51/53

The brace and bit was used by woodworkers for boring holes. The head was pressed by the workman’s left hand or body while the right hand, grasping the middle, turned the brace rapidly. The bit was often adjustable, but in this case the bit is fixed and is not interchangeable.

1 brace and bit: wood and metal [brass and steel]; good condition

MERL list / description [Massingham Collection, October 1989] – 'ACC. NO.: 51/53 // NAME: BRACE + BIT // NEG NO.: 35/37 // STORAGE: ', MERL 'Catalogue index' card – 'DESCRIPTION: The wooden brace and bit was used by carpenters and wheelwrights for boring holes before the steel ratchet brace appeared. This tool could be worked continuously and more rapidly than the common auger, but it never replaced the auger for boring large holes. The head was pressed by the workman’s [worker's] left hand or body, while the right hand, grasping the middle, revolved the tool rapidly. The bit which is usually adjustable, is fitted into a brass socket. // This brace is made of the same wood throughout, and has a brass socket for the bit. The bit in this case is fixed into the brace and is not interchangeable. The brace and bit measure 16.5 inches in length.', MERL ‘Conservation Record’ – ‘ Date: 26.10.76 // whole: treatment: cleaned with Vulpex and water. // Rentokil Q.D. method: Brushed. // whole: finish: Micro Crystalline Wax.'

Brace, Bit

Wood, Metal, brass, Metal, steel