What are the parts of a brace?
What are the parts of a brace? |
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Frame |
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The frame of a brace is shaped like the letter U.
It will often have a surface finish, such as nickel or chrome plating, to protect it from corrosion. |
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Sweep handle |
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The sweep or crank handle on modern braces is made of a different material to the frame, and spins around the frame as the brace is turned.
On older braces, the sweep handle may not have rotated or simply been part of the frame resulting in sores or blisters forming on the user’s hand from prolonged use. |
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Head |
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The head is the circular handle at the end of the frame. It is used to apply pressure through the brace to the drill bit, with the palm of your hand. | |||
Ratchet |
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Some braces are fitted with a ratchet just behind the chuck. The ratchet mechanism allows the sweep handle to be turned in one direction without it turning the drill bit.
This enables the sweep handle to be moved back and forth in a confined area where there is not enough room for the sweep handle to make a complete rotation, turning the drill bit only when the sweep handle is moved in the correct direction. |
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Braces can have either an exposed ratchet or an enclosed ratchet.
Enclosed ratchets prevent dirt and wood shavings from clogging up the ratchet mechanism. This feature is normally seen on better quality braces. |
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Chuck |
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The chuck is the means by which the drill bit is secured to the brace.
Braces can be fitted with several different types of chuck. The most common type used on braces today is a four jaw chuck, designed to hold both square and round/parallel drill bit shanks. For more information see our page |
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Ball bearing cup |
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Better quality braces will have a ball bearing cup which reduces friction, allowing the braces to rotate more smoothly, which makes drilling easier.
The brace head is mounted to the ball bearing cup, meaning braces will often be described as having a ball bearing mounted head. |
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Other possible parts |
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Oil holesOil holes may be positioned on the ratchet mechanism and ball bearing cup. They allow lubricating oil to be applied to the ratchet mechanism and ball bearing cup, which enables the brace to operate smoothly and reduces wear within these parts by minimising the friction within them. For more information see our page: |
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