Mystery tool

[toprecyler]

I picked this little thing up in a cleanup today, mixed in with some other tools and such.

I almost think it’s for setting points, or something similar.

The back little cap screw holds the extra leafs? The leaves measure .0035- .004” thick. The opposite end has a collet type holder for them. You unscrew the collar to release them. I can’t find any markings on them though.

Can anyone shed any light as to what they were used for?

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[ChazzC]

I picked this little thing up in a cleanup today, mixed in with some other tools and such.

I almost think it’s for setting points, or something similar.

The back little cap screw holds the extra leafs? The leaves measure .0035- .004” thick. The opposite end has a collet type holder for them. You unscrew the collar to release them. I can’t find any markings on them though.

Can anyone shed any light as to what they were used for?

Contact Burnisher; the leaves should have a slightly rough machined surface (not abrasive), and are used to clean relay or other contacts (like distributer ignition points) that are either burned or tarnished. The slightly rough surface burnishes the contacts rather than abrading them which could lead to sticking. Here you can see the faint rub mark left after use:

In todays all-electronic/digital/throw-away age, they won't see much use.


EDIT: It took a half hour, but I found mine:

One mounted leaf/blade plus one spare; the lower one with the heat-shrink "handle" I picked up somewhere. You can see the rough finish on the blades.

 

[Nutfarmer]

The collective knowledge base of this group never ceases to amaze me.

 

[mmcmdl]

I have these also Chazz . They hold exacto blades now so they do see use .

 

[ChazzC]

I have these also Chazz . They hold exacto blades now so they do see use .

That’s funny: I use Xacto handles to hold cut-down rulers for hard to reach measurements (cheaper than the ones Starrett sells)

 

[toprecyler]

Thanks Chazz! That makes sense. The surface did seem a bit rough. Another tool to add to the aresonal. Should work better than a dollar bill that my dad taught me to use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[brino]

I have an early memory of my Dad explaining this tool to me, he was using it for the contacts on a motor switch.

Sadly, we are cleaning out the house now for sale.
I wonder if I can find his as a keepsake.
I'm not sure I will ever use it.

Brian

 

[ChazzC]

Thanks Chazz! That makes sense. The surface did seem a bit rough. Another tool to add to the aresonal. Should work better than a dollar bill that my dad taught me to use.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

A dollar bill would make a reasonable substitute: the raised engraving is a light rough surface and the rag paper is strong.