Customer Reviews

Great Neck BR10 Ratchet Action Bit Brace

5 star:		(0)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(4)

 

 

Obviously made in China with little attention to finer tolerances and fitment. It works, but it weighs about twice what we used to make in this country, and doesn't hold bits very well.

If only someone would make a good quality version of these braces for a reasonable price!

Purchased a BR10 based on the good name of Great Neck. Did not expect Lee Valley or Wade Garret Quality but did not expect "Junk" either.
The "nickle finish is a poor quality chrome like found on plastic model cars. It was pealing off.
There are no ball bearing per the ad. The wood top had a metal disc w/a point stamped into the center for a thurst bearing but the matching receiver on the brace was stamped off to the side. They could not get the knob to line up so they just forced the screws. Bent all 3 and the metal plate did not fit in to the recess on the knob.
The ratchet teeth were almost non-existant on one side, the stamping tool that depressed them mashed them flat there. The chuck/jaw retaing screw was drilled and tapped way off center. The chuck/jaw threads were cut so poorly that they made a lot of noise and were hard to work.
I did not buy this thing to drill holes, bought it to run machine taps for screws in order to save my very old and high quality braces from cutting oil on the wood parts. (I have about 10 others) I suppose the BR10 will work for that operation so I will keep it and make an effort to correct some more of the problems (I re-alined the knob and bearing plate, new screws) I would not buy another one nor recommend it to anyone.

Bit doesn't hold well. The design and the construction of the chuck doesnt work. Probably why these are selling cheaper than their weight in scrap metal. Very frustrating.

This bit brace was total junk. The ratchet worked poorly when I got it. When I put a 5/8" auger bit in it, the entire chuck blew up within 5 minutes (6" deep into the pole I was drilling). 2 of the 4 jaw teeth came out, and the square bore at the base that the auger drill bit fits into to transfer torque was completely ruined and rounded out. Ended up finishing the job with a pair of solid Craftsman Vice Grips. This is cheap Chinese junk - I think the red handles are a sign of the maker. I would rate it ZERO stars, but you must have at least one. Don't bu y this - you will be disappointed.

Waste of money, did not work and basically just fell apart. Didn't get a single use out of it. Look for a used older one somewhere else, you'll at least get a functioning tool.