2 more What Are Theys?

[JessEm]

First is a set of crank handles. The only markings are "4004".  My first reaction was a old sausage stuffer, but that didn't pan out. Another thought is woodworking bench vise, but they don't seem long enough...

Second is a heavy steel thing. I don't have the first idea on this one. Each side has a round opening with a set screw. The only markings are what you see in the first picture. .. I wish I had 3 more of them because they would make neat, bolt-down fence post bases over a section of concrete.

Anyone?

[mvwcnews]

Crank handles -- the screw part of a "PONY" bar  clamp, minus the pad.  ( http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4927342183974061&pid=1.7&w=184&h=182&c=7&rs=1 )

[fflintstone]

Crank handles -- the screw part of a "PONY" bar  clamp, minus the pad.  ( http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4927342183974061&pid=1.7&w=184&h=182&c=7&rs=1 )






yes, just picked up a pony clamp today at a yard sale.

[JessEm]

Crank handles -- the screw part of a "PONY" bar  clamp, minus the pad.  ( http://ts2.mm.bing.net/th?id=H.4927342183974061&pid=1.7&w=184&h=182&c=7&rs=1 )

Yep on the crank... I was looking on the web when I should've been looking in my own shop... :)  Nice catch.

Here's a picture next to my Jorgensen I-Bar Clamp, and a Pony Pipe Clamp. It's identical to the bar clamp except the curve in the handle, and part numbers (404 vs 4004). They are a little larger than the pipe clamps, otherwise they're identical to those as well.

[RWalters]

Nothing to add on No. 1. Regarding No. 2, the A.B. Chance Co. makes, and per their website has been making for the past 100 years, foundation braces and anchoring systems, some of which attach to round or square rods. Your piece doesn't seem to match any of the current products shown on their site, but given how long they've been around, it could be an earlier design. Just a guess.

[JessEm]

Thanks again, RWalters. Foundation brace and/or anchoring system makes sense. It's a beefy little chunk. Guess I'll stack it on the pile on top the wood stove and let it work its magic this winter.

[mvwcnews]

Nothing to add on No. 1. Regarding No. 2, the A.B. Chance Co. makes, and per their website has been making for the past 100 years, foundation braces and anchoring systems, some of which attach to round or square rods. Your piece doesn't seem to match any of the current products shown on their site, but given how long they've been around, it could be an earlier design. Just a guess.

Post & pipe scaffold framing -- that's where I've seen these -- the protective framework that goes up where pedestrians have to go past a building renovation / construction site.  These babies get spiked/bolted to the street or sidewalk to hold everything in place.

[JohnD]

I have 5 gallon bucket full of Pony clamps all with the screws broken like yours. They originally have a machined groove and disc on the end to take thrust when clamping and retain the clamp piece on screw when not clamping. I think they break when folks hammer on them to release clamp stuck to the glued boards?  I figured a way to jig up the screws in the South Bend Lathe and recut the groove and disc on the ends, this makes them functional again, just 5/8" shorter. However-- The so called "easy part of the job" replacing the clamp piece on the shortened screw has me side tracked. I find that driving out the roll pin to remove the broken end of screw from the clamp piece makes the job not worthwhile. They must peen those pins in place or something as they are nearly impossible to remove. I have destroyed punches and ruined clamp pieces, maybe someday an idea will surface but for now they all sit in the bucket!

[JessEm]

JD, Have you tried removing the pin on all of them? The reason I ask is because I took one apart and it came apart just fine with a punch & hammer. Maybe some are easier than others? Would a little WD40 work? Good luck with them. I know it seems like a waste to throw them away.

[JohnD]

No, I gave up after 2. I'll give them another try this winter!