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If you tinker with wood, leather, or metal even once in a blue moon, punches and awls quickly become the unsung heroes of your toolbox. Think of them as the small, precise chisels and probes that help you start holes, align parts, or mark centres before you commit to drilling or riveting. They’re simple tools, but the right one can save you time, mess, and frustration — kind of like having the right key to open a stubborn lock.
Shopping for punches and awls in the UK is easy if you know where to look. Whether you prefer to feel the handle in your hand or compare dozens of online reviews, there are reliable retailers stocked with quality brands and size options. Below are some of the best places to check out, each with a quick note on what they do well.
Expert Electrical stocks a solid range of punches and awls, including CK Tools items like bradawls, parallel pin punches, and centre punches. If you’re after trusted brands and specialist tools for electrical or fine mechanical work, Expert Electrical is a go-to. They tend to carry sizes that suit detailed tasks — from a thin pin punch to a sturdier centre punch for marking metal.
Screwfix is a favourite among tradespeople for a reason: wide selection, good prices, and convenience. Here you’ll find everything from single centre punches to multi-piece punch sets. If you want to browse both budget and pro-grade tools, Screwfix often has a great balance.
B&Q is ideal for home DIYers who want a straightforward in-store experience. Their range is user-friendly and includes basic awls, bradawls for woodworking, and pin punches suitable for light mechanical tasks. It’s a good place to start if you want to pick up something quickly for a weekend project.
Toolstation offers a no-nonsense selection of punches and awls, often at competitive prices. They’re geared toward the working pro and serious hobbyist, and you can often find specialty sizes and hardened steel options that hold up under repeated use.
Wickes carries solid basic options for woodworking and general repair jobs. Their range is tailored for homeowners and DIYers who don’t need industrial kits but do want reliable tools that won’t fail on a tricky job.
If precision and engineering-grade tools are your thing, RS Components stocks high-spec punches and pin sets for mechanical and electrical work. They’re a great source when you need specific diameters or hardened, heat-treated punches for repeatable accuracy.
Amazon brings variety and customer reviews into one place. You’ll find CK Tools products and many other brands here, often at a range of price points. Reviews help you judge build quality and comfort before you buy, though it’s worth checking seller ratings.
Homebase and Robert Dyas are perfect for the weekend warrior who wants easy availability and helpful in-store staff. They offer basic bradawls and centre punches that cover most household tasks, with enough variety to try different types without breaking the bank.
Punches and awls come in distinct types, each designed for a specific job. Choosing the right one is like picking the right paintbrush — the shape determines the finish.
Bradawls are classic woodworking tools used to make starter holes for screws and nails. They usually have a tapered, sharp point and a comfortable handle for twisting. For example, a small square bradawl measuring about 3.35 in is ideal for delicate joinery where you don’t want to split the wood.
Parallel pin punches drive pins and rivets out of assemblies. They’re straight, cylindrical tools available in tiny to larger sizes. You might see a 0.22 in pin punch for small mechanical jobs and up to 0.31 in for heavier fittings. They’re perfect when you need to push pins without damaging the surrounding parts.
Centre punches give you a clear, dimpled mark to guide drilling. They’re thicker and sturdier, able to take a good whack from a hammer. A centre punch around 5.91 in by 0.39 in (length and head diameter reference) gives you control for metalwork and accurate drilling starts.
If you’re the kind of person who likes to be prepared, multi-packs can be excellent value. For example, a pack of 50 assorted bradawls gives you a range of shapes and sizes for woodworking, leather, and hobby crafts — think of it as a Swiss army knife of starter tools.
Choosing a punch or awl comes down to three basic questions: what material are you working with, what size do you need, and how precise must the hole or mark be? Answer those, and you’ll narrow your options fast. For leatherwork, a thin bradawl or pin punch around 0.08 in helps make clean holes without tearing the material. For hardwood, go for a sturdier bradawl with a robust handle to avoid hand fatigue.
Not all punches are created equal. Look for hardened steel tips — they stay sharp and resist mushrooming. Handles can be wooden, plastic, or composite; wooden or ergonomically shaped composite grips often give the best comfort during repeated twisting motions. A heat-treated, hardened core is essential for durability, especially if you’ll be striking the tool with a hammer or using it on metal frequently.
