Thread: Mystery tool.

Rob, in the case of both Grahams tool and mine the springs ensure that the jaws grip the subject strongly before the spreading action.

That's what I suspected. I'll vote that it's a spring installer.

I found a tool with an identical mechanism but I'm not convinced by the sellers description. This tool does have a manufacturer though. I've had a look at their current product catalogue but nothing similar. I'm going to send them an email and see if they can shed some light.
Tool is here ABQ Techzonics Professional Hand Tools,Precision Tools,Electronics,Science Lab-more about 1/4 way down. Wilde Grip and Pull Pliers

Originally Posted by NCArcher

Tool is here ABQ Techzonics Professional Hand Tools,Precision Tools,Electronics,Science Lab-more

Boy. From that link I have to conclude that Heath Robertson is alive and well and in close contact with James Thurber. Talk about "round the corner" thinking, right down to the rubber band castrator. Now there's a comforting thought for sheep or straying husbands. In regards to the mystery tool has anyone gone down the road of a WW1 gun tool yet?
Doggie (No confusion with Titans - everyone knows they open paint tins, chip up ceramic tiles and brick bolst (my word) in their spare time from being collected!.

Originally Posted by NCArcher

I found a tool with an identical mechanism

I think that tool grips wider on one side than the other ... ie gripping a tube (with a cord in it) on one side, and just the protruding cord on the other.
Cheers,
Paul

The mystery tool can grip differing thicknesses and could quite possibly do the job of the Wilde tool. The attached photo, we've seen before, shows how the wedged handles as they come closer to each other force the heads of the rivets on the outer end of the jaws apart resulting in the business ends of the jaws closing on the target. Should one jaw close on its target before the other, the head of the tool moves laterally slightly as the other jaw continues to close until it too is closed on its target. Clear as mud?
The answer is glaring us in the face, FIND JASON! If we can identify that manufacturer/inventor the riddle will be solved.
At Waroona someone suggested it was an adjusting tool for a Jason Recliner Rocker, we all laughed at his clever-wittedness, while secretly wanting to throw him out the door. This is serious business folks.
Dick what do you have in mind for its use as a WW1 gun tool?
I can see if one had my mystery tool, Grahams example and the Wilde tool he/she'd have the beginnings of a great, interesting collection....one could even write a book about them.....did I just say that out loud?...help....soapy water mouthwash!
Cheers,
Geoff.

I've emailed Wilde Tools. We'll see what they say. Thinking about this, It's not exactly a precision tool is it. Gunsmithing you sort of want the tools to reflect the quality of the gun if you know what I mean. As a spring inserter, which I lean towards, it is very limited in the sizes of springs it can install.
I'm also intrigued by the tabs (for want of a better term) on the sides of the jaws. They look like they are designed to stop something from slipping out sideways or to make initial alignment easier. At least one of them has had a bit of pressure against it at some time, although this could be from misuse.

Originally Posted by NCArcher

I've emailed Wilde Tools. We'll see what they say. Thinking about this, It's not exactly a precision tool is it. Gunsmithing you sort of want the tools to reflect the quality of the gun if you know what I mean.

Like a blunderbuss perhaps

Regards
Paul

Originally Posted by NCArcher

As a spring inserter, which I lean towards, it is very limited in the sizes of springs it can install.

= standard size springs such as upholstery. Another factor that should be considered, four of these tools have been identified in a fairly short period so the job done must have been fairly common.

I have just had a reply from Wilde Tool Co.

Good Morning,

From our 1959 catalog.

It is a Universal Piston Ring Expander.

Hope this helps!

I rest my case.

Well,

I cant find that 1959 catalog to check it out.
I can find the 1958 catalog, and the ring tool pictured on page 10 is not our "Mystery Tool".

Although I can see our tool possibly being used as a piston ring expander, I remain sceptical and unconvinced.

Here's the 1958 Wilde catalog page 10.

Wilde 1958 page 10.jpg

Originally Posted by mike48

I can find the 1958 catalog, and the ring tool pictured on page 10 is not our "Mystery Tool".

No, it is the tool I found that has the same mechanical action as our tool.
I think our tool, and the Wilde tool, are for installing piston rings but not removing them.

Now that's a point I hadn't considered, installing new, but not removing old, piston rings. Most tools you would expect to work both ways and I can see how this would be better at the one than the other. I need to find an old engine to see if it is capable of doing either job.
Cheers,
Geoff.