Pritchel is a woodworking tool, also known as a pritchel hole punch or pritchel punch. The spelling of Pritchel is unique and can appear confusing. It is pronounced as /prɪtʃəl/, with the "tch" sound representing the combination of the letters "t" and "ch." The word has no root in the English language and is believed to have originated from a dialect or regional language. Properly spelling Pritchel is essential for those in the woodworking industry as it is a common tool for creating holes in metal or wood.
Pritchel, also known as a pritchel hole, is a term primarily used in blacksmithing and metalworking to refer to a specific type of small, round, and tapered hole present on an anvil. The pritchel hole is positioned perpendicular to the face of the anvil and is typically located near the heel or on the table. It is usually 3/8 to 1/2 of an inch in diameter.
This hole serves multiple purposes. Firstly, it allows the insertion of a pritchel tool, which is a pointed instrument used during forging to create or enlarge holes in hot metal. The pritchel tool can be struck with a hammer to punch through the metal, providing a means to create precise holes of varying sizes. Additionally, the pritchel hole is used for the insertion and support of items such as nails, pins, or bolts during various metalworking operations. It helps hold these items in place, allowing the blacksmith to easily work on or shape the metal component as desired.
The pritchel hole is a valuable feature on an anvil, enhancing its versatility and providing options for a range of forging and metalworking tasks. It enables the blacksmith to manipulate metal pieces, create openings, and streamline their workflow. While not as prominent as other features on an anvil, the pritchel hole nonetheless plays a crucial role in facilitating efficient and precise metalworking.
The word "pritchel" has its origins in Middle English, specifically the word "pricche", which means "to pierce" or "to prick". The word was later modified to "prichel" in Middle English, and eventually evolved to its current form of "pritchel" in the early 17th century. In blacksmithing, a pritchel refers to a tool, often a small pointed punch, used for creating or widening holes in metal workpieces.