centerpunch

As nouns the difference between awl and centerpunch

is that awl is a pointed instrument for piercing small holes, as in leather or wood; used by shoemakers, saddlers, cabinetmakers, etc. The blade is differently shaped and pointed for different uses, as in the brad awl, saddler's awl, shoemaker's awl, etc while centerpunch is a hand tool used to prepare a workpiece prior to drilling a hole. It typically compresses and then suddenly releases a spring, creating a small indentation that, in turn, guides and centers the drill.

As a verb centerpunch is

to prepare a workpiece for drilling by using a centerpunch to create an indentation.

As nouns the difference between prickpunch and centerpunch

is that prickpunch is a pointed steel punch, to prick a mark on metal while centerpunch is a hand tool used to prepare a workpiece prior to drilling a hole it typically compresses and then suddenly releases a spring, creating a small indentation that, in turn, guides and centers the drill.

As a verb centerpunch is

to prepare a workpiece for drilling by using a centerpunch to create an indentation.