Tool Talk

What's-It Forum => What's-It Forum => Topic started by: Papaw on December 03, 2019, 01:29:17 PM

Title: Gate Latch ?
Post by: Papaw on December 03, 2019, 01:29:17 PM

I am guessing that this is a gate latch or something. Any one have any info ? 4 3/4" long. 8 point hole, and about 3/8" wide. Marked SMITH MFG. CO  AND MT. PLEASANT MICH.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: Northwoods on December 03, 2019, 05:03:55 PM

Very puzzling.  But I don't see a latch.  But then I don't see anything else, either.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: Bill Houghton on December 03, 2019, 05:38:28 PM

Mt. Pleasant has an historical society: http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/isabella/MPHistoricalSociety/ (http://www.mifamilyhistory.org/isabella/MPHistoricalSociety/), and a museum at the university: https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/MCNH/Pages/default.aspx (https://www.cmich.edu/colleges/class/MCNH/Pages/default.aspx).  Maybe one of them has some industrial history.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: lptools on December 03, 2019, 05:52:53 PM

Hello, I tried a few searches before Bill's post, but no luck. The opening has 10 points?? Square shaft on a piece of machinery is my guess!! Same type opening is often seen on commercial door closer arms. Regards, Lou

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: jdjax on December 04, 2019, 10:34:11 AM

I wonder if it is a wood stove lid lifter/wrench combo? I have seen them with a narrow pointed lifter like the one on the left in this picture here.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/Vintage-Wood-Stove-Lid-Lifters-Lot-Of-Five-/133160907221?nma=true&si=9kYxuZLdusbXIePp5Z0JqhhLj70%253D&orig_cvip=true&nordt=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: skipskip on December 04, 2019, 08:02:47 PM

jdjax got it

wood stove part

took me long to figure out the one I have

Skip

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: Northwoods on December 05, 2019, 02:16:14 PM

Still don't see it.  That device is not shaped like a handle, and 4 3/4" is too short to be practical for a lifter on a hot stove.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: lptools on December 05, 2019, 04:00:24 PM

Hello, I don't see handle either. I like "wood stove part" from Skip, maybe for a damper?? Just my 2 cents, Lou

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: oldgoaly on December 05, 2019, 08:48:33 PM

wrench part for the ash grates  hooks on each end for lifting stove plates.pic is of a salesman's sample /toy stove made nearby in Belleville, Il.
Got a full sized one in barn in pcs., no pics of it.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: mvwcnews on December 05, 2019, 11:40:14 PM

The same piece (identical size & shape) appears marked WIZARD MFG. CO. / TIFFIN, OHIO.  If any Ohio wrench / tool collectors have figured out its function, that knowledge had not been widely shared.

Title: Re: Gate Latch ?
Post by: Papaw on December 06, 2019, 09:08:47 AM

Quote from: mvwcnews on December 05, 2019, 11:40:14 PM

The same piece (identical size & shape) appears marked WIZARD MFG. CO. / TIFFIN, OHIO.  If any Ohio wrench / tool collectors have figured out its function, that knowledge had not been widely shared.

  Interesting- this one was made in Michigan, or at least stamped by a Michigan company.