How to create a pilot hole using a bradawl?

Step 1 – Grip bradawl

Hold the bradawl in the palm of your dominant hand and grip with your fingers, using your thumb and forefinger as guides at the base of the handle or along the shank.

Step 2 – Place bradawl onto wood

Place the bradawl point onto the wood, in the place you wish to create your pilot hole. You can mark the point beforehand if you wish.

If you are using the chisel-point bradawl, place the flat edge perpendicular to the direction of the grain.

Step 3 – Apply pressure

Firmly push the bradawl into the wood.

Step 4 – Twist tool

As you push the bradawl into the wood, twist your wrist backwards and forwards to rotate the tool until the required depth is reached.

Step 5 – Remove tool

Remove the bradawl from the wood by twisting and pulling, avoiding damage to the surface fibres as it exits the hole.