Preview: Bit Brace Essentials, Part 2 – Techniques & Uses

9 Responses So Far to “Bit Brace Essentials, Part 2 – Techniques & Uses”

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  Neil Henderson says:

  That tool you had built yourself and showed at the end of the video is exactly what I need to drive the screws which will hold the bottom of the centreboard case to the keelson in the Caledonia Yawl I am building – no room for an electric screwdriver. I love the way you think around and with the tools you have.

  Regards Neil

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  Bruce Lyle says:

  Recently picked up a large set of bits and was looking for a video on using the screwdriver bits, I tried starting a few brass slot heads with the brace and found it difficult to keep every lined up it ends up being quite tall at bench height to put pressure directly down on the screw. Harry’s method is much more eloquent than grabbing a normal screwdriver. thanks

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  Jeff Patrick says:

  I enjoyed this video very much. Next up… how about one that deals with sharpening those dreaded dull bits?

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  David Vanstone says:

  Harry, I recently bought an old Stanley ratchet – type hand brace in very good condition except for the crank Rosewood handle which rotates stiffly. Is there a way to loosen it, perhaps by lubrication? I noticed a small hole drilled through the middle of the handle. Could this be for lube?

  Tnx, Dave

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    Harry Bryan says:

    Dave,
    There are two handles and I am not sure which one you refer to. The cylindrical handle that you grasp to do the turning has no factory provision for lubrication as it should not need any. I am guessing that you refer to the top handle used to steady and apply pressure to the brace.
    There are three styles of bearing used and all of them have a small oil hole in the side of the handle’s metal shank. Try flushing out dirt with a thin oil such as WD-40 then add any good quality household or auto motive oil.

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      Steve Stone says:

      I’m blown away by this seemingly simple answer — there’s an intimacy with tools that I can only dream to have with cameras and the filmmaking craft.

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      David Vanstone says:

      No, I am referring to the grip, as you call it in the video. That should rotate, mine is very stiff probably due to non-use.

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  Duane Rigge says:

  There is so much good stuff on OCH website.

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  Michael Ozenich says:

  Harry: Love your tutorials on the bit brace and using handsaws. I was recently rebuilding a fence at home, and my neighbors were being very kind and offering the use of their cordless devices (of which I own quite a number of). They were amazed that I would use a bit brace and auger, a handsaw and hand planes to do the work. I find the deliberateness of action/motion and greater control leads to better quality work (not to mention getting the dreaded exercise!). While some may scoff at the use of ‘flint tools’, these types of tools are quite advanced in their design and specific in their use/purpose. Keep these tutorials coming please!