Scribe line stress-fracturing (the deep gouge)

A scratch awl is engineered to slice a microscopic line into the zinc coating for visual alignment-not to score a structural fracture line into the core steel layer. Lighten your hand weight: pull a smooth, single, lightweight stroke along your.

Stop if

• You gouged the steel so deep it cracked straight along the scribe line when it hit the brake. Lighten up on the scratch awl-you only need to whisper a line across the zinc to track your layout path.

Watch out

• Do not force the tool through the problem or substitute the wrong tool just to keep moving.

Check

• Use the proper sheet metal layout or striking tool for the task.
• Check whether the tool is denting, gouging, or weakening the metal.
• Correct the technique on scrap before working the finished piece.
• Keep layout marks visible without cutting a fracture path into the sheet.
• Ask for a better tool if the one in your hand is damaging the work.

Steps

• Use the proper sheet metal layout or striking tool for the task.
• Check whether the tool is denting, gouging, or weakening the metal.
• Correct the technique on scrap before working the finished piece.
• Keep layout marks visible without cutting a fracture path into the sheet.
• Ask for a better tool if the one in your hand is damaging the work.

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