Awl vs. Icepick — What's the Difference?

An awl is primarily used in woodworking, leatherworking, and other crafts to pierce holes or mark surfaces. Its design includes a pointed spike, usually made of steel, which is firmly attached to a handle for manual operation. Whereas an icepick is a tool with a sharp, pointed spike, designed specifically for chipping ice. The icepick's spike is thinner and sharper than that of an awl, tailored to penetrate and break apart ice blocks or chunks.

The handle of an awl is often made of wood, plastic, or metal and is designed to fit comfortably in the hand to apply pressure directly to the material being worked on. This design aids in precise control over the placement and size of the holes it creates. On the other hand, icepicks also have handles made from similar materials but are designed to withstand the impact of tapping or striking against ice, often requiring less precision but more force.

Awls can come in various shapes and sizes, including straight, bent, or even with multiple points, to suit different materials and purposes. Each type is specialized for tasks such as sewing leather, marking drill points, or creating decorative patterns. Icepicks, however, are generally uniform in design, focusing on the single purpose of breaking ice efficiently.

While the awl's point is sturdy and slightly rounded to avoid tearing materials like leather or canvas, an icepick's point is extremely sharp and narrow, aiming to reduce resistance when piercing through ice. This sharpness is crucial for the icepick's effectiveness in separating frozen blocks into smaller, usable pieces.

The usage context of these tools also differs significantly. Awls are a staple in the toolkit of craftsmen and hobbyists who work with materials requiring precise holes without splitting or tearing. Icepicks, however, are more commonly found in kitchens, bars, or places where ice needs to be manually broken down for culinary or beverage purposes.