Brace refurb

[Rich P]

I've got an old Pexto hand brace (model 5312 if that matters) that I'd like to just clean up. Functionally it is fine but needs some cosmetic help. Has anyone ever take one apart, cleaned it, and (most importantly) put it back together? Links, tips, hints, ideas, anything would be more than I have been able to search up. Yeah, I know I could but an Asian knock off for peanuts but where is the challenge in that? I'd really like to know how they got the one piece wooden handle at the bottom of the "U". (As they say, everything is easy once you know how.)

[just started]

Some pix please?

[Rich P]

Here is the pic

Not sure how much help this will be. I have started wire brushing off some of the rust and other blemishes on the metal parts. It would be a lot easier to do if it was disassembled.

[LarryG]

I'd really like to know how they got the one piece wooden handle at the bottom of the "U". (As they say, everything is easy once you know how.)

I use a brace a fair amount in my shop. Your post got me to thinking, "Yeah, that's a good question ... how DID they get that on there?" So I ran the question by a vintage tool dealer/collector with whom I've done some business. He tells me that although other methods were used earlier, by the 1870s most all manufacturers were using a technique in which the handle was slid onto the unbent bow, positioned correctly, and then the bow was bent to shape.

IOW, now that it's on there, it ain't coming off!

[Rich P]

Wow, too cool. I guess if you dropped the straight steel round into a bending jig it would not be too difficult a process.

Looks like I'll have to do whatever I can to clean it up as is. Good news is it all works, just may need a bit of lubrication on the ratchet assembly.

[jackellis]

If you use a wire brush, stick with brass. Plastic mat scrub pads (our English cousins call them scrubby pads) are also OK. A steel wire brush is not necessary.

Also, household vinegar is a good, non-toxic way to remove rust, though it does leave a dark oxide coating behind that can then be polished out.

[Rich P]

I have also tried a commercial product called "Evaporust" (which is supposedly used by the US Navy) that works very well. Meantime, I'll approach this cleanup with care. Thanks to all for the inputs.