I’m reconditioning my Dad’s old bit brace and want to get it completely apart for a thorough rebuild. It’s going well so far except that I can’t figure out how the ratcheting mechanism comes apart. The brand name on the brace is Red Diamond, but it looks very much like the old Stanleys. With the exception of the two pins that the ratchet pawls pivot on (which I’ve driven out), I can’t find any other fasteners or hardware. Can you tell me what to do next or direct me to an exploded drawing?
Thanks.
Replies
It is quite possible that your brace won't come apart. A fair number of them were assembled with tight press fits or were forged into one solid assembly after the ratchet was assembled.
Without seeing the brace I can't be sure that this is the case, but it in any case, you can clean out the ratchet area while it is still assembled with a penetrating lubricant followed by a rinse with paint thinner and then a light oiling and the brace will probably be restored as good as it can be.
John White
This forum post is now archived. Commenting has been disabled