|
Dan in Houston
10-30-2007 10:39:51
|
|
Re: What kind of a tool is this? in reply to RegoR, 10-30-2007 06:42:32
|
|
|
The square hole is tapered like the taper you see on wood bits, but much larger, probably about 5/8 to 3/4". I have a 1" wood bit, but the shank is too small for this thing to grip, as the taper doesn't go down to a point. One of the replies below says that this is a brace to drill between studs or rafters. It may be, but there is no locking mechansim or chuck to hold a bit in place.
The overall length is about 17", and the rachet is reversible by rotating a knob on the end of the handle. I don't think it was meant to be used for a hydrant or boiler valve, as the square hole is not large enough for something like that. The head is knurled to provide a good grip, but there is nothing else on that end to suggest any other use but as a grip. There are 4 holes around the curcumference near the end of the head, and they are pretty boogered up by something being inserted into them. But they are not large enough to add any significant leverage by inserting a pry-bar - the handle provides plenty of leverage as it is. The end of the knurled handle part has a sort of round pointed end, like it might fit into some sort of recess during use, but it is not scarred up from use.
The idea of it being some kind of close quarters drill is the most likely so far, but it still seems way to heavily made. There is no obvious way to apply downward pressure during use, so any bit would have to be self feeding all the way.
It might be some sort of tap handle for large machine use, perhaps meant to be used in a lathe or something.
thanks for your interest, this thing has stumped a lot of people.
|
|
|
