Hot Rods Anyone know what this tool is for?

As the title states.... I was given this by an older gentleman but he couldn’t remember what he used it for.

 

With the square holes in it, my SWAG is that it has something to do with positioning early Ford spring shackles.

 

Looks like the “handle” pivots??? If so it’s a wire bender.

 

Agree. It would put a neat 90 degree bend in wire (or something???).
Now, to work out what would need that 90 degree bend...?

 

I'd keep it on the front seat. looks like it would put a dent in someone's noggin.

 

Well that’s exactly what I was thinking as well. I guess it’s a little like brake line bender but the square holes are still a bit of a mystery to me!

 

Well I can think of one fellow I’d like to use it on...

 

I wouldn't trust any site that doesn't know "bolts" is a plural word so "What ARE carriage bolts?"

 

how big are those rocks its laying on?

Thats for bending concrete reinforcing steel (rebar)

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I think JD Miller is correct, but just in case some dimensions please or at least lay a yardstick next to it.

 

Just my guess, the square holes are potentially for anchoring the unit securely to a surface, which potentially means that there is a piece missing, that fits the holes.
Definitely need a yard stick or tape measure along side it to figure its size !

 

Are there any numbers or lettering identifiers on it an as mentioned size would help in the search...

 

Just a wild guess here.
The handle for throwing clay pigeons ???

 

A bed of rocks or weathered asphalt?

 

It's a kickstand for a wood framed bicycle. Square holes match square nails.

 

And those aren’t carriage bolts! Carriage bolts have rounded top, those are flat top bolts!




Bones

 

So you can tighten down a carriage bolt and then realize that you can't remove the tool?
The 'square' under a carriage bolt head is there to bite into the wood to prevent spinning. A carriage bolt is never spun. Only the nut on a washer at the other end ever gets tightened with a wrench.
I don't have a clue what the 'tool' is, but my uninformed guess is that it's not car-related because the wealth of historical automotive tool knowledge (aka: smart fellers) here on this site should have come up with an answer by now.

Edit: Maybe it's a tool for taking the slack out when running new fence wire/barbwire?

 

I think those are called "elevator bolts". Why? I have no idea, but that's what they were called when I bought some that fit my needs for a specific project.

 

Very uplifting answer.

 

Right here officer, this is the one.

 

I’ll try to take a pic for scale. Interesting responses so far. Those square holes are bugging me!

 

Elevator bolts are used on bucket elevators with rubber belts.

 

elevator bolts generally have larger diameter heads, that taper out to nothing at the outer edge.

 

Looking at the handle, which appears to have this weird spline that runs the length of the handle.

That really isn't designed to be comfortable to the hand that is going to use it to bend something.

That spline may indicate that a cheater sleeve that fits the spline as an extension for greater leverage, was part of the original apparatus ?
But if that is the case, then the handle doesn't have a lot of strength built into it, in the first place now does it?
Until there are some better pictures of it from a variety of different angles, its going to be hard to pin it down as to what it is and what it was used for.
The square holes may be an indication that potentially square spikes were used to attach it to rail road switching gear to move some type of switch, but I know that isn't it.
Also potentially that its part of a fence mending kit, and its a temporary tensioner ? But fence mending tools/kits, usually have a small block and tackle with ropes and pulley's to hold tension!
The mystery continues!

 

My guess...

Can't tell it's size so this is a WAG, bolts to a table with carriage bolts and then used to make chain links. Slide the rod thru then rotate the handle and bends one end, flip the rod then bend the other end..... there you go a link for a chain !!


...

 

Looks like a regular frumsteader to me

 

They are "elevator" bolts. Used for levelling certain objects.

 

I noticed that no one has mentioned the small circlet of metal, in one of the square holes. It appears to have no function at all, other than to confuse us all!
Everyone's results may vary greatly!

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