Gimlet Bits

[Mike Givney]

Had a good visit to a local antique shop this afternoon. In addition to a couple other nice items, I got a set of bits. They look just like the bit on a handled gimlet but, they're made for a brace an are sized 6,7, and 8. Made by Snell mtg co. So, is that what I have, gimlet bits? Also, a bit shaped like a tapered birdcage awl.. Again for a brace. Thoughts?

[Jessica Pierce-LaRose]

I really like those in a 6" brace for pilot holes for screws. (even better if it's an old-style, with no heavy ratcheting stuff.)

[Andrae Covington]

Had a good visit to a local antique shop this afternoon. In addition to a couple other nice items, I got a set of bits. They look just like the bit on a handled gimlet but, they're made for a brace an are sized 6,7, and 8. Made by Snell mtg co. So, is that what I have, gimlet bits? Also, a bit shaped like a tapered birdcage awl.. Again for a brace. Thoughts?

Yep. Here's a a few I have.

gimletbits1.jpggimletbits2.jpg

[Mike Givney]

That's them!

[harry strasil]

tapered like a birdcage awl? The old style or the new style, if its a long taper its probably a real old tapered reamer.

[Mike Givney]

I imagine that is probably what it is Harry. It's about 3" long, four sided and tapered and ends in a rounded point. Unmarked. I tried it out in a length of pine and it did ream...coarse. I'll give I a go in some hardwood.