Hand Drills

[Taggart]

I guess they're pretty much just antiques now, but have you ever used a hand drill on wood?

When I was a kid there were some around our place, and I'm sure I used them. I find it very nostalgic to see some of those old tools now.

 

[Twiceshy]

If the economy continues to slide downhill, we may all have to use hand tools!

We keep an eye out for non-electric tools, these days, because we want to be prepared to perform basic nome repairs without having to plug in.

 

[Kitten]

I remember my Mom using hand drills (she was much more into woodwork, building, etc, than my dad was) when I was younger, but I haven't actually used them myself.

 

[Taggart]

If anyone's interested in getting some, I'd suggest checking out the contents sales of houses that have been recently sold.

That's where I saw some interesting tools that were probably technically antiques.

 

[oldnamvet]

I regularly use a brace & bit outside, especially for larger holes in posts or landscape timbers. It is less work than dragging out the power drill and spade bits. For just a starter hole somewhere in the house, I usually use an old Stanley Yankee push drill. If I have a bunch to do, I go for the power drill.

 

[Taggart]

For just a starter hole somewhere in the house, I usually use an old Stanley Yankee push drill.

Is that the kind with a handle that extends vertically and then turns the bit as you push down?

I've seen one like that and I thought it was very exotic.

 

[oldnamvet]

That is the one. Bits don't look like typical drill bits but they work great for quick pilot holes. They are still made and available from places like Garrettwade.com. I also use the much smaller version for drilling starter holes for scroll saw work. Holes are typically smaller than 1/16".

 

[chocoguy]

I guess that it differs from country to country. In my country we are still hand drills hand drills. My father has one but I couldn’t see it anymore.

 

[angelicwriter]

You know it's this site that lets people auction off and buy old woodworking tools. It's called Oldtools. The site is nice for anyone looking for nostalgic tools.

Here's the link

 

[woodworking]

I've used hand drills on two different occasions:
1. For maple syrup operation in rural Ontario. Brace and bit drill set-up drills 1/2" holes in hard maple very well.
2. For timber framing on a remote site with no power. Pump-type of hand drill worked very well for small diameter predrilling This worked well enough for me to consider buying a hand drill for remote woodworking. Never followed through, though.