| Review by Eric | posted 267 days ago | 297 views | 0 times favorited | 4 comments |  |
- Millers Falls Model 772 (10 inch) Variable Speed Bit Brace
- Brand: Millers Falls | Category: Drill-Drivers
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Millers Falls started making bit braces in 1864. The 772 with a 10-inch sweep was produced from 1914 to 1957. One of the main features is its “Lion” chuck, which allows it to hold square, round or tapered shanks with ease. Indeed, I have had used both auger bits as well as “regular” wood boring bits normally used in electric drills.
Someone who has never used a bit brace will be surprised at the power you have with it, whether boring holes or say, driving screws! And while I used “variable speed” in the description of the brace to be cheeky, it does help that you can start drilling at a VERRRY slow speed. I wouldn’t, however, recommend throwing the brace into “turbo” mode, as you will start to lose control of your tool.
Overall, any review I give of the Millers Falls brace would apply to many bit braces, with the exception of the Lion chuck in my particular model (and later ones by Millers Falls). You just have to try it! As for me, I have yet to reach for my cordless since I got this puppy via my great grandpa.
-- Eric at http://adventuresinwoodworking.com
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4 comments so far
rikkor
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7720 posts in 364 days
posted 267 days ago
I bought a “like-new” brace on e-bay recently. I am having a deuce of a time finding square shank auger bits. First tool I was allowed to use unsupervised by my dad.
-- Maplewood, MN
Thos. Angle
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3236 posts in 452 days
posted 267 days ago
I have one on the wall, all oiled and ready. Once in a while it gets used. When I was a kid, this was the only way my dad got holes drilled. Needless to say, I was really glad to get an electric drill. Run one of these all day and you’ll know what I mean.
-- Thos. Angle, Owyhee Design, Oregon
Karson
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12931 posts in 890 days
posted 267 days ago
Great review. I’ve got 5 of these in different models and brands that I’ve picked up over time the only one that isn’t rusty is the Stanley.
I’m still looking for my flat bladed screwdriver bit that fits these guys because thats the only way to remove the screws from the base of a bowling alley section. The shank of the screw is about 3/8” they are big puppys, probably 5/8 across the top.
The brace justs backs them out and you can lay your chest into the pad and hold it in the slot. I rate them a 5 also.
-- Karson Southern Delaware karson_morrison@bigfoot.com
ChicoWoodnut
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673 posts in 305 days
posted 263 days ago
I have one too, although it is rusty it works perfectly fine. It has a ratcheting attachment. I believe Irwin still makes these bits and I see them from time to time at flea markets and antique shops.
-- Scott - Chico California http://chicowoodnut.home.comcast.net