Share your favorites on Show & Tell

Primitive tool?

In Tools and Hardware > Show & Tell.
Tools and Hardware7682 of 9815Vintage oiler?Pocketknife sterling silver
4
Love it
0
Like it

AzTomAzTom loves this.
kerry10456kerry10456 loves this.
fhrjr2fhrjr2 loves this.
SEAN68SEAN68 loves this.
See 2 more
Add to collection

    Please create an account, or Log in here

    If you don't have an account, create one here.


    Create a Show & TellReport as inappropriate


    Posted 10 years ago

    antique1976
    (6 items)

    This item was in a $1 flat that I recently purchased at an auction. I have no clue what this item is called or used for. It is one solid piece of stiff metal wire about 4" long with no markings. It has a small fork like opening at one end. Perhaps held as I show it in picture. Thank you for any help given.

    Unsolved Mystery

    Help us close this case. Add your knowledge below.

    logo
    Tools and Hardware
    See all
    17
    17" Valley Pro AMERICAN HICKORY Woo...
    $32
    Lot of (20) old - vintage - antique keys
    Lot of (20) old - vintage - antique...
    $12
    9pcs Keys BIG Large Antique Vintage old Brass Skeleton Lot for DIY Making Lock
    9pcs Keys BIG Large Antique Vintage...
    $7
    2 17
    2 17" Valley Pro AMERICAN HICKORY W...
    $54
    logo
    17
    17" Valley Pro AMERICAN HICKORY Woo...
    $32
    See all

    Comments

    1. Jono Jono, 10 years ago
      I believe it is used to plug tires on a farm. You put the plug into the forked end. You push it into the tire, twist once, and then put your finger into the looped end and pull it out.
    2. antique1976 antique1976, 10 years ago
      Thank you Jono. I can definitely see this being used for that. Thanks for the love SEAN68
    3. fhrjr2 fhrjr2, 10 years ago
      Very well could be a plug tool but pretty small diameter wire. If you know any thieves or old locksmiths show it to them and get a second opinion.
    4. antique1976 antique1976, 10 years ago
      Thanks for looking fhrjr2
    5. antique1976 antique1976, 10 years ago
      It is a small item. We do have a local locksmith in town. I will have to stop in and see him. Thanks for the thought.
    6. AzTom AzTom, 10 years ago
      That does have an end similar to the tire plug BUT, that tool looks way older than tubeless tires.

      Cool item!
    7. TubeAmp TubeAmp, 10 years ago
      To me it looks like a version of a tin opener, for cans that require a key. Whereas the one's that come with the tin are made to throw away, this is made to allow the coil to be removed and thrown away. Perhaps for those cans missing the key, this was kept hanging in the pantry?

      T A
    8. fhrjr2 fhrjr2, 10 years ago
      Tube - That was my first thought, I tried to locate a similar one. The keys that came attached to the cans worked but reusing them meant getting cut getting the winding off. This would have been great. The reason I mentioned the locksmith is I have a friend who is a locksmith and he has an item similar he calls a false key.
    9. antique1976 antique1976, 10 years ago
      I do see a great resemblance to false keys. However, I couldn't find any straight ones such as this. Have you fhrjr2? Thank you all for your input. Great guesses!

    Want to post a comment?

    Create an account or login in order to post a comment.