A scriber or engineers scribe tool is a type of hand tool used to mark or scriber various materials such as wood, steel, metal and plastic prior to being machined. Scribing tools are simple and easy to use and are often used with various other hand tools including saws, chisels, hammers and more when carrying out various tasks such as carving or measuring. Scribers can be manufactured from a wide range of materials including aluminium, chrome vanadium steel and feature a tip often made from tungsten carbide or diamond. Scribing tools are an excellent addition to any toolset that can be used in a wide range of applications. Their often slimline and pen-like design ensures that can be safely stored and carried in a toolbox or even pocket.Who uses a scriber?Scribers are used by many tradesmen and DIY enthusiasts when carrying out tasks that require marking or measuring of materials prior to cutting and machining. Scribing tools are often used in applications such as:CarpentryEngineeringDIYWoodcarvingConstructionHow does a scriber work?Scriber tools work similarly to a pencil by creating a faint line via the tip when drawn across materials.Why use a scriber?Although many scribing tools have a pencil-like design, they offer a more superior and precise line when marking or scribing. The durable pointed tips allow you to produce a shallow scratch that won’t be easily rubbed out, making them ideal for producing a faint line when measuring or marking materials with precision. If required, marking ink can also be used to make the line more visible. Scriber tools are also a much safer and accurate choice for marking, unlike a knife that can potentially damage the material or cause injury.Types of scribers?Scribers are available in many forms, however, the two most common are the engineer’s scribe and the carpenter’s scribe. Engineer scribers often feature a much more solid design with a sharper point ideal for use with materials such as metal and steel, whereas a carpenter scriber is designed for marking softer materials such as wood prior to using carving tools.