Mystery Tool

[GaryD]

Any Ideas what this tool is?  It is spring loaded.  Found it in with some blacksmith tools at a farm sale, but not sure it is forge related.  Thanks for any ideas!

[keykeeper]

If the part on the left is two halves of a conical shape, then I say Lead pipe flaring/reaming tool.

[jimwrench]

Stanley No.19 lead pipe expanding plier. 11 inchs long. Should have 5-5-96 patent date stamped on it but not Stanley name.

[GaryD]

Yes, a conical shape, here is the open position.

[Billman49]

Still available new in the UK see http://www.motorsport-tools.com/plumbing-tools-tube-flaring-tools-c-19567_19659.html curious as we have not used lead pipe for years....

[rusty]

The chemical industry was probably the last holdout using lead pipe in any quantity, chemical resistance to things that dissolve stainless pipes in hours made it necessary, in spite of it's fragility and general pain in the arse to install features.
however the last generation of plastics has replaced most all of it's applications....

I suppose the tool might work on thin alumnium tubing?