Screwdriver bits for brace

[Bayboat]

Several forumites have asked about screwdriver bits for a brace. They are available at www.traditionalwoodworker.com. Look under 'woodboring," then "brace and bit," then "brace". For slotted head screws: 6mm, 8mm and 10mm. For Phillips, # 1-2 and #3 and 4. Lee Valley has an adapter if you don't mind fussing with it.

[Nicholas Carey]

FYI, Lee Valley has a driver bit adapter for square jaw braces that comes with a 1/4 inch hex socket with a rare-earth magnet so you can use and standard hex-drive driver bit.

They've also got an adapter for your brace so you can use your 3/8 drive sockets with a square jaw brace.

And...they have what looks to be a rather nice French-made brace that comes with both a modern 3-jaw chuck as well as that traditional square taper chuck.

Lee Valley Brace Page (http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=2&p=32300&cat=1,180,42337)

[Dave Fleming]

Jes' keep and eye on Exxx.
Really fine old Stanley and Millers Falls including the Yankee, creme de la creme of braces show up quite regularly.

I rounded out my brace collection quite easily and with reasonable cost to include my original Stanley with a nice selection of Yankees from 6 inch sweep to 12 inch sweep.

Key things to look for IMOOP are, enclosed rachet, ball bearing chuck that has jaws that will take traditional brace bits like the Russell Jennings or conventional round shank drill bits.


Hint: if the description for a Yankee states that the chuck is stuck, no big deal. It is an easy fix.;)

[CAPNBIL]

When I worked in joinery for a major boatbuilder I needed some extra torque to drive a big screw and mentioned to a young co-worker that I wished I had my bit brace. He asked "what's a bit brace?" seems thar when this generation needs torque they whip out their 1/2" Milwaukee hole shooter. CAPNBIL

[ssor]

The great advantage of the bit brace is you can put your back into keeping the bit in the slot and have absolute control of the torque.
I must look for a long sweep brace. Turning expansion bits can be tough with a six inch sweep.