bradawl
/'brædɔ:l/
Definition
- Noun:
- A small hand tool for boring holes: A bradawl is a pointed hand tool used for making small holes, typically in wood, to prepare for inserting brads (small nails) or small screws. It is designed to pierce material without splitting it.
Usage
- The bradawl is used to create a pilot hole, which guides a nail or screw and prevents the wood from cracking.
- It is commonly employed in woodworking, carpentry, and leatherworking for precise, small-scale boring tasks.
Examples
- Noun:
- The carpenter used a bradawl to make starter holes for the tiny brass screws.
- Before driving in the brad, he carefully pierced the leather with a bradawl.
Advanced Usage
- "to use a bradawl": To employ this specific tool for its intended purpose.
- For fine joinery, it is often better to use a bradawl than to force a screw directly into the wood.
Variants and Related Words
- Awl (n): A more general term for a pointed tool for piercing holes, especially in leather or wood. A bradawl is a specific type of awl.
- An awl is an essential tool for a bookbinder.
Synonyms
- Pricker: Another name for a small, pointed awl.
- Bodkin: A blunt needle or pointed tool, sometimes used for similar purposes, though often for threading.
Related Tools and Context
- While not synonyms, these are tools used in similar preparatory work:
- Gimlet: A tool for boring holes, typically with a screw point.
- Center punch: A tool used in metalworking to make a small indentation before drilling.
Noun
-
an awl for making small holes for brads or small screws
