Expansive auger bits feature a adjustable cutter that allows them to bore custom sized holes using a brace. In this video, I restore a 120yearold James Swan No. 7 expansive bit, demonstrate how to sharpen and how to bore large holes cleanly, and highlight the differences among commonly found models. Starting with Clark's patent in the mid 1800s, expansive bits became popular for woodworking and other trades as an addition to the standard set of fixed diameter augers. Like many hand tools, expansive bits reached their peak in the early decades of the 1900s, with improvements like Wright's patent. A wellmade expansive bit at this time cost a bit more than a Stanley No. 4 bench plane. Top manufacturers included Connecticut Valley Mfg Co (Convalco), Russell Jennings, James Swan, Peck Stow and Wilcox, Irwin, CE Jennings, Sargent, and Millers Falls. The art of using and maintaining them was gradually lost with the advent of power tools. With good practice vintage expansive bits are a lot of fun to use and well worth rediscovering.