McGrew 460 #1 Posted October 24, 2018 (edited) My name is Danny, and I have a “drug” problem... My wife “drug” me into another antique store today. Most of the places I get drug have little that interests me, but a few of them have some old tools. I rarely buy anything that I do not see a use for, but today was different. I found this plier like tool that appears quite old, but I have no. Idea what it was designed to do. So of course I bought it! I am hoping someone can tell me what it is? It is a little over 15 inches long. The hole in one jaw is about 7/8”, and the ball is about 9/16” in diameter. The hinge is spring loaded. What do I have? It has no marking of any kind. Thanks! Danny Edited October 24, 2018 by McGrew More info 5 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,416 #2 Posted October 24, 2018 Don't ever recall seeing a like that before. Are there any numbers or names anywhere on it? The thumb screw and bolt just don't look like they belong with it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
squonk 42,259 #4 Posted October 25, 2018 Thumscrew locks it shut. What it's for I have no idea. Some kind of hole punch? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,416 #5 Posted October 25, 2018 30 minutes ago, squonk said: Thumscrew locks it shut. Understood, but it doesn't look like it belongs to this tool; much too new looking. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 27,092 #6 Posted October 25, 2018 Looks sorta like an old cattle / bull nose lead...But only 1/2 like it... 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
gwest_ca-(File Mod) 11,205 #7 Posted October 25, 2018 https://toolfanatic.com/footfitter-bunion-stretcher-ball-ring-cast-iron-b000pohtog.php Garry Another http://cobblersbest.com/bunion-shoe-stretcher-ball-and-ring/ And another with instructions http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70649&cat=2,51676 3 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
SylvanLakeWH 27,092 #8 Posted October 25, 2018 1 minute ago, gwest_ca said: https://toolfanatic.com/footfitter-bunion-stretcher-ball-ring-cast-iron-b000pohtog.php Garry DING DING DING...WINNER! Wonder if you can lead half a bull with it? 1 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
McGrew 460 #9 Posted October 25, 2018 Garry, Thank you! I believe you hit it on the head. I had a feeling it was for stretching leather. The thumbscrew allows you to gradually apply more pressure while allowing the material to stretch. 953, I agree the thumbscrew and threads do not look period, but the threaded rod is held in place with a solid pin and may be original. I think someone did some cleaning on this thing and the thumbscrew which is cast iron may be a replacement. I only wish it were something more exciting.... Bunions? Yuck! Oh well, I also have my Grandfathers cobbler tools. He was a jack of all trades, and one of his trades was shoe repair. I can add this to his tools. Thanks! Danny 3 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
953 nut 57,416 #10 Posted October 25, 2018 9 hours ago, gwest_ca said: https://toolfanatic.com/footfitter-bunion-stretcher-ball-ring-cast-iron-b000pohtog.php Garry Another http://cobblersbest.com/bunion-shoe-stretcher-ball-and-ring/ And another with instructions http://www.leevalley.com/en/wood/page.aspx?p=70649&cat=2,51676 Another amazing thing that Garry was able to come up with an answer for. Love it! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
