Definition

Noun: A brace and bit is a hand-operated drilling tool. It consists of two main parts: a brace, which is a crank-shaped handle that provides leverage and rotation, and a bit, which is the removable cutting piece that bores the hole.

Examples of Usage

• The carpenter used a brace and bit to drill precise holes for the dowels before modern electric drills were common.
• For a quiet, controlled job, he preferred the brace and bit over the noisy power drill.
• You can identify a brace and bit by its U-shaped handle and the chuck that holds the interchangeable bit.

Advanced Usage

• The term is often used to describe traditional woodworking or historical craftsmanship techniques.
  • The restoration of the antique furniture required tools like a brace and bit to maintain historical accuracy.

Variants and Related Words

• Brace (noun): Specifically refers to the crank-shaped handle part of the tool.
• Bit (noun): Specifically refers to the cutting tool that fits into the brace or a power drill.
• Hand drill (noun): A broader category of manually operated drilling tools, which includes the brace and bit.

Synonyms

• Hand drill
• Carpenter's brace

Notes on Meaning

• Brace and bit refers specifically to the complete, classic hand-tool assembly. It is not typically used to refer to modern power drills, even though they also use a "bit."

Noun

1. a drill consisting of a bit and a brace to hold and turn it