Pontozó

Pontozó is a hand tool used to create dots, marks, or perforations on a surface by indentation, punching, or stamping. The term derives from pont, meaning dot or point, with the -ozó suffix indicating an instrument designed to perform the action. Depending on the craft, a pontozó can be a simple pointed tool such as an awl or needle, a wheel or roller with small projecting teeth or dots, or a set of punches used to strike a pattern onto a material.

In leatherworking and bookbinding, pontozó tools are employed to mark stitch lines, align pieces, or decorate surfaces with a dotted texture. They may be used in conjunction with rulers or compasses to ensure precise spacing and symmetry. In textiles and sewing, related devices are used to perforate or transfer patterns onto fabric, enabling accurate cutting or stitching. In metalworking or jewelry making, a pontozó can be used to imprint decorative dot patterns or to mark drill points for subsequent work.

Designs and sizes vary to suit different materials and purposes. Some pontozók produce uniform, shallow indentations suitable for marking, while others generate deeper impressions or multiple dots in a single operation. The tool is valued for its simplicity and versatility across crafts, serving both functional marking and decorative applications.

See also: tracing wheel, awl, punch, perforating tool.