What is the awl on a multi-tool for?
In this guide
An awl is a pointed steel spike that makes and widens small holes. On a multi-tool or pocket knife, it often has a sharp edge for reaming and an eye or loop for thread, so one blade can punch, ream and sew.
This guide is part of our hand tools hub.
The parts of a multi-tool awl
| Part | What it does |
|---|---|
| Point | Starts a hole, marks a spot, pierces leather or fabric |
| Reaming edge | A sharp edge along one side. Twist it to shave a hole wider |
| Eye or thread loop | A hole or notch near the tip that carries thread for sewing |
| Tang | The base that pivots into the handle |
Victorinox lists its version as one tool: "reamer, punch and sewing awl." Leatherman lists its version on tools like the Super Tool 300 and Surge as "awl with thread loop."
What is an awl on a multi-tool used for?
- Punch a new hole in a belt, strap or watch band. Back the strap with scrap wood and push the point through, then twist to round the hole.
- Start a screw in wood. A small dent keeps the screw from wandering. Victorinox says the punch marks starting points for drilling, too.
- Widen a hole. Victorinox says the reamer can create or widen holes for screws, wires or fittings. Twist it in a hole that's a little too small.
- Clean out a hole. Clear paint, dirt or a broken plastic plug from a screw hole.
- Mark a line. Drag the point to scratch a cut line on wood, plastic or soft metal.
- Sew a repair. Stitch a torn pack strap, a boot, a tent or a leather sheath with the eye or loop.
- Pick a stubborn knot. The point opens a tight knot without cutting the cord.
How to use the awl
To punch a hole
- Mark the spot with a pen.
- Put the material on a scrap block of wood.
- Push the point straight down, away from your body.
- Twist back and forth to round out the hole.
To widen a hole with the reamer
- Put the point in the hole.
- Turn the tool so the sharp edge leads. It should shave, not just rub.
- Twist and press lightly. Check the size often. It's easy to go too big in soft material.
To sew with the eye or thread loop
This makes a simple lock stitch, the same stitch a hand stitching awl makes.
- Thread waxed thread through the eye or loop.
- Push the awl through the material from the front.
- On the back side, pull out a loop of thread.
- Back the awl out. Leave the loop in place.
- Move along about the length of your stitch and push the awl through again.
- Pass the loose end through the new loop on the back, then pull both snug.
- Repeat. Tie off with two or three stitches back over the last ones.
Types of awls
| Type | Tip | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Multi-tool awl or reamer | Point plus a reaming edge, often an eye | Small holes, quick repairs, sewing in a pinch |
| Scratch awl | Round, long taper | Marking lines and starting screws |
| Brad awl | Small flat chisel tip | Starting screw holes across the wood grain |
| Stitching awl | Needle with an eye, on a handle with a thread spool | Heavy sewing in leather and canvas |
A shop awl is easier to grip and push. A multi-tool awl wins because it's always in your pocket.
Awl vs reamer vs punch vs drill
| Tool | What it does | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Awl | Pierces and starts holes | Soft material, small holes, marking |
| Reamer | Widens a hole that's already there | The hole is a little too small |
| Punch | Dents a spot so a drill bit doesn't wander | Before drilling metal or hard wood |
| Drill | Cuts a clean, round hole to size | Anything big, deep or in hard material |
On many multi-tools, one blade does the first three jobs. For a clean hole of a set size, use a drill. Our drill bit selector can help.
How to choose a multi-tool with a good awl
- Look for a thread loop or eye if you want to sew. Not every awl has one.
- Look for a locking awl on a multi-tool, if you'll push hard. Check the maker's tool list.
- Check how far it opens. A longer exposed awl reaches through thicker straps.
- Pick the other tools you need, too. Most people choose a multi-tool for its pliers, blade and drivers. See types of pliers and types of screwdrivers for what each does, and the tools every homeowner needs for the full kit.
To keep the blade on that same tool sharp, see how to sharpen a titanium-coated knife. The method works on plain steel blades, too.
What you'll need
- Multi-tool or pocket knife with an awl: Check the tool list for 'awl' or 'reamer'
- Scrap block of wood: Backs the work when you punch through
- Waxed thread: For stitching with the eye or loop
Key takeaways
- An awl is a pointed spike for punching, starting and widening small holes.
- Victorinox lists it as one tool: 'reamer, punch and sewing awl.' Leatherman calls its version 'awl with thread loop.'
- The reamer edge widens a hole when you twist it. The point starts a hole or marks a spot for a drill bit.
- The eye or loop carries thread, so you can make a lock stitch in leather, canvas or webbing.
- Push away from your body, back the work with scrap wood, and don't pry with it.
Questions people ask
What is the awl on a Swiss Army knife called?
Victorinox lists it as 'reamer, punch and sewing awl.' It's one blade that does all three jobs. The sharp edge reams, the point punches, and the eye carries thread.
What is the hole in the awl for?
It's for thread. You pass thread through the eye or loop, push the awl through the material, and use the loop of thread it leaves to make a stitch.
Can an awl drill through metal?
No. It can scratch a mark on soft metal or widen a hole in thin sheet, but it can't make a new hole in metal. Use a drill and a metal bit for that.
Can you sharpen a multi-tool awl?
Yes. Touch up the point and the reaming edge with a fine stone or diamond file. Keep the original shape, and don't grind the point thin, or it may snap.
Which way do you turn a reamer?
Turn it so the sharp edge leads into the material. If it only rubs and doesn't shave, turn the other way.
Sources
Change log: Nov 6, 2026: Rewritten from the 2023 archive post. Cut the history filler and made-up 'real-life examples'; added the Victorinox and Leatherman tool names, a stitching how-to and a tool comparison table.
