NarexSquare Blade Birdcage Woodworking Scratch Awl 874710

Like other Narex tools I've bought, this one is very high quality and came very sharp

This is a great tool to have around the house. They were originally used in the field to drill holes for bird cages (thus the name). I mainly use it to make pilot and starter holes for screws. Great price and it came sharp.

I was a bit worried the 4" blade would be too long but when held in the palm, near my pinky, my pointer and middle fingers wrap around the blade and provide plenty of control. No worries about the length. Great tool. Also, some reviewers seem to be concerned that the blade is round and not square. I don't take issue with that because it stays square when sharpening with a stone or file. That's just me.

This awl is stout and sharp, but not what I'm accustomed to using. I was attempting to match one that I purchased from Garrett Wade long ago. It was a very well balanced tool with a large, nicely rounded handle and a long tapered blade closer to that of an ice pick. I use that awl primarily for marking holes before drilling in wood and to "pre-drill" holes for smaller screws. I was looking for an awl like the Garret Wade tool to give as gifts to my sons. The tool I reviewed here is well made and worth using, just not the tool I've enjoyed over the years.

Nice birdcage awl. It's is ultra sharp, truly square to the tip and very well made. I also have birdcage awls from some manufacturers who are known for high quality, but I believe this awl is better. The awl is much longer than most birdcage awls I've seen, and I'm glad it is, because I find this better for my type of woodwork.

Like all the Narex tools I've tried, this is well made and fairly priced. I prefer square bladed or "birdcage" style awls because they can act as a drill to set screws. When marking, the squared edge and sharp point leaves a clearer line and the tool is less likely to wander away from straightedges. There are many other brands that are also good, but they cost much more, sometimes double or triple what this costs. there's no practical reason to pay that much for such a simple tool. You can also make such a tool for even less money, but it would take some time and materials. If you just love fancy tools and have the money, go find the expensive ones. They'll give you pride of ownership, but cannot work any better. If you are on a severe low budget, handy with metal working and have a grinder, or just a slip-stone and a lot of time, you can make your own.If you are on a normal budget, and just want a good tool at a fair price, this is a great choice.Highly recommended. Even Paul Sellers likes these!

Does what I need it to do while holding its tip!

Great for providing a pilot hole for drill bits or screws. Very nice feeling handle. Glad I bought this.

I have several narex chisels, including the set of butt chisels which i love, bought this as it looks like part of that set. Like most middle age men buying tools i have no use for i don't know what you would use it for but it is a piece of craftmanship in itself so thats nice

Semplicemente perfetto

Es magnifico, bonito por su artesanía y muy practico a la hora de utilizar.

merci conforme super merci

Excellent product