Hand Braces: The Original Cordless Drill

One of the most common tools found in an old toolbox or workshop is the brace. Today, this tool is often undervalued, but in its time, it was an essential piece of equipment. The brace, also known as a brace and bit, is a hand-operated woodworking tool used for boring holes in wood. It consists of a crank-shaped turning device (the brace) that grips and rotates a cutting tool (the bit). Essentially, it was the modern-day drill of its era and could be found in every shop and job site.

Early Braces

Early braces were made of wood, making them lightweight and easy to use at any angle. It wasn’t uncommon for craftsmen to own multiple braces, each fitted with a different-sized bit to save time and avoid switching bits repeatedly. However, this convenience came at a cost. With multiple braces often left on the floor, cluttered with tools, lumber, and wood shavings, it was not unusual for a worker to accidentally step on one. Since they were made of wood, the head could easily break off from the body.

Making Them More Durable

By the 1830s, braces began to be made of steel, solving the problem of breakage. However, craftsmen found another issue to complain about—the steel felt too cold and lacked the warmth of natural wood. Tool designers addressed this by combining steel frames with wooden handles and heads, blending strength with comfort. Over time, additional features were introduced to improve durability and functionality.

Improvements and Upgrades

Early wooden braces would often wear out at the chuck from repeated bit changes. Brass was eventually added to the chuck for longevity. While wooden braces may not seem durable, they hold a certain charm, and I have always wanted one in my collection. Although I rarely use it, I am glad to own one. It’s one of my favorite braces.

With the introduction of metal braces, new chuck designs emerged. In 1836, Henry Taylor designed a spring lever-operated chuck that allowed a notched tang bit to be quickly released. This style of chuck was popularized by manufacturers such as H.O. White and Hebron Mfg Co. In 1859, Nelson Spofford designed a split "clamshell" chuck, which was more durable and less prone to malfunction compared to earlier mechanisms. John S. Fray & Co. was the first to introduce it on their braces until Stanley acquired the company in 1920. The Spofford chuck remained in production for decades, with Stanley manufacturing them until at least 1942. I personally own a couple of braces with the Spofford chuck and appreciate their quick bit changes, making them my "go-to" braces in the shop.

The Barber chuck, patented by William Henry Barber on May 24, 1864, was another major advancement in brace design. It featured a rotating shell enclosing spring-loaded adjustable jaws, providing a secure grip on tapered, square-shank bits. Its simplicity and flexibility made it the standard in bit-holding technology, and it remained widely used well into the 20th century by companies such as Millers Falls, Craftsman, and Stanley Tools.

On January 17, 1871, William P. Dolan patented a ratcheting brace, which allowed users to bore holes without completing a full rotation of the handle. This innovation, utilizing two spring-loaded pawls to control rotation direction, provided more torque and made work in tight spaces easier. Millers Falls Co. adopted Dolan's design, and their improvements set the standard for ratcheting braces.

Final Thoughts

Today, many woodworkers prefer battery-operated drills for their speed, torque, and power. While I can’t disagree with their advantages, I still find myself reaching for my brace when drilling small, precise holes. Battery drills can be heavy and awkward, sometimes affecting alignment, and their high speed can lead to mistakes. A hand brace, on the other hand, is lightweight, easy to align, and offers excellent control—without the need for charging.

These old tools are not only enjoyable and quiet to use, but they also provide a tangible connection to the history and lineage of the craft we cherish. If you are enjoying this newsletter series, please share it with others who might appreciate it as well.

As we embrace modern advancements, let’s not forget the timeless value of traditional tools like the hand brace—reminders of craftsmanship, ingenuity, and a deeper connection to our work.