I have used this for years to loosen and tighten belts on auto and stationary equipment.
We always called it a belt tightener but I know it has a proper name. the theory has been around forever as turnbuckle .  bob w.

That tool's name is Sylvester.  Leroy & Elmo are in my toolbox.  Walt wandered off tears back.

Aunt Phil is right. Mine has always been Sylvester Beltstretcher.

Bob, if you ever decide you would like to get rid of some of the tools you used as an auto mechanic ( such as this, I really love this little guy) I would like to have them and I would promise to treat them with high respect like my Dads tools.

I am a bit younger than you and I am guessin that you no longer turn many wrenches on cars but I still make a living this way when I need too.

I have posted some pict. on the old forum of the tools I got and have displayed and still display, just because they are in a fancy display case dont mean they dont still get used, I use them and then put them back.

I cant afford prob. nor do I care for brand name tools, I dont care about a tools value, I care more about learning how it was used, when you got it, what cars have maybe been fixed with it ect.

Lets face it Bob you arent a spring chicken anymore ( no offense ) and for me ( since we have no children and wont ) one of my biggest concerns is who is gonna get all this junk after I am gone thats gonna appreciate it and thats the only reason I make this post.

Again I cant afford to spend hundreds of bucks because I have already spent and keep spendin it on my books but just think about it. Nothin will be sold or traded, I dont do that and shame on anyone that would.

Just something to think about, either way have a nice day.

It's a Werkzeugzumspannenautomobilkeilriemen, but only when you use it on a volkswagon, otherwise it's just Sylvester...

FARFIGSTRECHIN DEVICEN on Benz

bob w,

It's just a "belt tensioner", plain and simple.  But also very usefull and practical.

Sorry, no big technical names.

I never saw any of these factory made!
Shows ya what I know. heeheh

I have several of these from 6" to 18" closed (spread, they are about twice as wide as closed)
All mine are made from old turnbuckles though.
Indispensable when setting up machinery, especially for the first time. 
yours Scott