Hex Adaptor for Brace

With the rise of modern power tools, especially cordless drills and impact drivers traditional screwdrivers find it hard to compete, they just can't deliver the same level of torque! That is unless you've ever had the pleasure of driving a screw using a hand brace.

Build time is approx 30 minutes

• An old square drive auger bit
• Magnetic hex extension
• A couple of washers
• File
• Pin punch
• Hacksaw or angle grinder with a cut-off disc
• Small hammer
• Vice
• Ruler
• Scribe, pencil or some other marking device

Put the washers over the hex extension. They need to be loose over the hex shank, but tight enough so the round shaft can't pass through them. Secure the shank in the vice firmly and carefully drive the round shaft off using the punch on the washers. The washers will protect the shaft from damage.

Cut the Auger bits down so only a short section of the round shaft extends past the square shank. It's a good idea to test fit the bit in the Brace at this stage to ensure there's enough clearance from the jaws of the brace to not contact the hex adaptor.

Mark the shaft where you want the hex adaptor to stop and cut to the final length. I allowed about 15mm of the shaft to go into the hex adaptor. The more you insert the stronger it will be.

Now carefully file down the shaft of the auger bit until it's a hex shape instead of round, be very careful to sneak up on the correct size and not go to small. If it's not a perfect hexagon it normally doesn't matter. You can test-fit it in the other end of the hex extension. I recommend adding a small bevel to the tip to get things started.

Once you are happy gently drive the Auger bit into the hex extension.

Put the new adaptor into your Brace and test it out. In the video below you can see it drive into an old dry piece of hardwood. You can hear the wood creaking and cracking as the screw goes in. I'm only using one hand with the brace while I'm filming and it's still easy!