square, miter-square, bevel, scratch awl, depth gage, marking gage, miter gage, beam compass, and a one-foot rule.

From Carpentry for Boys In a Simple Language, Including Chapters on Drawing, Laying Out Work, Designing and Architecture With 250 Original Illustrations by Zerbe, James Slough

Dade laid his square and scratch awl down on the piece of timber and deliberately seated himself on the saw-horse beside it.

From The Boss of the Lazy Y by Seltzer, Charles Alden

This will make a spring clamp that is opened to slip over the articles to be clamped together by inserting a scratch awl or scriber between the legs at the bowed portion.

From The Boy Mechanic: Volume 1 700 Things for Boys to Do by Popular Mechanics Co.