Hello folks. I made a trip to the Ashtabula County (Ohio) Antique Engine show this past weekend and browsed their swap meet. Found a couple of things that I have been unable to identify with certainty. The first one looks like a cross between a pair of tin snips and ice block grabber. The seller had two. He said that after he cleaned them up they were able to cut paper cleanly. I am going to try to submit a photo.
The second item was what looked initially like a crimper or rivet tool but upon closer inspection the working end doesn't seem to be right. Must be something else.
Here's a close-up photo of the second item.
First photo appear to be hand forged tin snips, to me, anyway.
That second tool is curious, looks like the jaw moves when squeezed, to maybe crimp some kind of specialty fastener??
Quote from: keykeeper on July 09, 2013, 09:35:59 AM
First photo appear to be hand forged tin snips, to me, anyway.
That second tool is curious, looks like the jaw moves when squeezed, to maybe crimp some kind of specialty fastener??
All I know is, if my doctor walked into the exam room carrying that, I'd change doctors.
Do you suppose the hooks on the tin-snips are for hanging them from a ladder or such for roofing/flashing work?
Weren't the ladders pretty big and bulky back then, maybe they could hang from a work belt or pocket.
Quote from: harborrat on July 08, 2013, 12:26:58 PM
Here's a close-up photo of the second item.
pg. 850, 1908 Sears Roebuck catalog -- Sampson Seam Fastener or Hand Stapling Tool (for boot & shoe repair). Tool cost 85 cents, & a box of 576 staples cost 20 cents.
Nice find! Thanks
As far as the "Tin Snips", they're too heavy to hang from your pants, and the hook ends aren't big enough to fit around the rung of a ladder. As a matter of fact, I don't even think that they are tin snips. They probably wouldn't cut sheet metal very well. They will cut paper though.
I totally forgot to mention that they are at least two feet long. Probably a little more. It is a two handed operation to use them for cutting. The photo does not convey the scale.
My guess is the hooks on the snips are just stops so you don't pinch your hands operating them. I am guessing the ends of the hooks contact each other when the snips are closed all the way.
Quote from: Lewill2 on July 10, 2013, 09:21:33 AM
My guess is the hooks on the snips are just stops so you don't pinch your hands operating them. I am guessing the ends of the hooks contact each other when the snips are closed all the way.
I'd bet a dollar that you are right, and I'm not a betting man.
Thing is, you have a tiny head with huge handles. The only reason for that is to use leverage to apply a lot of force on a small area of contact. So I do think they are primarily meant for cutting sheet steel.
I think also, what people have surmised about the purpose of the hooks (to hold onto their out of use mount and to keep from clamping the hands) is probably true. But, additionally I would think the hooking helps to get a grip for forcing the snips back open, when the snips get stuck while doing their work (which they will occasionally).
Those snips are very reminiscent of all the long handled tools in my buddies forge. Which all have large stoppers that double as grips that can grab onto most anything using the weight of the tool in the inverted position to close them.
He like other smiths I have seen, has taken to having tools above his head and the anvil, as apposed to on a rack, or in drawers. Most of his hammers sit on nail rests in a low rafter 2x4 and his tong tools grip the beam by the means I mentioned (he's used the head of a nail to make indentations on the beam for them to grip). Anvil work and bench work can be time very sensitive , even when cold forging, so producing a tool quickly via hand memory of it's location and feel is more efficient then searching for it, having someone hand it to you, or setting down what your doing to get it.
Nice insight, Helleri.
Yes indeed, Thank you.