Lävistykellä

Lävistykellä is a Finnish term that translates to "piercing needle" or "piercing awl" in English. It refers to a specialized tool used for creating holes, primarily in materials like leather, fabric, or other pliable substances. The design of a lävistykellä typically involves a sharp, pointed tip, often made of metal, attached to a handle for grip and leverage.

The primary function of a lävistykellä is to puncture and create a clean, precise opening. This is distinct from a regular needle, which is designed for sewing by passing thread through pre-existing holes or fabric. A lävistykellä is used to initiate the hole itself. The size and shape of the tip can vary depending on the intended application and the thickness of the material being worked. Some lävistykellä may have a hollow tip to remove a small plug of material, while others have a solid, sharp point that simply pushes through.

In various crafts and trades, a lävistykellä is an essential tool. For example, in shoemaking or saddlery, it is used to create holes for stitching. In upholstery or sailmaking, it serves a similar purpose for sewing heavy-duty materials. The term can also be used more broadly to refer to any sharp, pointed instrument used for piercing or making holes, although its most common association is with handcrafts and leatherworking.