Awl for Stitch Holes??

ElectrikHellfire

ElectrikHellfire

Joined
May 19, 2008
Messages
1,534
Ok, Ive been doing sheaths and holsters for about 5 years now and recently Ive switched from a 4 prong punch to using a smooth scratch awl blade mounted in my drill press for making stitching holes. I get a much improved hole this way.

I went to my local Tandy today to get some replacment blades and they dont have any. All they carry are the flattened ones so I had to purchase a whole new kit for $25.

My question is, what do you guys/gals use to punch your holes with. Does anyone know where to find smooth, round awl blades??

Thanks
 
Ice picks, Scratch awls ( from Ohio Travel Bag) for about $1.50 or $2.00, Saddle Stitcher sewing needles (large sizes nr. 27 up to 36 about $10 for a pack of ten). Just a few ideas, but they will all work for your application. They will work without turning the drill press on also.

Paul
 
Look for those little mini-tool kits with a screw driver and five bits in a plastic stand with a clear plastic dome cover. I'm talking about the ones that have bits for eyeglass screws. There is usually an awl blade in the kit too, with a very thick base. These things, surprisingly, seem to hold up forever, even though I bought them at the Dollar Store! I prefer to use the diamond shape awl for stitching leather, but I use the round awl for other projects.

Stitchawl
 
You can make great ones out of finishing nails. You pick the size nail, cut off the head and chuck it in your drill press. File the point while it is turning and polish with fine sand paper.
 
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