Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: toolman on July 18, 2018, 09:18:36 AM

Title: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: toolman on July 18, 2018, 09:18:36 AM
I picked this up from a second hand store, that had just acquired a large old tool collection. No one knew what it was, but i had a good idea it may be an old caulking tool, so i gave the guy a buck for it. It has no makers mark, so i suspect it may be home, or blacksmith fabricated. Or, i may be full of B.S., lol. Any ideas as to its purpose in life, and a like tool manufacturers name, would be much appreciated.

Thanks in Aadvance


I added the last 2 photos that i found online, and reported as plumbing tools? My thought is the old rope and lead cast iron pipe packing tools. Since i have found these look alikes that appear to be of the same pattern, i think this tool design, (what ever it is) was most likely in production by some company. Just food for thought while i continue searching
Title: Re: Caulking tool or Something Else????
Post by: gibsontool on July 18, 2018, 09:27:20 AM
It could be a user made device to seat a tapered key into a keyway on a shaft and sprocket.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: toolman on July 18, 2018, 09:45:42 AM
Thanks for the reply. Could be a key driver, but the hook puzzles me? I found 2 or 3 look alikes of it in my long web searches, but they were either ebay, or other opinions. I will let it sit here awhile, and see if anyone else has any feedback.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: wvtools on July 18, 2018, 09:12:19 PM
It is a boiler beading tool, also called a flue beading tool or a tube beading tool.  A tool used to crimp and expand the end of a boiler smokestack or tube (Sellens, 2002).
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: pritch on July 18, 2018, 09:54:44 PM
I got one just like it. It was my dad's-an old-school plumber-along with all his other caulking irons. I never knew him to do much boiler work, but he spent much of his career before I ever came around. I'll look around and see if I have a picture. I always kinda thought it was broken, but I guess not.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: pritch on July 18, 2018, 10:01:32 PM
Not the greatest picture, but here it is:

(http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/gpritch/tools/moreleifstools005_zpsdbf8f269.jpg)

And I need to correct myself-these tools I bought at an estate sale of another old plumber.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: toolman on July 18, 2018, 11:15:11 PM
It is a boiler beading tool, also called a flue beading tool or a tube beading tool.  A tool used to crimp and expand the end of a boiler smokestack or tube (Sellens, 2002).


Thanks Very Much wvtools. Do you happen to know a company name that produced these, so i can continue my research?

Also, Thank You as well Pritch.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: toolman on July 18, 2018, 11:49:47 PM
Armed with wvtools answer to my mystery tool, i did some more digging. It appears this tool has made it's way around the "what is it" circuit. It is also referred to as a "crowfoot", according to the Farm Collector site. I posted a link below explaining it's operation, for anyone interested. Thanks again guys.


https://www.farmcollector.com/tools/answers-to-july-2009-mystery-tools
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: wvtools on July 24, 2018, 06:59:35 AM
I have seen them in many of the catalogs of companies that made mechanics and plumbers chisels.  I will try to dig around and find a few.  It may take me awhile.  I am going out of town again for work, and then will be selling at the longest yard sale in TN next week.
Title: Re: Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????
Post by: toolman on July 25, 2018, 08:57:36 AM
I have seen them in many of the catalogs of companies that made mechanics and plumbers chisels.  I will try to dig around and find a few.  It may take me awhile.  I am going out of town again for work, and then will be selling at the longest yard sale in TN next week.


Thanks, and no hurry! I look forward too finding out at least one company that put their name on this tool, as i have searched many hours, with zero results.