whatsit?

[fflintstone]

Right now the pivoting jaw only opens maybe 10 degrees. The spring loaded loop in the rear only travels an 1/8” or so. I assume they both should move more.


By fflintstone at 2012-07-20


By fflintstone at 2012-07-20


By fflintstone at 2012-07-20

[Neals]

Saw one of those once and was told it was for leading bulls around by the nose. Not sure I believe that one.

[Papaw]

Would need to open a bunch wider. but that's possible.
Most are simpler, like this-

[thiggy]

Don't know what it is called, but that is what it is for.

[Lewill2]

It doesn't have to open very far if it is clamping the nose ring.

[BruceS]

Would need to open a bunch wider. but that's possible.
Most are simpler, like this-

I'm just waiting to see some Pink haired Goths and spike haired heavy metal's   wearing them.
Hang on to them !   The value will sky-rocket if it becomes a new fad.

[Papaw]

It doesn't have to open very far if it is clamping the nose ring.

My understanding was that they were used on a bull without a nose ring. The pinch of the jaws made the bull follow the lead to avoid the pain.

[rudeawakening55]

  I believe it's a (hay sling trip) ropes go in eyelets

[Billman49]

Looks like some sort of self releasing hook - stays closed when the tension is on it (when lifting) but opens when the load is off,,,

see:

http://www.freepatentsonline.com/1477836.pdf
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/6654990.html
http://www.freepatentsonline.com/4537434.html
http://www.sydneytools.com.au/shopdisplayproducts.asp?id=1599&cat=Beaver+Eye+Self-Locking+and+Automatic+Release+Hook+-+BSR

[wrenchcollector]

It doesn't have to open very far if it is clamping the nose ring.

My understanding was that they were used on a bull without a nose ring. The pinch of the jaws made the bull follow the lead to avoid the pain.

Yes, the one you posted is for non-nose ring bulls/or even cows w/out nose rings.  Have/ will use these.  Original posted pic, nota clue.

[Mel Larsen]

I'm thinking it some sort of release hook.   With something in the Jaws and pulled from either or  both of the side loops, then when a rope or what ever pulls the back loop, it releases the Jaws.  Why?? the only thing I can think of it a Guilder,,,,,,,,,,,,,,no, well maybe some farm operation like stacking hay, or Damn don't it make you mad when you can't remember what you want to say :o) 

[fflintstone]

My BFF finally got a look at this.  He is not well versed on farm tools or any really old tools unless they are machinist tools. However after grabbing it and holding for just a few seconds said that it is for grabbing the raw edge or edges of sheet metal. Given that it is way too heavy to stick in a bull’s nose this is by far the most plausible explanation so far.

[scottg]

Its a drum lifter. Or any heavy piece of steel that fits in the jaws.
  I used to lift new barrels of oil or solvent etc (3-500 pounds??) up and over a low wall into the generator/flamables storage area we kept them in, with something very similar to this.
  And then lift back out when necessary or empty.
   Used with a forklift, the lifter was attached to the end of a fork. 
 
 You slip it on the lip of a steel drum and lift. When you set it down, it lets go.
 Steel plate up to its capacity can be lifted too.
  Its kind of cool to see this big heavy object dangling from a lip.

 At least this is what we did with one.

 I don't understand the big loop ears on this though, and I'm sure it has another use as well.
  yours Scott 

[Papaw]

Now that Scott told us, I remember a similar clamp used to lift large plates of steel onto my truck when I was a driver.

[Lewill2]

Steel plate lifter that I have is quite a bit different from this. My plate lifter has a set of serrated jaws that grab the steel plate.