AUKTools continues to impress with reliable, workshop-ready marking tools. Jonathan Salisbury tests the MaxAwl and Automatic Centre Punch — built for precision, strength, and ease of use.
The Woodworker & Good Woodworking
Both would make useful additions to any toolbox, particularly the latter. Even though I already own several centre punches and have no problem using them with a hammer, the auto punch has been excellent, allowing me to hold a measure in place with one hand while aligning and pressing down on the punch with the other. This really speeds up marking out and produces a wide, rounded dent that’s ideal for use with a standard twist drill. It’s adjustable, so you can make a smaller indent, and produces more of a mark compared to the same manual pressure on a solid punch.
The MaxAwl is ideal if you need a narrower or deeper hole to locate a panel or veneer pin, a pilot for wood screws, or a smaller dent for a brad-point drill. It’s much heavier than any bradawl I’ve ever used and since the point continues to taper almost half the tool’s length, it’s possible to make holes that are a suitable shape for larger wood screw threads. The shaped handle fits naturally into the palm and provides grip for pressing down hard without the risk of slipping; the super-sharp point is ideal for aligning with the edge of a measuring tape and there’s a small plastic tip protector, just in case. Good as it is, compared to other awls, the MaxAwl is quite expensive, but would nevertheless prove a worthwhile investment.
The Verdict
AUKTools Automatic Centre Punch
- Pros: Easy to set up and use; fast one-handed action speeds up marking
- Cons: Blunt end may be too wide for some
- Performance Rating: 4 out of 5
- Value Rating: 5 out of 5
Shop AUKTools Automatic Centre Punch
AUKTools Max Awl
- Pros: Super-sharp point for accurate marking; long, tapered end produces holes for all types of wood screw
- Cons: Cost
- Performance Rating: 5 out of 5
- Value Rating: 4 out of 5
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