Garage Gazette

TOOLS AND THE SHOP => GENERAL TOOL AND MACHINE DISCUSSION => Topic started by: oldnslo on February 17, 2023, 03:54:42 PM

Title: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 17, 2023, 03:54:42 PM
Soon to be added, treasures from my recently acquired box' o goodies, that while I can do research and eventually find out what it is on my own, I thought I would tickle the minds of this astute group of what the posted item is used for, because on my initial review of the box contents, it stumped me and I tossed it in a box for later review.

I'll label the pics individually (and post up over the next few days) so you can respond to any pic in any order.

(just in case you were bored out of your mind and wanted to check in over the following days)

Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 18, 2023, 01:12:41 PM
Up for discussion, is item A. Red handled, could be any brand, no markings. Is built stout, clearly a compression tool, but with that raised plunger, I don't really know what function it performs.

The only clue I can offer, is the former toolbox owner was a auto mechanic, A/C type tools, some exhaust tools, some Kent Moore suspension tools, Mac items (sockets, etc), but thats all I can offer.

Screwdriver shown for size reference.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 19, 2023, 09:51:03 AM
Up for discussion, is item B. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning of "Wear safety glasses", leading me to presume it's an impact tool or bit.

5/8" on the hex size. 9/16" for the spline diameter.

Hmmmm....
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: Crispycritter on February 19, 2023, 10:08:11 AM
Up for discussion, is item B. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning of "Wear safety glasses", leading me to presume it's an impact tool or bit.

5/8" on the hex size. 9/16" for the spline diameter.

Hmmmm....
i have seen bits like this but have no clue what their called sorry . didnt older cars use a bolt to secure seatbelt similar or was that just torx
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: goodfellow on February 19, 2023, 06:11:24 PM
Up for discussion, is item A. Red handled, could be any brand, no markings. Is built stout, clearly a compression tool, but with that raised plunger, I don't really know what function it performs.

The only clue I can offer, is the former toolbox owner was a auto mechanic, A/C type tools, some exhaust tools, some Kent Moore suspension tools, Mac items (sockets, etc), but thats all I can offer.

Screwdriver shown for size reference.


Looks like wiper arm removal pliers.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: goodfellow on February 19, 2023, 06:15:31 PM
Up for discussion, is item B. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning of "Wear safety glasses", leading me to presume it's an impact tool or bit.

5/8" on the hex size. 9/16" for the spline diameter.

Hmmmm....

Looks like a "Triple Square" driver bit. Mostly used on German cars and trucks
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 19, 2023, 09:44:19 PM
Turns out that A are exhaust pipe hanger pliers. Think about that pesky rubber hanger. This pushes the stud out of the rubber. Like this:
I was searching exhaust tools for a pipe spreader and came across the pliers.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: goodfellow on February 20, 2023, 06:38:10 AM
Turns out that A are exhaust pipe hanger pliers. Think about that pesky rubber hanger. This pushes the stud out of the rubber. Like this:
I was searching exhaust tools for a pipe spreader and came across the pliers.

While I'm not sure about the pliers myself, most of the exhaust hanger pliers I've seen need more reach; hence they have an outwardly curved anvil.
You pliers seem to work on the same principle as the wiper arm removal tools.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 20, 2023, 11:25:13 AM
Up for discussion, is item C, a lot of 3. Different heights, different base diameters. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning around the base (contact area) of "Wear safety glasses". Based on the top bashing, it leads me to presume it's a hammer driven impact tool for driving in something.

Bearing races? Like wheel bearings in wheel hub?
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on February 20, 2023, 11:28:51 AM
Looks like a "Triple Square" driver bit. Mostly used on German cars and trucks

I hear you on the triple square, but I do have a set of those for my German vehicles, however this one has 16 splines and is not of the diameter that would match my triple squares.

I'm leaning towards and A/C type tool and based on the smooth center portion, feel that it can initially line something up before engaging the splines.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: goodfellow on February 20, 2023, 11:54:10 AM
Looks like a "Triple Square" driver bit. Mostly used on German cars and trucks

I hear you on the triple square, but I do have a set of those for my German vehicles, however this one has 16 splines and is not of the diameter that would match my triple squares.

