Ok ladies and gentlemen, we now have our August what's it live and ready!

 

So far we are 0 for 2! We just can't figure out what these wonderful examples of tools are!

 

The image below is the current MWTCA "What's It" image for you to research, and tell us all here in this topic post, just what the heck is it!

Remember, the first accurate answer wins a one year membership to the awesome organization MWTCA!

For a run down on this project and the rules, please see this page at "The Patriot Woodworker and MWTCA "What's It" project"

 

So without further Adieu, "What's It!" Submit your answers (and fun commentary) in the reply box. And win a one year membership for MWTCA!

Keep in mind, the MWTCA does not know what this item is either, the image was submitted by one of its members for us to research. Lets help MWTCA find an answer.

 

This tool is 8" long.

 

 

 

 

Lineman's pliers, for making a slice.

Pretty compelling Steve! Any evidence to back that up? 

It would be very helpful if there was a short video of the opening/closing operation. It looks like it has been exposed to heat when it is in operation. Such as holding pieces while tack welding them together.

If you are not familiar with specialty welding clamps, this is what they look like. Many are like the one you pictured, made for one use only, like positioning pieces end to end for precise weld tacks. 

It sure is similar isn't Ron!

You have some compelling arguments, is there any way we can tie this down any further?

Problem with my guess is that the tool appears to be made of brass, don't think that would work well with a weld.

Would make it easy to do a "Bell Splice"  while up on a power pole

13 hours ago, steven newman said:

Would make it easy to do a "Bell Splice"  while up on a power pole

Steve, what is a Bell Splice? Do you have any images to show that? It's hard to envision.

21 hours ago, Ron Altier said:

Problem with my guess is that the tool appears to be made of brass, don't think that would work well with a weld.

I am completely ignorant of welding Ron, is Brass a bad metal to have as a tool for welding?

Brass is a good conductor, but soft and easily bent . It can be used as a clamp but wouldn't last. I don't think it is brass, maybe the color is off on the picture or the process they used this tool for discolored the tool.

Bell Splice:   was a way to join two wires at the ends of each.   I think Bell Systems put out a diagram showing all the ways to join wires.

1 hour ago, steven newman said:

Bell Splice:   was a way to join two wires at the ends of each.   I think Bell Systems put out a diagram showing all the ways to join wires.

Well that don't help us here Steve!

We are trying to figure this sucker out and you got something called a "Bell Splice"!. I think we may be on the right track here, if you can post some supporting evidence.

Bending Pliers Plier Tool Metal Shaping Pliers   http://techzonics.com/hand-tools-professional.htm

 

Sure looks like the modern version of those pliers

Edited August 7, 20169 yr by Ron Altier
forgot web site where these are available

Awe, come on guys! Still nothing! Have we gone numb!

Looks more for twisting two wires together.    Colour is more to keep this "outdoor" tool from rusting...

 

Sometimes know as a western union splice, was a way to add a line to existing lines as a splice, or if the existing was too short, you could splice a new length on.  

3 hours ago, steven newman said:

Looks more for twisting two wires together.    Colour is more to keep this "outdoor" tool from rusting...

 

Sometimes know as a western union splice, was a way to add a line to existing lines as a splice, or if the existing was too short, you could splice a new length on.  

Steve, if this is true, it should not be hard to find an accompanying image on the web to back up your yarn!

It's a specialty tool. only one use. by the looks of it it has 2 pieces that rode on a round bar and the other two pushed onto another rod.

the handle then gets squeezed and the two outside pieces squeeze in.

8 hours ago, DRAGON1 said:

It's a specialty tool. only one use. by the looks of it it has 2 pieces that rode on a round bar and the other two pushed onto another rod.

the handle then gets squeezed and the two outside pieces squeeze in.

Very interesting observation Mike! Now if we could just pin a name on this tool, we'd have a membership with all its benefits to MWTCA sent out to ya! Good to see your name here again ol pal.

The Wm Schollhorn co made many vintage parallel jaw pliers, which these are, and specialty pliers.  They were also sold under the names Sargent and Bernard tools.  The handle design of this tool was used quite a bit by them.  I think it was used for pushing/plugging something together.  I spent a lot of time looking but just cannot find another image of them.  Here is a link to some info.

http://www.sargenttools.com/About/Our-History/