This tool is usually used for drawing an image in the etching ground. Etching needles and litho needles are not intended as ‘dry points’ as they are not mechanically strong enough for this purpose. In lithography, these needles can be used to make manual corrections on the lithographic stone. With oval litho needles, you can vary the width of the line when drawing in the etching ground (etching!) by turning the needle slightly while drawing. This is similar to engraving with an oval burin in an engraving.