Questions tagged [identify-a-tool]

Questions about identifying a tool or item.

Wherever possible, please include clean, clear and well lit photos of the tool.

If the tool was found in a toolbox, a photo of other tools in the same area may be enlightening because people keep related tools together.

When photos aren't available, please describe the overall shape, size, weight, any wording that is on the item, and where you got it. Also saying what it resembles and how it differs from that could be useful

Descriptions of how you saw a tool being used are good too, for example "plumber used this weird sideways spanner to access the tap's nut" could be a Crow's Foot.

45 questions
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What is this tool used for?

I can’t figure out what this old tool is. Does anyone know?
Honey
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14
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3 answers

What kind of pliers are these?

I saw these pliers being abused for something they’re probably not meant for. What are these pliers actually for, and what do you call them?
Philipp
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11
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What is this square metal plate with a handle?

Found this piece of equipment (?) left behind by a previous owner and am trying to figure out what it was used for. It's a thin, square metal plate with rounded edges. It's maybe 14 by 14 inches. On the bottom is a piece of wood shaped as a handhold…
Bear
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6
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2 answers

What is this swiveling panel retention device called?

This is something where you put a screw in it, then you turn it and it holds in place a panel or something that is not nailed down. I'm trying to buy more of them but I can't think of what to call them so that I can look for them.
bobsmith76
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6
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2 answers

What is the pictured tool and what is its use?

What is this tool for? It has a handle that looks like it can crush something.
Adina
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5
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1 answer

What is this tool with a slotted wrench and threaded nut?

Can anyone help me in identifying this odd thing. It seems to be some sort of attaching or tensioning "screw" I have searched the internet as much as i can and now i'm out of ideas as to what it is. The plastic handle or tightening tool is 14cm…
Ky Balion
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5
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1 answer

What is this plastic Mitutoyo tool with retractable prongs?

Found on a local auction website. The white parts fold down when the unit is closed. The rear says MITUTOYO Precision Measuring System, however it looks to be plastic. My guess is that its a promotional item, not a measuring tool. There is no…
Criggie
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3
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1 answer

What is this nine tined tool used for?

Nine fixed flat springy metal tines, like a rake that roguely jumped out of the factory line, sallying forth into the public realm before its time. The handle telescopes out to about 4' in length, which is about right for itching a residential…
3
votes
1 answer

Tool identity - 111 year old cutter jig?

The square shank suggests its for a bit and brace not a lathe? Clearly a cutter that can be adjusted inward Sliding part appears to be a square dovetail Patent date Dec 5 1911 perhaps. This photo is a bit fuzzy, sorry. I have no idea what this…
Criggie
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2
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What is a solderometer?

I have this tool and not sure what it is used for. The T-handle, if you will, swivels. The word “Waterbury” is stamped on one side. And “solderometer” is stamped on the other side. I googled it with no helpful results. I would
1
vote
1 answer

Please help me identify this device in my basement

I hope this is simple. I'm trying to figure out what this thing is. This device was in the basement of my house when I moved in. It's dusty and covered in cobwebs, so I would think that nothing has interacted with it in a while. It's near the…
THill3
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2 answers

What kind of tool has a thin, oddly-shaped blade inserted into a handle?

found it and really don't know where to start looking to identify it. it has no markings on it.
1
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6 answers

What kind of tool has crosswise cutting jaws?

I inherited this, and guess it's a tile nipper? I'm curious why it has a flat side. Anyone use one of these?
J D
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0
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Can someone identify this pistol grip tool?

Does anyone recognize this tool? Maybe it came with a door or something and it is specific to that item?