bradawl

Definition

An awl with a blade similar to a small, straight screwdriver; used for making holes, especially in wood to take screws.

Etymology

From brad + awl.

Example Sentences

• "‘I wish I wos behind him vith a bradawl,’ muttered the long one."
• "For the first adjustment [to a door that keeps swinging open], you might need to remove the screws from the frame, move the hinge slightly, and then make new screw holes with a bradawl and reinsert the screws."