DIY Awl, Machined from Rebar Flat bit, For 50ft-trad

[Metropolicity]

50ft asked me if I had a Rebar awl hanging around for a secret project of his. Seeing how the awl is one of the main reasons why I bought the Rebar (to immediately take apart to salvage for parts), I didn't.

BUT..what I did have was a bunch of Rebar parts left over...namely the medium sized flat bit driver. I said I would give it a go at making it into an awl.

Thinking of just grinding away the back side at an angle and hoping that it would be correct, I quickly gave up that pipe dream as it is nearly -20 degree celsius here in Winterpeg AND it would risk the temper of the driver. Instead I chucked it up into my mill and a very very new and sharp 1/2" carbide end mill with a 1/8" radius corner cutting edge.

What resulted was a Surge style radius cutting edge (like a VERY deep hollow grind)

Here you can see the start of the curve, the radi is perfect for this scale.



The radi left a nice way to finish the cutting edge and allowed the cutting edge to be nearly the entire length of awl.



The edge is VERY sharp and can be sharpened very easily now.



After making the cutting edge, I flipped the bit over and slowly milled off the back side at an angle (unknown, just eyeballed) until it came to a point.



Using the flat bit driver taper, the cutting edge comes to a blunt point, enough to pierce through most, but not be deadly if it caught a finger or palm.



While the sewing hole is not nearly as big as the Surge one, the 1/16" hole is good enough.



One the right an unmodified Rebar medium bit driver, the middle new hotness and on the left is a slightly ground down Rebar awl.



I am so pleased with this that I may actually revisit my awls and try to incorporate this into my projects.

HACK ON!

-Metro

[chris777]

Now we know what bit leatherman cannibalized to get the surge Awl, lol

Nice work, as well as with the taper on the grind btw,
It Looks convex like the vic Sak awl, which is the best I've uesd. though I haven't tried a surge myself.
 

Question for for anyone who can answer...

has Anyone ever used the awl on a multi, or sak, to sew with?

[stealth007s]

Now we know what bit leatherman cannibalized to get the surge Awl, lol

Nice work, as well as with the taper on the grind btw,
It Looks convex like the vic Sak awl, which is the best I've uesd. though I haven't tried a surge myself.
 

Question for for anyone who can answer...

has Anyone ever used the awl on a multi, or sak, to sew with?

I used the awl on my climber to repair the tents we used in the Army 15 or so years ago. It was heavy canvas and not on the roof sections. Worked very well 



Nice work there Eric, once again!¡!

[Metropolicity]

Now we know what bit leatherman cannibalized to get the surge Awl, lol

Technically the rebar came after the surge. The awl design is unlike any awl they make (which is only one)

[AimlessWanderer]

That looks bloody fantastic, Metro  GREAT idea with the concave edge  That certainly looks like it'll be the finest awl that's ever graced a Leatherman ... any Leatherman

Thanks again Eric  I'm SOOOO looking forward to getting my mitts on this 

[nuphoria]

Lovely work Eric, as usual

I have used a Swiss Champ awl to do a quick fix on a busted leather jacket... it was a long time ago and looked damn ugly

[tattoosteve99]

Will this fit opposite the bit holder in a charge XTi or will I have to flat grind it some?

[Zed]

Very nice work Eric and look forward to pics Al 

[Metropolicity]

Will this fit opposite the bit holder in a charge XTi or will I have to flat grind it some?

Haven't tried but it's the same thickness as the other awl so I think you may have to.

[tattoosteve99]

Will this fit opposite the bit holder in a charge XTi or will I have to flat grind it some?

Haven't tried but it's the same thickness as the other awl so I think you may have to.

Thanks, what about the rebar awl? Is it slimmer?

[badwolf]

Awesome craftsmanship Eric, liking it lots and Al that will look just dandy on......

[Metropolicity]

Will this fit opposite the bit holder in a charge XTi or will I have to flat grind it some?

Haven't tried but it's the same thickness as the other awl so I think you may have to.

Thanks, what about the rebar awl? Is it slimmer?

No, same thickness.