OldTools Archive

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263522 Charles Driggs <charliedriggs@i...> 2017‑10‑13 Re: Today's Flea Market Finds: Notched Bits for a Multi-Tool Handle or an Early Brace
> On Oct 12, 2017, at 4:22 PM, John Ruth  wrote:
> 
> *One split-nut driver (!)
> 
> 
> *One straight screwdriver or maybe this is a screw starter to make a hole to
start a wood screw. As I write this, I'm favoring the latter. It's business end
has a dull double-bevel edge of about a 45 degree included angle. Looks like a
larger 3/16" diameter version of a brad starter. Maybe it starts square nails?
> 
> 
> *Three center bits. One is the smallest center bit I've ever seen. These are,
amazingly, actually sharp, BTW.
> 
> 
> *Two are gouge-like bits which favors "multi-tool" as the real source, but
brace bits that look somewhat like this do exist. ( can't
> 
> 
> One good thing about writing this up for OLDTOOLS and proofreading it is that
I can clearly see that I have some bits that hint at "Multi-Tool" but surely the
center bits are for a brace.
> 
> 
> Many of them have a "B" stamped on the trapezoidal shank. I interpret the "B"
as an ownership marking.
> 
> 
> Only two have other markings. One center bit has a partial stamp which would
read "CAST STEEL" if it had been properly stamped.  Another center bit is marked
"H. HAYES" in an old-fashioned typeface with serifs.
> 
> 
> 
> I talked the vendor down from $7 to $5.

John, 

Nice little gloat!!   Nice price too — I’ve paid quite a bit more for the
blacksmith made utility brace bits I have.

Center bits do come smaller than that, I can assure you.  I have two that are
roughly 1/8" and 3/16”.  The problem with quite a few I find is that the center
pivot is worn down to the point where the bit is useless, but you seem to have
some good ones.  I can’t say that I’ve ever found a split nut spanner like that
though - nice find!

Charlie Driggs

Recent Bios FAQ