Posted 10 years ago
Joe123
(1 item)
Need help identifying this tool. When the handle is depressed, the jaw slides closed, leaving a 1/8" hole. The tool is 10" long, with the words "PAT:NOY.3:1381" (the last 3 digits are difficult to read.) The tool looks like is was originally painted black. Thanks, Joe
Looks like a blade slides & leaves just round hole when the handle is squeezed. That should make it a wire stripper.
I will take a stab at this. I also believe it is a wire stripper but I think it also had another name. It doesn't appear to be adjustable except for replacing the blades. I tend to think this was used on knob and tube wire.
I agree that it looks like a wire stripper, and i looked to see if I could find a picture on a wire stripper like this, but was unable. The thing about it that seems odd is the flat bottom, like it was to be used resting on a flat surface. That doesn't seem like a wire stripper to me. You are right also, that the hole is not adjustable. Thanks for your thoughts.
My first thought was old, dog nail clippers, but the opening is probably too small for that.
I still believe you will find out it is a strip and crimp tool for splicing wire. This one only accommodates one size wire unless it takes other inserts. Either way keep us updated when you find out to your satisfaction.
I don't think it is a wire stripper, or animal toe nail trimmer, but it could work as both of those (imo). To Me, this tool looks to be made to sit on a flat surface, and shear off a protrusion, such as rivet, or nail head etc. Joe123: Do some more wire brushing on the numbers, and use white chalk, or pencil lead transfer, to try and at least get the 4 digit date number, as it looks 1800's to me. Whatever it is, it looks to be very elaborate, and well made.
Wayne
Been a yr. since this came up, but got me thinking again. You may be right if it is thin enough on 1 side to get very close to a surface.
possibly reads PAT:NOV. 3, 1881
After looking at it again, it appears to NOT close completely, so maybe it is a wire stripper or other device? I would ask Joe to show it in the closed position, but I think he has gone fishing on us. "TC", I pulled up the 1881 date on "DATAMP", and nothing that looks close to it, was issued a patent for this date.
http://www.datamp.org/patents/search/patentsByMonth.php?year=1881
Wayne