ROSS MF'G CO.-K.O. (UNKNOWN TOOL)

[scottmoe]

This tool is from my dads tool collection; however, neither of us know what it is used for.  It is made of solid brass, so I suspect it might be for the food industry.  It measures approx. 11.5" retracted and 13.5" with the jaws open.  The rounded end (handle ?) is spring loaded and slides into the portion which looks like the base of a rocket. 

The tool is marked:  PAT. PEND'G, ROSS MF'G CO.-K.O.

[Papaw]

Twisting the handle makes the jaws open wider? Do the jaws have enough strength to stay gripped on the inside of something when opened?

Could it be some sort of packing or seal puller? The angle of the "teeth" on the outside of the jaws suggest the tool is inserted in something and spread to pull toward the operator.

[scottmoe]

I think you might be on the right track.  The jaws are on the outside of the tool and they slant back toward the other end of the tool (round end), suggesting they would grip when the tool was pulled.  The tool does not twist to tighten; but, it does spread open when the round/rocket tail end is pulled, or the spring is compressed (see below).  The grip pressure is limited to the users pulling power. 

The round/rocket tail end contains a spring.  It appears the compressed spring serves to apply constant grip pressure.  For example, if I were to insert this tool into a pipe, then depress the round end, the jaws would (maybe) open to the inside of the pipe, then the spring pressure would maintain the grip pressure. 

The tool does not really have a good handle (thus my reference to the round end), so the user would not be able to pull very hard to retrieve the tool.

[Papaw]

That suggests the tool is not for heavy work. Food industry might be right, but we've seen some weird gadgets here, who knows?

[rusty]

If it is the Ross of Kansas City, it is likely a plumbing tool. That Ross has patents for toiler float valves, and is listed in plumbing directories under faucet washers.

Seems a bit big for a washer extractor tho....