I'm leaning towards and A/C type tool and based on the smooth center portion, feel that it can initially line something up before engaging the splines.

That makes sense. I've seen some very unique fastener technology in that industry.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: goodfellow on February 20, 2023, 11:57:25 AM
Up for discussion, is item C, a lot of 3. Different heights, different base diameters. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning around the base (contact area) of "Wear safety glasses". Based on the top bashing, it leads me to presume it's a hammer driven impact tool for driving in something.

Bearing races? Like wheel bearings in wheel hub?

Interesting! If many of the tools are AC related as you suggest, then these could be pipe forming cones used to prep line pipe for fitting. Just a WAG on my part. I have no actual experience with those tools.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: wantedabiggergarage on February 20, 2023, 03:54:22 PM
Item C looks mushroomed on the third one, makes me think used with a hydraulic press.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on March 12, 2023, 06:19:54 PM
Up for discussion, is item D, a tool for Ford/Mercury products based on flipping it. You can see the models it covers, and my guess is that it would flipped based on the rim diameter or 4 lug vs 5 lug applications, but what does it do?

Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on June 22, 2023, 05:56:45 PM
An update on item A, validated by this ad of Offerup: https://offerup.com/item/detail/c91d65c1-8738-3a9f-8187-798979602aab

Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: muddy on June 22, 2023, 09:12:52 PM
Up for discussion, is item D, a tool for Ford/Mercury products based on flipping it. You can see the models it covers, and my guess is that it would flipped based on the rim diameter or 4 lug vs 5 lug applications, but what does it do?
Hub cap tool?

Sent from my Twisted Mind Of The Mudman

Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: stokester on June 23, 2023, 06:57:31 AM
Spindle nut spanner?
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: Uncle Buck on June 24, 2023, 11:27:17 PM
I think those round red things are dies for some unknown application.  I think the hole in the center is supposed to slip over the end of the press ram.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: fatfillup on July 05, 2023, 01:23:02 PM
Up for discussion, is item C, a lot of 3. Different heights, different base diameters. No brand name, other than a typical tool warning around the base (contact area) of "Wear safety glasses". Based on the top bashing, it leads me to presume it's a hammer driven impact tool for driving in something.

Bearing races? Like wheel bearings in wheel hub?

I have sold some of the cone things for rounding out exhaust pipes.  Not sure if that was the application, couldn't find anything on google
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on July 08, 2023, 12:47:54 PM
Yep, I have two of those exhaust pipe rounder-outer-thinga-ma-jobber-doers. I like any metal forming tool, where I can repurpose it for other applications. In this case, the red one somehow wont let go of its driving handle (almost like it is locked in with a circlip, but wont let go), but really there is no need for that handle version to be pulled out, you can "shrink" an out of round hole by driving the tool from the smaller end. You can see evidence of it being used to shrink something.

The silver (made in China) version, does have a reversible handle so you can expand or shrink depending on the direction of your whacking tool.  :)

Going back to item "B", while the one end is clearly mashed on, the flat edge has been struck with a hammer for probably some alternative use, but only a few times. I "could" imagine those cones as being used for expanding/ shrinking exhaust pipe, but the ID/OD is much smaller and not typically found on autos.

I go back to my working theory of item "B" being seal drivers, and they "closely" approximate seal OD's used on older cars where they took the S2/S6 type bearings.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: ron350 on July 25, 2023, 06:26:23 PM
 The three red steel cup things in post #8 are control arm bushing drivers.

 i talked to a mechanic that still has a set of of these that he purchased in the early 1980's.
Title: Re: oldnslo's running post of "What the heck is this dang tool for"?
Post by: oldnslo on July 25, 2023, 10:45:00 PM
Ron, thanks. Makes total sense. I recall BITD, the mechanics in the shop would drive them out with impacts (if they didnt fall out on their own), and drive them back in the same way (but with a different bit). Using a proper tool makes much more sense and seems to be purpose built for that application.

Chevy control arm bushing pictured as examples.