Help to restore hand brace

[Matt Carr1]

I have what I believe is a Stanley Victor hand brace from my grandfather. The only thing that doesn’t function properly is the jaws do not hold square bits straight. The jaws are different thickness. There is no spring or spring wire, not sure if it is or isn’t supposed to have one, Can I file the other jaw to match?
thank you,
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[Geoff Emms]

Matt, the jaws don't have a spring or wire, they are the usual economy Victor jaws. The difference in thickness may be because they're a mixed pair, as in one has previously broken and your grandfather replaced it with a jaw from another old brace. They also look a bit bowed from over tightening, a fairly common occurrence. You could try filing the one down to match the other or try to find a donor brace you can take the jaws from, but first, have you attempted to bore a hole in a piece of wood? You might find that even though the jaws are mismatched the brace still works ok.
Cheers,
Geoff.

[Matt Carr1]

That explains it all thank you! Also have an extension that was over torqued and flared wide, he was hard on his tools apparently…I’ve tried to use it and even if it left a decent hole it’s so distracting seeing the wobble (1/4” off center) going to buy a donor or new jaws, looks like either are around 30$. Thanks for the help!

[William Fretwell]

Lots come up at the Re-Store round here, $2 to $4. Check in your area.

[steven c newman]

I can check in my shop...might have a spare Barber/Improved Barber chuck....if the OP still needs a set of jaws...

Padded envelope to op's mailing address...my dime..

[steven c newman]

Had an "Improved" Barber Chuck....
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Where they added a spring to those jaws....same jaws...just a spring was added...
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These tips are in good shape...and match each other....
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Just need to know where to send this item....

[Matt Carr1]

Thank you Steven for your offer! I ordered this from eBay last night. They look different but the measurements are the same. If they don’t fit I would thankfully take your offer. Will know in about a week. Thanks again.
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[Matt Carr1]

The new jaws work well. So believe this brace was manufactured from 1910-1917, over 100 yr old hand brace back to like new working condition, 3rd generation in my family. Nice to think about…
thanks for the help!
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[Geoff Emms]

Good result, Matt.