Vintage No. 2 Hand Drill / Egg Beater Style Drill
Millers Falls Company · Tools & Hardware > Vintage Hand Tools
Era / Decade
1940s-1950s (based on the red 'spoke' wheel design and wooden handle shape)
Material
Cast iron main wheel, steel frame and chuck, and turned hardwood (likely maple or beech) handles with a stained lacquer finish.
Condition
Fair to Good. The tool shows significant surface rust on the crank arm and ferrules. The red paint on the drive wheel is largely intact but shows chipped edges. The wooden handle remains in good structurally sound condition.
Demand Level
Moderate. There is a steady niche market of 'galoot' woodworkers (manual tool enthusiasts) and steampunk/industrial decorators.
Resale Value
Estimated Resale Value
$25.00 - $45.00
Estimated Retail Value
$65.00 - $85.00 (comparable modern heirloom-quality hand drills like Garrett Wade)
Comparable Sales
Recent eBay sold listings for Millers Falls No. 2 drills in similar rustic condition range from $22 to $38 plus shipping. Fully restored models can reach $75+.
Description
A classic Millers Falls No. 2 hand drill featuring the iconic red-painted 8-spoke drive wheel and solid wood handles. This manual 'egg-beater' style drill is a staple of mid-century woodworking, known for its precision and durability. It features a single-pinion gear system and a three-jaw chuck that operates smoothly.
Key Features
High brand recognizability among tool collectors; iconic red wheel 'spoke' design; functional for off-grid woodworking or as industrial farmhouse decor.
Authenticity Indicators
High confidence. The 'Millers Falls' name is usually stamped on the crank arm or the side of the drive wheel frame. The specific casting of the red wheel is a signature of the brand's mid-century production.
Flaws to Note
Heavy surface oxidation/rust on the metal components (requires cleaning); minor paint loss on the drive wheel; the chuck may require lubrication to open and close freely.
Selling Guide
Where to Sell
eBay (best for tool collectors), Etsy (if marketed as vintage decor), or Facebook Marketplace (to avoid shipping heavy iron).
Selling Tips
Do not over-clean the wood, but use a fine steel wool and 3-in-1 oil to remove the rust from the metal parts to significantly increase value. Use keywords like 'Antique Woodworking,' 'Hand Crank Drill,' and 'Millers Falls No 2' in the title.