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The screw auger is the most efficient type of bit because it pulls itself into the material and forces shavings out the top of the hole, but it is more expensive and difficult to make than a flat bit. This screw auger bit is permanently fixed in a long wooden handle which allows downward pressure and leverage for turning to be applied to the bit. This simple hand method of using a screw auger was used to drill only a few holes at a time. If many holes were required, a bit brace was a much faster and easier way to use the same bit. A brace allows the bit to be spun continuously without the necessity to reposition the hands at each turn.

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