So I recently got a hand-cranked drill, as per the subject line, while I
was visiting my mom's house over the holidays. (I was looking for a
drill to make a hole in the end of the Christmas tree -- our tree-stand
has an alignment pin that the tree sits on -- and it was all I could
find. Of course, my brother arrived and pointed out the electric one
once I'd hand-cranked a 3/8" spade bit through two inches of wet spruce
end-grain, but suffering is good for the soul. And so I took it home
with me, with appropriate permission.)

So, now that I'm looking it over, I've got a few questions, and am
hoping that some people here might have some answers. In no particular
order:

* Any idea how old it is?

* And idea how to take it apart for internal cleaning? I can take the
handles off, but that's about it, and it seems to have sawdust/grease
gunk all in the gears. I'd particularly like to clean out the chuck.
It seems to work ok, though.

* My firsthand impression is that this would be a bit easier to handle
for making smallish carefully-aligned holes than a standard electric
drill. I'm just sure if this is an accurate impression, though, or if
it's just because my previous esperience in quality craftsmanship comes
from modelmaking and I'm happiest with a 1/64" bit in a pin vise. Is
this really true, or do I just need more practice with the electric jobbies?

* Finally, this drill has three handles -- the crank handle, the one on
the side opposide the crank, and the big one on the end opposite the
bit. Obviously, for best control of the drill, one should hold all
three handles. What's the best compromise solution for those of us who
came out of the factory with only two hands?

Thanks!
- Brooks

P.S. If anyone's interested, I'll see about posting a picture or two.


--
The "bmoses-nospam" address is valid; no unmunging needed.

Those old drills are a PITA to drill holes larger than 1/4". Use a
brace for larger holes. Don't try to do any serious disassembly, as
those cheap drills were often staked together. Just give it a good
flush with solvent and compressed air until clean and enjoy it for what
it is.
I keep one in the house maintenance toolbox & it is fine for drilling
pilot holes & such..
Bugs