What bits to use with a hand brace?

[Guido]

I bought a used but very good hand brace at a garage sale for a whole $1.
It has a 2 jaw chuck. Do I need to use special bits for this? Is there any way to "convert" it so I can use regular bits?
I'll only use it to drill the odd hole when I don't feel like grabbing an extension cord for my hand drill.

Thanks!

[junkcollector]

You are supposed to use the old style square tapered shank bits. But, If you are really really careful, you can put standard twist bits in there no problem. You just need to have the chuck pretty tight and have the two jaws even. I've actually put hex driver bits in mine and it works slick. Anything with a square or a hex is actually gripped pretty well by the serrated jaws. Unscrew the outer chuck to expose the jaws and see what I mean. I've also found that the further that they are in the jaws the better. If the chuck is worn out real bad, it might not work.

Let us know how it works for you.

[MJ CORMIER]

A brace and bit is a beautiful tool, much like a true hand plane or a good hand saw, my dad, who passed away in 1966, was a true Craftsman, I would watch him work not realizing his skills, knowing he was not paid the dollar value of his talent. You should get the proper bits, learn to use it, and enjoy the satisfaction. Any guy on this site, worth his weight in salt will say,
"There is none better to touch the work of a true craftsman."
I am not a bad DIY guy but would sell my soul to work with just 1 of those guys that have been around awhile, Lucky for us there are plenty on this site.
USE IT, ENJOY IT, If you can find more of it, those old tools will give you a new outlook.
MICHAEL