Caulking Iron Tool or Something Else????

[toolman]

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

[gibsontool]

It could be a user made device to seat a tapered key into a keyway on a shaft and sprocket.

[toolman]

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.

[wvtools]

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).

[pritch]

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.

[pritch]

Not the greatest picture, but here it is:



And I need to correct myself-these tools I bought at an estate sale of another old plumber.

[toolman]

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.

[toolman]

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

[wvtools]

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.

[toolman]

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.