The Bitbrace, Or Stock. - (A.) This tool is used to hold the bit, and to furnish sufficient leverage to turn the bit into the wood. Bitbraces are made of different sizes, and with different devices for holding the "tangs " of the bits. A workman should own an 8" and a 10" swing bitbrace, as it is often necessary to use different sizes, or kinds, of bits alternately.

(B.) The ratchet bitbrace (Fig. 46) differs from the ordinary brace only in the ratchet attachment. It is an indispensable tool to an up-to-date workman, as it may be used in many places where an ordinary brace would be useless; for general work, however, being heavier, it is less convenient than the plain brace.

Fig. 46. - Ratchet Bitbrace.