Remembering the Corner Brace: A Symbol of Innovation and Craft

One of the first bit braces I encountered belonged to my grandfather. I’ve searched extensively to identify its manufacturer, but the only distinguishing mark is the word “Anniversary” engraved on the chuck head. This simple, unassuming tool has led me down a rabbit hole of exploration into various companies, manufacturers, engineers, and tradesmen—a topic for another time. In my quest to collect bit braces, I stumbled upon one that intrigued me, though I was initially clueless about its purpose.

At first glance, it resembled a tangle of twisted metal, reminiscent of something used in an old distillery gin still. The online photo didn’t provide much clarity on its function, but the price was right, so I decided to purchase it. Once it arrived, I finally grasped how it worked. The design featured rotating handles and intermeshing gears that turned the chuck head, showcasing impressive engineering. However, I still wasn’t sure of its specific purpose.

After some investigation, I discovered the name “Millers Falls” on the chuck head and turned to the internet for more information. I found an old Millers Falls catalog and learned that this particular tool is a corner brace.

The corner brace makes perfect sense. A typical bit brace requires a full rotation for the bit to begin boring a hole, which can be impossible in tight corners or between wall studs. The corner brace, however, allows for easy maneuverability in such situations. Click here to see a short video of the corner brace in action.

Today, most of us wouldn’t consider this a problem, as our battery-operated drills can reach into the narrowest spaces. But in earlier times, that wasn’t an option. My corner brace appears to date back to 1917, and Millers Falls began producing them in 1907. Albert Goodell filed the patent in 1905 and collaborated with Millers Falls. Interestingly, I also found an even older corner brace, a “universal jointed” bit brace from 1892, created by Arthur Derlon in Paris, France.

These corner braces didn’t have a long production life. Starting in 1889, Arthur James Arnot and William Blanch Brain invented the first electric drill, which was quite large. In 1895, Wilhelm and Carl Fein developed the first portable handheld electric drill, and by 1917, Black & Decker patented the pistol-grip, trigger-switch portable drill, marking a significant advancement toward the modern power drill.

It seems that the corner brace became less necessary as electric drills were already in production and available on the market. However, in 1917, only half of American households had electricity, and many homes still relied on manual tools.

Today, I still use my grandfather’s bit brace, but the corner brace now hangs on my wall. In reflecting on the journey of discovering the corner brace, I am reminded of the ingenuity that defines our past and shapes our future. This once-revolutionary tool, now a relic, symbolizes the relentless human spirit of innovation and problem-solving. It serves as a testament to how far we have come in our quest for efficiency and convenience, yet it also invites us to appreciate the craftsmanship and creativity of those who came before us. As we embrace modern technology, let us not forget the lessons learned from these historical tools, which inspire us to continue exploring, inventing, and finding solutions to the challenges we face today.