Hand Braces and Bits

DIY experts discuss the old-school method of drilling holes.

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Photo 1 of 7

Photo 1 of 7Hand braces are the forerunners of the modern electric drill. And like modern drills, hand braces had a variety of bits.

- Various Bits
- Cage-Head Style
- Wooden Brace
- Ultimatum Brace

Various Bits(1 of 7)

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 spur 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.

Next Photo: Cage-Head Style