Mystery tool.

This topic has 13 replies, 8 voices, and was last updated 10 October 2016 at 09:51 by Brian Oldford.

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9 October 2016 at 07:35 #260084
sparky mike
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@sparkymike
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9 October 2016 at 07:35 #18216
sparky mike
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@sparkymike
9 October 2016 at 07:38 #260085
Phil P
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@philp
It could be used for squashing a rubber hose to prevent flow through it. That might be why the lower round bar can be removed so you can get it around the hose.

Phil
9 October 2016 at 07:39 #260086
sparky mike
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@sparkymike
I have had this tool lying around in my workshop for some time now, but do not have any idea of its purpose.

The two squares revolve and are marked 25 on one end and 32 on the other. They lock in place with a detend ball and spring. The distance between edge of sqares and the removeable steel rod alters when you rotate the squares.

It looks too good to be home made.

Puzzled,

Mike.
9 October 2016 at 07:44 #260087
sparky mike
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@sparkymike
Hi Phil,

The gap between steel rod and the "U" pieces is only around 1/16" or less, so rubber tube is not a possibility I dont think.

Mike.
9 October 2016 at 08:47 #260090
john carruthers
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@johncarruthers46255
A leaf spring compressor?
9 October 2016 at 08:51 #260091
sparky mike
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@sparkymike
The steel rod is 31.5 mm diameter, which could have a bearing on the 32 stamping on the square.Perhaps there was an alternative steel rod of around 25mm. that could be used with the 25 stamped position.

The maximum diameter that could fit in the hoops is 34mm.

I had thought that the tool could have been used for putting a loop in narrow strips of steel.

Mike.
9 October 2016 at 10:10 #260104
Brian Wood
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@brianwood45127
Hello Mike,

I think you are right—-this might have been an erectors tool to put 'joggle' bends in steel strip that is a traditional feature of Cheshire style field fences. The neat flat overlap joints could not be preset before erection and together with a blacksmiths leg vice, they could be easily made on site.

The welds look to be gas welding too, so it is an older tool.

Regards
Brian.
9 October 2016 at 10:40 #260107
SillyOldDuffer
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@sillyoldduffer
Posted by sparky mike on 09/10/2016 07:44:15:

Hi Phil,

The gap between steel rod and the "U" pieces is only around 1/16" or less, so rubber tube is not a possibility I dont think.

Mike.

I agree with Phil – it looks very much like a tube clamp to me as well. We had similar in the school chemistry lab when I was a nipper. The rubber tube goes between the rollers and the clamp is tightened to throttle or stop the flow of a gas or liquid. They're much simpler to fit into a temporary set-up than a proper valve, and are unlikely to leak.

~~It's hard to tell from the photo how big it is – what are the dimensions?~~ Edit – sorry daft question, you've already given the dimensions. They're about right for it to be a tube clamp.

Dave

Edited By SillyOldDuffer on 09/10/2016 10:44:35
9 October 2016 at 11:04 #260111
Roger Provins 2
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@rogerprovins2
Looks very like a tool we had to squash closed a brake flexible coupling whilst working on the brake cylinders.

Roger
9 October 2016 at 13:14 #260135
Nicholas Farr
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@nicholasfarr14254
Hi Sparky Mike, I have to agree with Phil P to a certain extent, that it is a pipe squeeze off tool **LINK** only your one is for 25mm and 32mm MDPE water pipe **LINK** The idea is you select 25 or 32 for the size pipe you are squeezing and in that way you don't over nip the pipe to cause damage, but it will stop water from flowing while you effect a repair or an alteration.

Regards Nick.
9 October 2016 at 13:25 #260137
Nicholas Farr
Participant
@nicholasfarr14254
Hi, a demo of how to use a pipe squeeze off tool **LINK**

Regards Nick.
10 October 2016 at 07:45 #260240
sparky mike
Participant
@sparkymike
Hi Nick and all other replies. Yes it is a water pioe squeeze off tool. I found one nearly identical on that well known auction site, except you could adjust it for six different sizes of pipe. Good value for £2.00 at a boot sale!!. I shall just hang it up for emergencies if the water main develops a leak.!!

Many thanks for replies,

Mike.
10 October 2016 at 09:51 #260254
Brian Oldford
Participant
@brianoldford70365
That's assuming your water feed is a 25mm and 32mm MDPE pipe, A bit trickier if it's iron.
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