Brace hand drill

[The Rusty Gear]

Anyone make these things anymore? I remember my grandpa used to have one of these and recall it being quite effective. I have no idea where his old one is, but a modern version would be a great addition to the sumer cabin toolbox as there is not always power up there.

 

[Da Bull]

Look here!

http://www.leevalley.com/wood/page.aspx?c=1&cat=1,180&p=42337

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

my father has one of those....

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I have one that was my grandfathers. Dad said that he helped his father wire houses around their home (NE Missouri) when Rural Electric came to the area in the '30's. As a teenager Dads job was to get in the attic (or under the house) and drill holes in the wall headers (or beams) for the wires. Needless to say, these attics were pretty nasty places.

Charles

 

[SteveL]

They are amazingly efficient and easy to use. I have one that's probably older than I am and I'm 53. If you only need to drill a couple of holes, it's almost quicker to use than a corded drill, plus it's really really quiet. nYou should be able o pick up a nice user for under $20 off Craigslist or e-bay. Bits will be at least that much for a good set though.

 

[PAToyota]

I have a couple - better than a cordless drill for me since about the time I go to use the cordless I find the batteries aren't charged anymore...

 

[SteveU]

Garrett Wade sells them. They sell mostly woodworking tools but have a lot of this sort of thing including push drills, egg beater drills, etc.

 

[The Rusty Gear]

They are amazingly efficient and easy to use. I have one that's probably older than I am and I'm 53. If you only need to drill a couple of holes, it's almost quicker to use than a corded drill, plus it's really really quiet. nYou should be able o pick up a nice user for under $20 off Craigslist or e-bay. Bits will be at least that much for a good set though.

Do they require a special bit, or will the regular "auger" bits work?

 

[SteveL]

Depends on the type of chuck it has. There are ones that work with straight bits and ones that work with the old tapered end auger bits. Sorry I can't be more help than that.