My neighbor brings me this and tells me he is SURE that I will know what it is.  NOPE!  Not a clue.

 

No markings anywhere, used a magnifying glass to verify.  Looks exactly like he brought it to me.  Threads are 8 x 1.25  center screws in and out.  Honestly have no clue what kind of tool it is.

 

Vintage door knob spindle.  Never saw one quite like it but here you go.

 

     

 

2 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

Vintage door knob spindle.  Never saw one quite like it but here you go.

 

     

 

 

 

Thanks!  Now have no idea what I might use it for but at least I know what it's purpose was originally.  

I have experience with some old doors and knobs like this but the spindles were always solid like some of the specimens.  Can't figure the purpose of the two pieces threaded together.

2 minutes ago, HandyDan said:

I have experience with some old doors and knobs like this but the spindles were always solid like some of the specimens.  Can't figure the purpose of the two pieces threaded together.

 

 

Yeah that had me stumped.  Thought it might be a special tool for something, or a set up block.  Only reason I can figure it might be adjustable is if it fit commercial doors or something.  No real idea on where it came from.  

Edited November 18, 20205 yr by Gunny

1 minute ago, Gunny said:

 

 

Yeah that had me stumped.  Thought it might be a special tool for something, or a set up block.  Only reason I can figure it might be adjustable is if it fit commercial doors or something.  No real idea on where it came from.  

 

The knobs are threaded and screwed onto the spindle and locked into place with a set screw.  The the thinner the door the further the knob was screwed on.

If I recall correctly, the screw parts go into the knobs and the square fits into the lock.  There was a screw that you tightened onto the spindle.  It's been a few days. 

 

Now, can you use the threaded part to make threads inside soft metal or wood.  Otherwise, it is basically worthy of recycling.  

 

Dang, Dan posted my thoughts.  Way to go, Dan.

Edited November 18, 20205 yr by FlGatorwood

Think I will tell neighbor it is a part to an Apollo capsule.  Let him chew on that for a bit.  

Threaded in the middle, to adjust for thicker doors....

15 minutes ago, steven newman said:

Threaded in the middle, to adjust for thicker doors....

Doors in old buildings were often built by the owner, with no "standard" thicknesses. This particular spindle would allow for any variation.

John

53 minutes ago, steven newman said:

Threaded in the middle, to adjust for thicker doors....

 

How far the knobs were threaded on compensated for door thickness.  The center screw wouldn't add much adjustment because both pieces still have to be in the latch hole for the knobs to work.

 

 

Well isn't that interesting.  Learned something today, time for a drink.  

15 minutes ago, Gunny said:

Well isn't that interesting.  Learned something today, time for a drink.  

 

Amazing what one can find on YouTube.  Sure wish it was there when I was young.  Of course tearing stuff apart to see how it works has its own merits.

1 hour ago, HandyDan said:

 

Amazing what one can find on YouTube.  Sure wish it was there when I was young.  Of course tearing stuff apart to see how it works has its own merits.

That's so true, both points. But there's folks on utube doing things I wouldn't do, like cutting apart expensive tools (someone did that to a Festool track saw) to show the construction, etc. I'm quite happy to leave such stuff to others.

1 hour ago, HandyDan said:

Of course tearing stuff apart to see how it works has its own merits.

 

 

Yeah my boss finds me doing that to parts we replace all the time.  Now with an apprentice I can say I am just showing him...  

Well Dan that is something else. I would never have known what to look for . I have not seen one of those knobs in many moons.

The customer has no heat. This little actuator was bad. $500 fix, like $100 part.  All that is wrong is this non serviceable plastic gear.