Help me figure out what it is.

[toolmiser]

This was a garage sale find, no clue what it is.  Looks like a sledge hammer handle would fit in it.  I thought maybe railroad for pulling spikes, but probably not.   I don't think it is really old, since it's printed "Warning Wear Safety Googles"  Other side says" TAMCO  %AF-1(hard to read) and YJ   86.  All ideas appreciated.  Thanks!

[kwoswalt99]

Tie rod hammer?

[turnnut]

 on the Tamco site, they list railroad spike lifters, but no pictures.

 it could be, with the wear goggles on it, it is possible to hold it under the spike and hit it with another hammer
 to jar it loose, then rock the handle to extract the spike. 

 the part with the slot looks like it is on an angle.

 just my two cent thought.

[Northwoods]

Back in the day, we used a 5 foot prybar, heavy on the foot.  But I believe that you are right.

[blackoak]

I think these were used to start the pulling process of the spike. Once the head of the spike was lifted enough to get a long handle footed pry bar designed to pry them the rest of the way out. That was what my Dad told me that was what they were for, but he seen them used for many different uses after 35 years working for the Southern Rail Road from breaking open frozen up coal  car unloading hatch gates to as a self defense weapon for walking the train in the sidings in East St.Louis

[toolmiser]

Just googled it, and it looks exactly like a railroad spike lifter.  New they sell for about $235.00, probably not a lot of call for used ones, and doubt collectors would have much interest.  Next time I am near a railroad museum I will throw it in and have them add it to their collection.

[Bill Houghton]

Next time I am near a railroad museum I will throw it in and have them add it to their collection.

Just be sure to open the door before you throw it in.  And sing out, "heads up!"



Amazing, the number of specialty tools out there in the world.

[oldgoaly]

I think these were used to start the pulling process of the spike. Once the head of the spike was lifted enough to get a long handle footed pry bar designed to pry them the rest of the way out. That was what my Dad told me that was what they were for, but he seen them used for many different uses after 35 years working for the Southern Rail Road from breaking open frozen up coal  car unloading hatch gates to as a self defense weapon for walking the train in the sidings in East St.Louis

Hey BlackOak! EstL America's most beautiful city 1960!