Brace-----------------------------------Ratcheting selector
*Bit and Brace*
One of my favorite hand tools has always been the bit and brace. It’s an effective way to drill holes without power tools.
This is the brace. It has a keyless chuck and can be set to ratchet clockwise or counterclockwise. It will also lock in a stationary position. (no ratcheting) The ratcheting is useful in tight places where the brace can’t be spun in a 360 circle.
Brace-----------------------------------Ratcheting selector
The chuck will hold a modern screw bit. The picture above shows it with a phillip’s head bit.
The drill bits look different than modern ones. The tips have a threaded barb which screws into the wood and pulls the bit through, requiring little pressure to drill the hole. Some bits are adjustable for varying size holes.
Various bits------------------------------------------Threaded Barb------------------Adjustable Bit
Squared End (doesn’t slip in the chuck)
The tip supporting the brace-------------------Swivel handhold---------------------------------------Does a good job
Under 10 seconds to drill through a ¾” piece of wood
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