Punches and awls are versatile. Use a bradawl to start pilot holes in wood, a pin punch to remove roll pins from a hinge, and a centre punch to mark drill centres on metal or masonry. Leatherworkers love awls for stitching holes, while mechanics use pin punches for disassembling components. It’s one of those tool families that spans hobbies and trades with ease.
Maintenance is simple but crucial. Keep tips sharp with a fine file or stone, and dress any mushroomed ends to avoid chipping or catching. A light wipe of oil on the metal parts prevents rust, especially if you live near the coast where moisture can be an issue. Store isolates like small punches in a roll or dedicated box to prevent damage and lost tips.
Simple tools can be dangerous if used carelessly. Always wear eye protection — flying metal or wood splinters can be unpredictable. Secure your workpiece before punching, and keep a steady hand. When using a centre punch, hold it perpendicular and deliver controlled strikes, not wild swings. If you’re using pin punches to drive pins from assemblies, support the part so it doesn’t move and avoid hitting the punch at an angle that could cause it to slip.
Price doesn’t always equal quality, but it’s a decent indicator. Specialist suppliers like RS Components and Expert Electrical carry pro-level punches that cost more but last longer under heavy use. High-street stores like B&Q and Wickes offer budget-friendly picks that are fine for occasional DIY. If you’re building a toolbox, consider buying a mid-range set from Screwfix or Toolstation to get a balance of durability and cost. Don’t forget to read reviews and check for heat treatment notes on product listings — those details usually separate a throwaway punch from a keeper.
CK Tools is a widely respected brand and features in many UK retailers’ catalogues. Their bradawls and pin punches are known for consistent sizing and durability. Other brands to consider include Draper, Stanley, and DeWalt for general-use tools, and engineering-focused brands available through RS Components for higher-spec jobs. Look for hardened, rust-resistant finishes and ergonomic grips when choosing between brands.
Buying online offers convenience and a broader selection, plus customer reviews to help with choice. If you’re confident in sizes and specs, online can be great for price comparison. In-store shopping gives you the tactile advantage: you can feel the handle, test the balance, and get hands-on advice from staff. If you’re undecided between two models, visiting a store to hold them can be a game-changer.
When you’re choosing punches and awls, a few small considerations change the day-to-day experience. Look for handles that fit your hand, and choose a protective case if you travel with tools. Mark sizes clearly on the punch shank if they aren’t labelled, and consider a set with a range of diameters so you don’t find yourself halfway through a job wishing you had a slightly thinner or thicker punch.
Seasonal sales and clearance sections can hide great buys. Keep an eye on tool shops around bank holidays and during seasonal sales windows. Sign up for newsletters from stores like Screwfix, Toolstation, and Expert Electrical to get notified of discounts on specific tool ranges. Also, consider buying slightly older models in a range; they often sell at a discount but perform just as well.
Upgrade when your tools start to fail on the job — tips blunt quickly, handles split, or you repeatedly need a size that your current set doesn’t include. If you’re doing heavy mechanical work, moving to hardened, heat-treated punches will save you time and money in the long run. For hobbyists, a well-chosen mid-range set will usually do everything you need without the premium price tag.
If sustainability matters to you, look for tools with replaceable parts or wooden handles from responsibly sourced timber. Choosing long-lasting steel tools reduces waste, and repairing a well-crafted punch is often simpler than replacing a cheap one. Longevity and repairability are key eco-friendly metrics to keep in mind.
At the end of the day, the best punch or awl is the one that fits your hand, matches your task, and stands up to repeated use. Whether you shop at Expert Electrical for specialist CK Tools items, grab a set from Screwfix, or pick up a bradawl in-store at B&Q, you’ll get far more satisfaction from having the right tool than from improvising. Start with the basics, treat them well, and your punches and awls will repay you in cleaner jobs and fewer headaches.
Conclusion: Choosing the right punches and awls doesn’t have to be a chore. With the right guidance, a few solid stores to check, and a clear idea of the job you need to do, you’ll be well-equipped to buy tools that last and perform. Remember: size, material, and comfort are your north stars. Happy hammering and careful marking — your future self will thank you for the thoughtful tool choices you make today.
| Punches & Awls | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Ck Parallel Pin Punch 8mm | £ 6,17 | |
| Ck Parallel Pin Punch 5mm | £ 6,17 |
