Author Topic: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??  (Read 2400 times)

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Offline BOB55

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BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« on: September 02, 2012, 05:51:01 PM »
Hi,
Just found this unusual looking Bridgeport Hdw plier today and would like to find out what is it used for. Thanks, Bob

Online geneg

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #1 on: September 02, 2012, 06:48:19 PM »
Used to squeeze open spring hose clamps.  The notches @ the back of the handles keep the front jaws from closing, allowing the clamp to tighten again.  Very handy tool to have.

Offline BruceS

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #2 on: September 03, 2012, 08:36:53 PM »
Looks like a surgical bone clamp to me.  It gives me chills.

Online geneg

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #3 on: September 03, 2012, 08:45:49 PM »
Wow,  you may be right.  The clamp pliers have flatter jaws.  The last vintage Bridgeport catalog at Rose only had a set of slip joints pictured.

Offline lauver

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #4 on: September 05, 2012, 09:13:25 PM »
Gang,

If it was a surgical bone clamp it would be made of stainless steel and would not have been available at Bridgeport Hardware.

That said, I have no idea what its intended use is.
« Last Edit: September 05, 2012, 09:15:28 PM by lauver »
Member of PHARTS - Pefect Handle Admiration, Restoration, and Torturing Society

Offline rusty

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #5 on: September 06, 2012, 05:38:06 PM »
It almost looks like stainless....

That said, it has a hooked handle, so it's for pulling something after you clamp onto it.

And the thing you clamp onto is anywhere from almost nothing, to apparently several inches thick, as it not only latches out very far, it has a second slip pin position to open up even more...


hmmm
Just a weathered light rust/WD40 mix patina.

Offline bird

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #6 on: September 12, 2012, 11:48:42 PM »
I say grab a big fish hook out of the fish you've caught and call it a day!!!!!  I'm just kidding, I have two "pliers" that look just like that picture, I have no idea what they are used for.
cheers,
bird.
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"Aunt birdie, I think you're the best loser ever!!!!!!"

Offline mikeswrenches

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #7 on: September 13, 2012, 06:33:33 AM »
It looks like they come apart so that the hole that isn't currently being used can be put on the pivot pin, thus allowing them to pick up or hold an even larger object.

An interesting set of pliers.

Mike
Check out my ETSY store at: OldeTymeTools

Offline scottg

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Re: BRIDGEPORT HDW MFG Plier ??
« Reply #8 on: September 13, 2012, 06:10:09 PM »
Doesn't open wide enough for radiator hoses, doesn't look small enough for teeth.
It locks and has a bent arm for pulling hard.
 I am still going to say surgery, Bridgeport or not. Veterinary maybe?

 Stainless tools only came into surgery in the 40--50's or so.
 Before that chrome plate.
  Before that, nickel.   
  yours Scott