And another what is this tools called/used for post?

[okeydokey]

Good afternoon folks
Well I invested a couple of pounds at my local knick knack emporium in this thing, just because it feels nice and if I knew what it was I could use it purposefully!
Boxwood handle overall about 6" long with the steel part sort of screwdriver shaped, yes with a little work it could be a large bradawl, screwdriver, carving chisel, plumb bob the list could be endless but what is it please?

thanks

 

[Inspector]

Worn screwdriver.

Pete

 

[Trainee neophyte]

That's what screwdrivers used to look like before China invented plastic.

 

[okeydokey]

Agreed thats what it could be but its not London Pattern or Cabinet or Oval or Gunsmith or any other variety Ive found - its short and quite stubby (well it is now) so still whats it? what used for ?

 

[Cabinetman]

I’m wondering if it’s something a Sadler might use.

 

[dickm]

I’m wondering if it’s something a Sadler might use.

Certainly looks from the handle shape as if it was meant for pushing through something to make a hole, prior to stitching. But since it's about 1/4" diameter, it would be one heck of a hole!

 

[dannyr]

It's surely just a bradawl, ie for making start holes for screws, nails etc -- on the larger size, but don't think it looks as big as 1/4in dia from the rule.

I find bradawls very useful.

Leather/sailcloth awls are similar, but not usually with the screwdriver-type point.

don't think this one is, but just check that the handle end doesn't screw off - some had a set of interchangeable points of different sizes inside the handle

 

[Valhalla]

My money's on an awl of some kind

 

[novocaine]

Looks like a clock makers stubby driver to me. Possibly a meyhew.

 

[okeydokey]

Just measured a gnats under 1/4" and tried cautiously to unscrew but it doesn't looks more a "push" fit akin to a file and handle

 

[Orraloon]

Picture says it awl.

 

[robgul]

Picture says it awl.

Agreed - I have an almost exact same tool and my late FiL (taught woodwork at a public school) called it an awl.

 

[KimG]

An Awl. A nice one too.

 

[gmercer_48083]

Looks like it is home made from one of those 2 headed common nails, with the top head cut off and inserted into the handle.
https://www.lowes.com/pd/Fas-n-Tite...50851241&utm_content=HDW_Nails-And-Screws_LIA

 

[6x4]

That’s a bradawl. The flat edge (not a point) when kept square will sever fibres when rotated and not just push them aside

 

[okeydokey]

Thank you all for your comments after looking around the web and old tool suppliers I think 6x4 has really cracked it

 

[stuart little]

I say it's a saddlers awl, I've got one that was my dads who worked in the old Milwards shoe repair factory in town. I've sharpened the end to use as a wood awl.

 

[jcassidy]

A bradawl. According to Paul Sellers, you push it in cross grain and twist it 90° back and forth to cut the grain and create the hole. Useful near edges where shoving in a standard round awl might split the wood.

 

[thetyreman]

it's not an awl, it's a screwdriver.

 

[StraightOffTheArk]

it's not an awl, it's a screwdriver.

The handle is not a screwdriver handle and the tool tip is not shaped like a screwdriver, but I'd say they have a distinctly awlish appearance...