My swag at it, based on other findings in the shop and the nature of the 'ole business, is a belt cutter.   Anybody know off the cuff before I place it in the "investment required" pile?

Close-up view

Could possibly be a steel band cutter. The tongue would allow you to get under the steel band on a box or crate so you could cut it.

Definitely a strapping cutter for steel strapping.  At least 1 cutting jaw is replaceable.

If it ain't sprung it's definitely a keeper and worth some derusting time. 
That goldmine you hit is a good place for a molasses tank setup.

Quote from: Aunt Phil on March 28, 2012, 09:24:26 PM
Definitely a strapping cutter for steel strapping.  At least 1 cutting jaw is replaceable.

If it ain't sprung it's definitely a keeper and worth some derusting time. 
That goldmine you hit is a good place for a molasses tank setup.

Thanks so much!  That makes sense having found stainless strapping and a strapping ratchet.....strangely I just recently picked up a early strapping ratchet (not knowing what it was) at a local pawn shop for $20.

What's with a molasses tank?

If it is a steel straping cutter witch It looks to be I love it.

The ones you buy nowdays have shorter handles and its a pain to use. Long handles would make it much easier.

Is metal strap still available? I think its all plastic now

Metal strap is still available.  Our shipping dept uses it all the time.

Jim

Quote from: OilyRascal on March 28, 2012, 09:47:39 PM

Quote from: Aunt Phil on March 28, 2012, 09:24:26 PM
Definitely a strapping cutter for steel strapping.  At least 1 cutting jaw is replaceable.

If it ain't sprung it's definitely a keeper and worth some derusting time. 
That goldmine you hit is a good place for a molasses tank setup.

Thanks so much!  That makes sense having found stainless strapping and a strapping ratchet.....strangely I just recently picked up a early strapping ratchet (not knowing what it was) at a local pawn shop for $20.

What's with a molasses tank?

1, that cutter is NOT for use on ss strap.  SS strapping will warp the damn jaws.  SS strapping requires completely different tools from steel strapping.
I know this because my helper ruined 3 of those dam cutters making ss precuts to save time.

They cannot be sent back to the manufacturer for straightening either.  If they're hosed out sell them to a tow truck scrapping cars.  They still work well for gas tank strap removal.

The ss strap you found may be hose strapping.  If it is there will be lettering stamped into one side.

Molasses tanks are a cheap minimal labor required rust removal system.  Cow molasses comes in bags from the feed store.