Anyone know what this is

[BeezFun]

Found this tool in an old barn on my neighbor's property before they tore it down. This was always farmland, so it's likely something to do with farming. It's brass or bronze, the handle is spring loaded, and that half round ball is made of very hard rubber, similar to a kitchen faucet seal.

 

[Fuddy1952]

Speculum
Hope you washed your hands.

 

[MossRoad]

Some kind of electrical clamp? :confused3:

 

[Gary Fowler]

I have been around and seen a lot of old farm tools, but I have no idea what that is used for.

 

[BeezFun]

I have been around and seen a lot of old farm tools, but I have no idea what that is used for.

There were also a few railroad tools in there, like the long handled prybar they use to get an uncoupled train car rolling on the track. So it's possible it's not a farm thing, but maybe a railroad thing. There was also an old small fire engine that someone intended to restore at some point, so this tool really could be anything. I tried google image search but no luck.

 

[BeezFun]

Some kind of electrical clamp? :confused3:

It's very much like the ground clamp that comes on welders, so that's a pretty good guess.

 

[MossRoad]

It's very much like the ground clamp that comes on welders, so that's a pretty good guess.

That's exactly what I was leaning towards.

 

[mrmikey]

It's very much like the ground clamp that comes on welders, so that's a pretty good guess.

I'd third that motion . The button should be on the inside and I would presume there's enough of the stud left to fasten the cable to..............Mike

 

[BeezFun]

I'd third that motion . The button should be on the inside and I would presume there's enough of the stud left to fasten the cable to..............Mike

The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is why there would be a piece made out of rubber on a welding clamp. That thing will get melted from touching something hot. Also those two little wings seem like a lot of extra work and money for just a clamp.

 

[MossRoad]

The only thing that doesn't make sense to me is why there would be a piece made out of rubber on a welding clamp. That thing will get melted from touching something hot. Also those two little wings seem like a lot of extra work and money for just a clamp.

The ground clamp shouldn't be getting hot when welding.