GreenTemple
23rd September 2010, 09:29 PM
Hi guys, I picked up a second-hand Stanley Ratchet Brace No.144 10" today for $15. With 5 bits all different sizes. Seems to be in pretty good nick so I hope that was a reasonable price? (I needed one anyway).
If I was to buy new bits for it what would I be looking for? Are there better quality bits out there and any I should avoid?
Cheers
Grahame
Heavansabove
24th September 2010, 06:52 PM
Probably not easy to buy new. You can easily buy used, there are probably not any "bad" old brands. Check eBay for prices, but try to buy at markets, should not have to pay more than 50c each. NOS perhaps a bit more; I paid mostly 20c or less for old ones. I did pay $30 for a complete set, unused - still covered by the Cosmoline or similar covering, made by Gilpin in a factory wooden box. So occasionally it is worth lashing out.
Cheers
Peter
javali
25th September 2010, 12:06 AM
You can get new Jennings pattern bits from Tools for Working Wood (http://www.toolsforworkingwood.com/) (Do a search for Jennings to see them). Adapters for hex drive and 3/8" sockets are available from Lee Valley (http://www.leevalley.com/us/wood/page.aspx?c=&p=32300&cat=1). Some other bits are available from Dieter Schmid (http://www.fine-tools.com/)
GreenTemple
25th September 2010, 09:33 AM
Excellent, Thanks guys