Brace & Bit | Paul Sellers

Paul has enjoyed using the traditional brace with a variety of different interchangeable bits for over 50 years and they work exceptionally well in a wide range of situations.

Many times we reach for electric drills and battery-driven drill drivers that can seem easy, but at the same time might well endanger the workpiece. Other times we have larger holes to drill that can cause strain to the drill and to the workpiece, whereas the brace and bit might well be the perfect solution. In Paul’s world it's not an either-or, but a place for both.

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[carwatcher]

I'm fairly new to using the bit and brace, but one of the things I most enjoy is the silence of the tool compared to electric drivers and drills.

[terencebarnett]

I enjoy using these hand tool it make relax no hurrying justo at your own speed it like therapy for me😃

[rayanderson]

As an electrician's apprentice 55 years ago, this was an essential tool in my kit. In New Zealand, all the houses were wooden framed, and back then we wired new houses in country areas where the electrical supply was still to be installed, so every hole through joists and noggins was drilled by hand with this tool. We also had a brace that was cut down so that the breast pad was at the rear of the chuck and a single straight handle turned it. This was for getting into really tight areas of the roof space to drill through the top plate to install wiring. I still have both my braces and all my drill bits, and they still get regular use. Easy to use, no noise, accurate, and the battery never goes flat 😊.

[roberthalaska]

You are a master of common sense. It is not slower it is more accurate and matches my beginners brain to a speed that returns control of the results to the operator. Thanks Paul

[rayclark]

I bought my brace and bit 58 years ago. I use it quite often and It’s still as good as new, no wear and tear.

[tpobrienjr]

Once again, a great clear demonstration of a classic tool. Thanks. I taught my 6-year-old grandson how to use that tool, and he was so proud to show his Mom what he had learned: "Look, Mom, it goes all the way through!" He also demonstrated how to properly chuck the bit. The bit set was from Russell Jennings, probably 100 years old.

[fepatton]

I have my grandfather's brace and bit, plus his augur bits. If you haven't used one, it's hard to imagine how much better this is than fighting with spade bits in an electric drill. I remember the "aha!" moment when I realized the chuck had a ratchet on it. Brilliant! Thanks for this.

[bartk]

Many people think "what else can be said about vintage brace". They just need get to know Paul Sellers. Many old topics gain their new and better understanding.

[esa]

A brace is a wonderful tool. These days many people think that drilling holes is difficult without power tools. Not in wood. In bigger hole a cordless drill and flat bit are quite a violent combo to manage. It takes surprisingly little effort to do it with a brace, and control is perfect.

[MrMILZEY]

Great little video.I really like this little tool You don't need to charge it up, it's quiet and efficient and will outlast any cordless item at a fraction of the cost

[robertjmaes]

I have an old brase, that was my Great grandfather's, he was a craftsman around 1900, and it only accepts, the square tapered bits, using a set screw. My favorite tool. He gave it to my grandfather, who gave it to me. This brase helped build Butte, MT

[frro]

My late father taught me how to use a brace and augers in the 1970's. Today I am still using the same brace and augers which he bought in the late 1940's. It outlived two of his electrical drills as far as I know, as well as three of mine and is still going strong. It is a Stanley 10", I also own a Millers Falls 12" and a dainty Stanley 5" which drives screws sweetly.

[biffbiff]

Thank you Paul: Another great video. I’ve inherited my grandfather’s well kept brace and bit. Every time I use it I think of him & smile. To drill a perfect hole without noise is wonderful. I really like that screw bit. Will hunt one down for sure! Cheers from Australia 🍻

[jjeffles]

I got my Dad's brace and bit set a couple of years ago (old wooden box set) and I use it every chance I get. Over the summer I made a bassinet for my granddaughter and the only thing I used any power tool for was the larger diameter holes (for the hinge pins) because I thought that I didn't have a large enough bit. Turns out that I did and I wish I would have realized that before I drilled those holes. I ended up with misaligned holes and spent a lot of extra time reshaping them. With the brace I can so easily line it up square and true. Thanks Paul for all the videos! I would never have been able to complete the bassinet without your teaching.

[dremelts]

Once again you have hit the proverbial nail on the head. I have taken to using a brace almost exclusively in my woodworking. I have found that a quick-release adapter will chuck nicely in the jaws of my brace. This allows me to use regular twist drills in a keyless chuck that has a 1/4" quick-release hex shank or swap out the keyless chuck for a #2 square driver for deck screws or a #2 phillips driver or a countersink tool... Thanks for pointing this out.

[davidslater]

When I ask my son for my cordless drill he knows i mean my brace. I have adapters for use on wood metal and construction projects. Paul's video is the first one I've seen that shows you this tool isn't outdated. Thanks for sharing

[jimkirkland]

Brilliant tutorial as always. In truth as a professional joiner I haven't used mine for over 20 years, but after watching this you've made me want to dig them out of garage storage and give them a whirl. Thanks for the memories.

[keithwyles]

Love using my shell bits, bought not that long ago, came from a long retired shipwright. Also got some nose bits, I think they are for end grain, but yet to master them.

[austinvickymoore]

I must say Mr. You have provided ALOT of information and I hope to implement them into my FIRST garage once i get moved into my first home!!! I want to move into it with a little bit of power and tradition.... Then to full Just the pride you can take in knowing YOU made it... Every step of the way!! All the time you put in.... Just wow... Keep up the great work Paul! Love the videos!!!

[ashleydarby]

I have my Dad's brace and bits from when he did his apprenticeship with WBC in about 1952 and they still work as well today as when he taught me to use them in the 70's