An awl is a versatile tool that resembles a screwdriver with a sharp point at the end. It can be used to start a pilot hole for small screws or to punch holes in metal before drilling. An awl is also handy for starting a hole in wood before driving a small nail or brad.

The scratch-awl is used to score lines and cut through light material such as sheet metal.

Letter punches are small metal sticks, each of which has a letter of the alphabet on its end. The lettered end is hammered into a piece of material to punch in the letter. Punches are also available with decorative designs instead of letters.