VTG Craftsman R4252 Ratchet Bit Brace Drill in Box NOS 4193 Expansive Bit USA For Sale

Item Identification

• Primary Tool: Craftsman 10-Inch Sweep Reversible Ratchet Bit Brace

• Manufacturer: Sears, Roebuck and Co. (Craftsman line; contract manufactured in the USA, attributed to Millers Falls / Stanley)

• Brace Model Number: No. R4252 (clearly stated on the original factory end label: One CRAFTSMAN Ratchet Bit Brace / R4252 / Made in U.S.A.)

• Accessory Attachment: Craftsman Expansive Wood Auger Bit with Two Cutters

  • Model: No. 4193

  • Stamped: CRAFTSMAN / MADE IN U.S.A. =Q=

  • Includes original factory individual box, original grease-barrier wrapping paper, main auger body with micro-dial/graduated scale cutter, and the second interchangeable cutter.

• Era: Circa late 1940s to mid-1950s

• Design & Construction Details:

  • Heavy forged steel frame with satin/bright chrome plating

  • Enclosed heavy-duty reversible ratchet with knurled selector collar

  • Universal alligator/two-jaw spring-loaded chuck

  • Deep ruby-red/burgundy molded translucent Tenite (or high-gloss lacquered hardwood) head and sweep handle, featuring a 100% intact gold-and-black center medallion: CRAFTSMAN Professional

  • Ball-bearing head with steel thrust cup

• Dimensions: Standard 10" sweep swing (approx. 14" to 14.5" overall length)

Museum-Grade Vintage 1950s Craftsman No. R4252 10" Ratchet Bit Brace – Like New in Box – With Matching No. 4193 Expansive Bit in Box – Made in U.S.A.

Up for sale is an extraordinary, time-capsule woodworking set: an unused Craftsman No. R4252 Reversible Ratchet Bit Brace, complete in its original factory setup box, paired with an original boxed Craftsman No. 4193 Expansive Bit with both cutters!

Virtually unhandled and displaying pristine factory finishes, this heavy-duty professional brace features a 10-inch sweep, enclosed ratchet gear, ball-bearing head, and stunning deep ruby-red composite handles bearing the gold CRAFTSMAN Professional banner medallion.

Key Details & Features:

• Brace Model: Craftsman No. R4252 (Sears, Roebuck and Co. – Made in U.S.A.).

• Attachment: Craftsman No. 4193 Expansive Bit with two interchangeable cutters, graduated scale, original rust-inhibiting paper, and individual box.

• Condition Grade: Near-Mint / NOS (New Old Stock) appearance.

• Handles: Deep translucent ruby-red head and grip with zero cracks, chips, or hand grease; center medallion is 100% complete and bright.

• Plating: Mirror and satin chrome finish with zero rust or flaking.

• Mechanism: Precision reversible directional ratchet clicks crisply; heavy spring-loaded chuck operates like new.

• Packaging: Includes both original cardboard boxes with clear, legible period factory labels.

Finding an early Craftsman professional brace with its original factory packaging and a matching boxed expansive bit in this level of preservation is virtually unheard of. A centerpiece find for fine woodworking artisans and vintage tool collectors alike. Please inspect all high-resolution photos.

Condition

Condition: Near-Mint / Like-New Old Stock in Box. The brace appears completely unused with 99%+ immaculate factory metal plating and zero rust pitting, tool-rack rash, or user scratches. The deep ruby-red handles are flawless with brilliant gloss and an intact, undamaged center label. The enclosed ratchet switches crisply in both forward and reverse, and the chuck jaws are clean and align correctly. The No. 4193 expansive bit is pristine in its original wrap with sharp cutting edges and both cutters present. The outer blue box is structurally sound with intact corners and a clean yellow end label; the small bit box shows expected edge rubbing and flap creasing consistent with age.

Keywords

• Craftsman bit brace, Craftsman R4252, vintage hand drill in box, Millers Falls brace, Stanley bit brace, antique wood auger, expansive bit 4193, NOS woodworking tools, Sears Craftsman made in USA, carpenter hand brace.