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+-- Thread: brace spring (/showthread.php?tid=7063883)
brace spring - colibas - 07-28-2015
Hi, All,
I recently picked up an 8" Sargent brace. Do the jaws on these usually have a spring to keep them open? These do not, and I don't see a spot for one.
Thanks,
Sean
Re: brace spring - TobyC - 07-28-2015
Older ones do not, got pix?
Re: brace spring - TobyC - 07-28-2015
These do not.
.
Re: brace spring - colibas - 07-28-2015
Yes, thanks, that's what they look like, minus the alligatoring. Sargent 258
It makes sense from looking at them that there wouldn't be a spring, but I was hoping I was wrong.
Re: brace spring - Bill_Houghton - 07-29-2015
Not the end of the whirled that it doesn't. Hold the brace so the chuck's facing straight up when you put bits in; the jaws will tend to fall open.
Re: brace spring - Admiral - 07-29-2015
Nice to have, but you really don't need springs, unless the jaws were designed for them and even then they tend to stay aligned enough to insert the bit.
Braces are funny, in that they are really simple tools and most anyone will work for you unless its totally rusted out or broken. I just generally pass on braces if they are not Yankee 2100/2101 or don't have a "Holdall" or "Lion" chuck, or unless it is particularly clean, but I do buy all the 8" and 6" throw braces I can find in good shape.
Re: brace spring - Bibliophile 13 - 07-29-2015
I have one or two braces without springs, and I just keep the same bit chucked in them all the time. One is a rosehead countersink, and the other is a bit driver with a Phillips head bit. I really like the convenience of having a dedicated brace for frequently-used bits.