Recent Examples on the Web

Using an awl, mark the hole's location on the side of each piece so that it's centered along the width and positioned ¾ inch from the beveled end. Ted Kilcommons, Popular Mechanics, "This Modern Adirondack Chair Is a Great Woodworking Challenge," 18 July 2020

To test whether the wood has rotted, try poking it with the tip of a screwdriver or an awl. Jeanne Huber, Washington Post, "Do these garage doors need to be replaced — or just repainted?," 3 Aug. 2020

Center the hinge on the apron, make starter holes with an awl, and fasten the hinge. Joseph Truini, Popular Mechanics, "How To Build a Stylish Entryway Storage Bench," 27 June 2020

The oldest metal object unearthed to date is a tiny 6th millennium BCE copper awl found in the Middle East. Grace Wade, Popular Science, "Copper is the ultimate tool for innovation," 16 Apr. 2020

Fine details, like the eyebrows and tears on the middle pumpkin, can be created by using a sharp pencil, or an awl or ice pick to punch holes through the outside. Joan Lang, Woman's Day, "Portrait Pumpkin," 5 Sep. 2019

Measure 7 inches from the top of each leg, and make a small mark with an awl to locate the position of the screw that fastens the flat steel crossbrace, then drill a 9/64 -inch pilot hole in each leg. Ricard Romanski, Popular Mechanics, "How To Build Your Very Own Indoor Firewood Rack," 8 Feb. 2020

The first Swiss Army knife featured a blade, a screwdriver, a can opener, and an awl—everything a soldier could need to maintain a rifle, prepare a meal, or repair a saddle. Popular Science, "Twelve classic products that were perfect from the start," 12 Apr. 2020

The tool also has a saw, wire cutter, pry bar with nail puller, bottle opener, awl and file. Tim Macwelch, Outdoor Life, "15 Pieces of Survival Gear We Can’t Live Without," 9 Sep. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'awl.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.