marking tools

  • Klein Tools 650 Scratch Awl: A Pro’s Take

    BySteve

    I’ve tested countless tools in tight crawl spaces and on rooftops, and the Klein 650 scratch awl has earned its spot in my daily carry. That 3-1/2-inch shank gives you enough reach without being awkward, and the cushion grip actually works-even when your hands are sweaty or greasy. I use it constantly for marking sheet metal, starting screw holes in ductwork, and punching through vapor barriers. The tip holds up to abuse that would destroy cheaper awls. Yeah, it’s made in the USA, which matters to me, but what really matters is that it works every single time. After two years of daily use, mine still looks nearly new. If you’re tired of replacing bent, wobbly awls that fall apart, this Klein is worth every penny.

  • Klein Tools Skribes: My Go-To Jobsite Markers

    BySteve

    I’ve been through more marker brands than I can count, and most don’t last a week in my truck. The Klein Tools Skribes are different. These things write on anything — I’m talking condensation-covered evaporator coils, dusty ductwork, even that grimy compressor housing you just degreased. The ink doesn’t fade or smear when you’re sweating through a July attic job, and the fine tip stays sharp long enough to actually matter. I keep one clipped to my shirt and stash the 12-pack in my van because I go through them steady, not from failure but from constant use. They’re not cheap, but neither is my time crawling back to the truck because another garbage marker quit mid-label. These just work.