The pegging awl is one of the oldest and most essential tools in traditional shoemaking. Used to drive wooden nails (pegs) through leather soles, heels and insoles, it creates a strong mechanical bond that has been trusted by cobblers for centuries. This guide walks you through how to use one correctly.
What you'll need
- A pegging awl (size 4¾" for ¾" wooden nails)
- Birch wooden nails — ¾" or ½" depending on your work
- A leather mallet or hammer
- Damp leather (slightly moistened for easier penetration)
Understanding the pegging awl
A pegging awl has a square-tapered blade that compresses the leather fibres as it enters, rather than cutting them. This means the hole grips the wooden nail tightly once driven in. The leather-reinforced hammering head allows you to strike it with a mallet without damage.
Step-by-step instructions
- Prepare your leather — lightly dampen the leather where you'll be pegging. Moist leather is significantly easier to work and grips the peg better.
- Mark your peg positions — space pegs evenly, typically 8–10mm apart along the welt or sole edge.
- Position the awl — hold the awl perpendicular to the leather surface at your first mark.
- Drive the awl — strike the head firmly with a mallet to pierce through the layers. Keep it straight to avoid splitting.
- Remove the awl — twist gently as you withdraw to keep the hole open.
- Insert the wooden nail — place a ¾" birch peg into the hole and tap flush with a hammer. The peg should grip firmly without glue.
- Trim if needed — use a sharp knife to shave any protruding peg flush with the surface.
- Repeat — work along the sole or heel, maintaining even spacing.
Tips from mukshy workshop for best results
- Always work on damp leather — dry leather is harder to pierce and may split.
- Keep your awl blade waxed to reduce friction.
- Use birch wooden nails — they're rust-proof, strong, and easy to shave flush.
- Our handmade pegging awl comes with 50 × ¾" wooden pegs to get you started.