Buying a Brace

A secondhand swing brace should last a lifetime if it has been well looked after. We recommend buying secondhand, as there are lots available which are not worn down. They are also much less expensive than buying new. Stanley has proven to be good quality, so look out for them when buying secondhand.

Braces com in different sizes. Paul recommends a 10 inch swing. This refers to the diameter that the handle traces as it swings. If the brace is described as 10 inches, the depth of the handle will be 5 inches, and the diameter it swings in will be 10.

If you are buying secondhand bits, check that the pointed snail (the smaller spiralled tip on the end which pulls the bit into the wood) and the spurs (the cutting edges either side of the bit) are sharp and protrude past the cutting edge. This will give a clean cut. To see how to sharpen second hand bits click here. Machine bits made for electric drills can also work in a hand brace. They do not lock in as well as the tang type, square taper traditional bit. However, they will work. The main difference is that the machine type has a hexagonal shank designed for a three-jaw chuck. When searching for these, use the terms ‘brace bits’ and ‘auger bits’.

Paul suggests spending no more than £50 on a new brace and between £5-10 on a secondhand one.

We purchased this for £13.95 from eBay with £3.50 delivery.

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Further Reading