braceandbit

Brace and bit is a hand-powered woodworking drill used to bore holes in wood. The tool consists of a U-shaped brace that is rotated by a handle, and a detachable drill bit clamped in a chuck at the lower end. The bit is typically an auger bit with a screw tip, which helps start the cut and pull the bit into the work as it turns.

Components and bits: The brace provides the turning force; the chuck holds the bit. Bits are designed for wood and include auger bits, twist bits, and brad-point bits. Auger bits have a screw point and a threaded body; twist bits are faster but less common in traditional braces; brad-point bits are used for clean entry in some setups. The sizes range from small pilot bits to large holes, up to about 1 inch or more in well-made braces.

Operation: To use, the user grips the brace by the handle and turns the crank with the other hand, feeding the bit into the wood with controlled pressure. The screw tip helps locate starting points and prevents wandering. On larger holes or hardwoods, a pilot hole is often drilled first. Because the operation relies on hand speed, drilling is slower than power drills, but offers high control and no electricity.

History and use: Brace and bit dates from early modern workshop practice and were the standard portable drilling tool before electric drills became common. They remain in use among traditional woodworkers for precise drilling, fine furniture work, and in settings without power. Modern models sometimes include ergonomic handles, reversible chucks, or ratchets, but the basic brace-and-bit concept remains unchanged.