DIY Network

Hand Braces and Bits From "DIY Tools & Techniques" episode DIT-326

In this segment, David and Sandor Nagyszalanczy take a look at the old-school method of drilling holes.

Hand Braces

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	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D

• Hand braces are the forerunners of the modern electric drill. And like modern drills, hand braces had a variety of bits.

  
  

• The spoon auger is shaped like a gouge; hollow and rounded on the end. The shell was shaped like a snail and used for drilling holes and countersinking. A spur style bit is a more modern type of bit, with a pointed cutting edge and a pur to shape the rounded hole. The most modern of the examples is an Archimedean-style hole. The twisted metal helps pull shavings out of the hole (figure A).

  
  

• This primitive tool (figure B) was probably made by a blacksmith for a craftsman. It's a cage-head style brace. The head is supported by braces that resemble a cage. The bit goes in the square piece at one end of the tool and friction holds the bit in place. To use it, place one hand on the head and the other hand on the crank in the center of the tool. Turn the bar in circles to drill a hole. This tool has a one-to-one gear ratio, meaning that one turn of the crank turns the bit all the way around one time.

  
  

• A single piece of wood makes up the body of this brace (figure C). It rotates in the same way as the more primitive tool. Bits for this tool have hooks on the ends that help hold the bit in place. A push button and spring mechanism release the bit.

  
  

• This brace (figure D) is only partially made of wood. Its metal plates increase the durability of the tool. The center portion of the handle rotates, making use of the tool easier on your hands. The rotating top has a medallion which indicates that it's an Ultimatum brace. This type of brace was made under patent for the Queen of England.
  

• With gear drills (figure E), one turn of the crank turns the bit around many times. Gear drills are easier and faster to use than one-to-one gear ratio drills.

  
  

• An Archimedean drill (figure F) works like a Yankee tool. Pull up and down on the barrel to turn the bit back and forth.

  
  

• This tool (figure G) was invented to drill a hole right up against a wall. A universal joint was put in the tool and it works like a car axle. The turning motion of the tool occurs away from the center of the tool, which allows it to be used against a wall.

Figure E

Figure F

Figure G

RESOURCES :

Milwaukee V28 Drill
Milwaukee Electric Tool Corporation
13135 W. Lisbon Road
Brookfield, WI 53005
Phone: 800-SAWDUST (729-3878)
Website: www.milwaukeetool.com

GUESTS :

Sandor Nagyszalanczy
Author, Tools: Rare and Ingenious
150 Atherly Lane
Bonny Doon, CA 95060
Phone: 831-421-0191