Basically, how do you do it? I apologize for the dumb question, but I haven't faced this before. I dropped mine on the concrete and kind buggered up the point....so how do I sharpen it and keep the point somewhat concentric to the shaft. (Embarrassed for asking.)

Edited September 25, 20214 yr by Fred W. Hargis Jr

My method my cause some to cringe but I use the side of the grinder wheel. I hold the shaft of the awe with my left hand and index finger resting on the grinder table. Bring the tip up against the running wheel and spin the awl with my right hand. Only takes one or two revolutions tip sharpen the tip.

Thanks, Lew. Worked like a charm. I used a Tormek so it wasn't as traumatic (or as quick).

I do the same as Lew.  Some of mine have a removable shaft and for those I remove them and chuck them in a drill.

I use Lew's method too, but on a belt instead of a wheel.

59 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

I use Lew's method too, but on a belt instead of a wheel.

 

 

I use same method.

Clearly I'm not using my awl as much as everyone else...I've never needed to sharpen one until now. Maybe I need to lay it somewhere that will get it in use more often.

2 hours ago, Fred W. Hargis Jr said:

Clearly I'm not using my awl as much as everyone else...I've never needed to sharpen one until now. Maybe I need to lay it somewhere that will get it in use more often.

 

Or you're not using it to scratch the old caulking off the basement windows and concrete block.

I've sharpened a lot of them but then I made a lot of them too.

 

If I owned an awl that nice I would certainly use it more often...but never for old caulking and/or basement windows. That's for other people to do..

2 hours ago, HandyDan said:

I made a lot of them too

Where are you getting the kits from??

3 minutes ago, smitty10101 said:

Where are you getting the kits from??

 

I made my own.  Here is a link.

 

 

I have a technique that I use cheap HF awls for.   When I need to line up to holes, for example when attaching a piece to a threaded insert or T-Nut, I stick the awl in first and align it.  Then hold in position while I put the bolt in.