How many hammers do you have? How many flat-head screwdrivers?

Probably more than one. Right?

Thats because they are each a little different and are designed to serve a different and specific needs.

Are Scratch Awls different? Of course not!

You may have read my review of the Craftsman Professional Scratch Awl. I love that Awl. But this little guy serves a different purpose. I use my Professional Awl for marking witness marks and lines on my wood stock. The shape of the Pro series lends itself better to acting like a pencil.

This Craftsman Awl is much stubbier. It works well for marking starter holes for drilling and driving screws. The short shaft allows you to place the handle in the palm of your hand allowing for a great deal of force to be applied to the tool. It even works well for making starter holes in hard woods like Oak and Hickory.

I think you'll love both of these awls as much as I do, but if nothing else I have given you another excellent excuse to by another tool. No thanks are necessary.

So, how do I review this awl.....I purchased this exact item online for pickup at Sears, received email that it was available for pickup, stopped at the store (30 minutes from my home) on the way home from my in-laws, and was handed a different awl. On the back, they wrote in pen "More expensive Sub, out of stock". The Awl I got is a wooden handle General brand one (model 818). Not poorly rated on that other retail website, but NOT the awl I wanted. Made in China (not sure where the Craftsman Awl is made). Yes, I could have not accepted it, or I could go and return it (even if the drive is 30 minutes), but I got it during a Friends and Family Sale which is now over. And I would like to have the tool now. So I took it. As I started out by saying, I wish I could review the Awl I originally ordered, but I can't.