Reach For A Stanley (April 2010)
Stanley Brace Tools and Attachments
While not their main emphasis, Stanley did offer brace tools to go with their line of braces.
By 'brace tools', I mean the tools with square tapered shanks - not the round shanks that are more often associated with drills.
These tapered shanks do vary in size and most braces will take tools up to the size of expansive bits .....but not larger ones found on tools intended for use with tee handles.
Auger Bits
While Stanley did offer bits with the tool chests of in the 1920s and 1930s, the company did not get into auger bits in any significant way until it purchased Russell Jennings in the 1940s. 
The Russell Jennings bit was the top of the line and one of only two companies still making bits after WW2.
The “King of the User Set” is the three tier wooden box that holds 13 bits.
The bits are sized by sixteenths of an inch. The numbers stamped on the shank stands for the number of sixteenths of an inch, i.e. 4 is 4/16 or ¼ inch.
A full set of bits contains 13 bits in sizes 4 to 16 or ¼ to 1 inch.
When buying bits, watch for straightest - if in doubt you can roll the bit on a flat surface and it should not wobble.
The edges should be sharp and the outside of the edge never filed or honed as that changes the diameter of the bit.
Bits can be sharpened with small files or slip stones and some wobble can be removed by lightly tapping much as you would straighten a bent nail.
Since bits are not particular collectible the value follows condition/usefulness very closely.
For a full set of 13 graduated bits in the original box in near new condition you can expect to pay around $200.
The same set in used, rusted shape maybe $50.00.
When it comes to bits, tons of singles are available in the antique and old tool markets.
Generally, you will not find many of Stanleys among the boxes of bits in the corner but most will be good users if you are willing to put in the effort to clean them up.
A good maker that often sells for less than Stanley is Irwin.
Irwin bits work fine and while not the quality of Russell Jennings are more than serviceable.
Other Bit Tools
Stanley offered a wide assortment of other tools for the brace.
Many will be found where old tools are being offered for sale.
While you can count on Stanley quality, other companies made many more bit tools and many of them will be equal.
Condition will likely be the biggest factor in determining usability.
The Stanley line of bit tools included the following:
- countersinks with and without stops in both the single and multi (rosehead type) cutting edge types,
- screwdriver bits in both Phillips and flat in many sizes,
- dowel sharpener for smaller work,
- expansive bits to 3 inches
- - and I am sure several others I have forgotten.
Over the years I have used many of these tools for special projects and have found them very useful.
The screwdrivers are particularly good for driving bigger screws where a lot of torque is required. I have never twisted my wrist using an expansive bit to drill a 3-inch hole. I can’t say that about using a ½ inch drive electric drill.
Brace Accessories
The line up of accessories Stanley offered for the brace were aimed for the most part at boring straight and level, stopping at a set depth or extending the bits length.
One of the earliest tools Stanley offered was the No. 44 bit and square level.
This circular gauge had a screw clamp that locked to the round shank of the bit.
The tool could be used to level the bit.
The No. 44 was discontinued with WW2 and today is not common. To add one to your collection or toolbox would run $50 to $100 depending on condition. 
For depth of hole boring Stanley offered two tools. T
he earliest is the No. 49 bit gauge.
This two-piece gauge sides over the twisted portion of the bit and is clamped in place. A very good tool for the job that was offered for many years!
Today the No. 49 would be considered common, and one in the box seldom sells for more than $30.00.
The second depthstop was the No. 47.
This tool clamps to the round shank of the bit and has a spring like stop that can be set to the desired depth.
Not offered until after WW2, the No. 47 is not as common as the No. 49 but does not sell for as much.
In use, both stops do the job but the No. 49 seems more positive in its settings and in staying set.
Stanley offered bit extensions in three lengths: 12, 18 and 24 inches.
The model offered for the longest time was No. 180, while the Nos. 1, 2 and 4 did not survive the catalog reductions following WW2.
The No. 1, 2 and 4 were offered in lengths to 30 inches.
The No. 180 chuck is easier to use and locks on the auger bit better than the others. The biggest problem I have had with bit extension is that I always want to drill a smaller hole than the extension will follow.
On both models the minimum size hole the extension will fit into is 11/16 inch.
That is a quick overview of what Stanley offered for go with tools for the brace. Unlike with planes, Stanley was a latecomer to brace tool manufacturing and while their tools are of quality they are not the only ones out there.
So, if you are looking for things to go with your Stanley brace don’t overlook the other makers.