Replies

1. 
   dgreen | Aug 27, 2008 05:34am | #1

   It appears to be a crimping tool for wire connectors, but with the out of focus photos for all I know it's an alien spaceship.

    

    

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   You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club.

   Jack London

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:04am | #2

   D GREEN, I have a few wire crimper/strippers ,but they dont have a ring on the end might be a linemans tool where he attaches it to his belt so as not to drop it . Speaking of linemen, I used to be one while in a signal company stationed in Germany. Steinmetz.

1. 
   dgreen | Aug 27, 2008 07:14am | #3

   I gave up too soon, the second to the last picture is very clear. I am pretty sure it is a crimping tool for wire connectors. A very sturdily built crimper! I would bet you are right about the purpose of the ring. 

    

   ................................................

   You can't wait for inspiration. You have to go after it with a club. Jack London

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:28pm | #9

   D, thanx for the imput. I'm thinking maybe cable splices

2. 
   lwilliams | Aug 27, 2008 07:16am | #4

   It's a crimping clamp for steel cable connectors.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:35pm | #10

   I W, Before I read your reply, I thought the same thing.
   We're both on the same wavelength. The cable clamps I've used are snugged down with hex nuts. as soon as someone identifies the fastener, I'll order some Steinmetz.

3. 
   philip | Aug 27, 2008 09:02am | #5

   It is a tool for crimping those lead grips onto thin wire rope or cable so you can make loops or simply tie off ends-and I confirm that Larry is correct (;).

   Philip Marcou
1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:40pm | #11

   Phil, Thanx much all you guys are right on the money I think I'l google up wire rope crimpers?? maybe they'll name the fasteners? Steinmetz.

4. 
   Lapun | Aug 27, 2008 01:35pm | #6

   The tool you have photographed is a swaging tool for forming eyes in multi-strand wires which are required to carry loads equal to the breaking strain of the wire used.

   However, because it appears to be made of brass or bronze, this limits the application to relatively 'soft' wire, such as flexible 7 x 7 galvanized ( which has a flax core), but definitely not stainless.

   In yacht rigging, an appropriate application might be for sail halyards, where minimal stretch is important. It is highly probable that a rigger will have repaired halyards on medium sized yachts while aloft in a bosun's chair, so it would have been secured to his tool belt via the ring in the end of the handle.

   Pro shops now use hydraulic presses for this purpose on heavier junctions.

   You are fortunate to have such a vintage tool. Keep it polished!

   Lapun.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:46pm | #12

   Lapun, It's steel the ruler I used to compare it's length reflected a brassy glint in some of the photos . You say it's vintage? I'm vintage too going on 78 this month LOL Steiner.

2. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:56pm | #13

   Lapon, You're right on the money. Batting 1000. The tool is steel but the photo shows a reflection off the honey colored ruler I placed next to it for comparison purposes.Spent two weeks in 'Strailia' Best vacation I ever had. Steinmetz.

5. 
   JerryPacMan | Aug 27, 2008 04:26pm | #7

   To crimp these.

   View Image

    

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

   "Life is not a success only journey."  Dr. Phil

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 27, 2008 06:23pm | #8

   Jerr I think you got it. What are those grommets/ferules/splices called? To join what??? Thanx for the reply. Steinmetz.

1. 
   JerryPacMan | Aug 27, 2008 10:30pm | #15

   They are called compression sleeves or oval sleeves and are used for creating loops or joining two wire ropes.  Go to mcmaster.com page 1384 for more info. 

   Life is what happens to you when you're making other plans .

   "Life is not a success only journey."  Dr. Phil

1. 
   QCInspector | Aug 27, 2008 11:29pm | #16

   http://www.nicopress.com/These are the ones I'm familiar with (aircraft control cables in light aircraft) and I don't think your tool could ever crimp them correctly. Your tool may be for another brand or even be home made.

1. 
   Steinmetz | Aug 28, 2008 02:38am | #17

   OC,It's forged steel, but seems like it's used for thin wall brass or copper or lead crimps. No compound leverage ... just one hand operated Fisherman's tool??? (Hence the loop? Thanks to all, Stein

6. 
   MikeHennessy | Aug 27, 2008 10:09pm | #14

   Don't listen to 'em. This is obviously a nutcracker, sometimes doubling as a crab claw breaker-opener.

   (At least that's what I was thinking after looking only at the first few pics.)

   ;-)

   Mike Hennessy
   Pittsburgh, PA

7. 
   TonyCz | Sep 02, 2008 07:03am | #18

   Nico press tool as was said. most commenly used in the marine hardware trade and aircraft industry as well as in the construction industry.

    

   http://www.nicopress.com/

   
   

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   Edited 9/2/2008 12:04 am ET by TonyCz

1. 
   Steinmetz | Sep 02, 2008 08:58am | #19

   Thanks Tony, My grandson is a pilot instructor. I'll ask him to bring the tool over to the airport's maintenance facility. Maybe an older mechanic can identify the manufacturer's brand name. (Or, it's age?)Steinmetz.