What kind of tool is this?? (yard sale find)

shinnlinger · May 03, 2010, 09:30:44 PM

I don't know what it is and have asked a few folks. I figured I could replace a point with a pencil and use it use it as a scribe as it has 2 vials or as a big adjustable bevel gauge or compass as it has a very positive lock on it. It has a dial indicator for the amount of degrees it is open also.

Any ideas?

Dave

laffs · May 03, 2010, 09:34:55 PM

thats a washing machine. im not sure what that yellow thingy is

ljmathias · May 03, 2010, 10:16:26 PM

I think the big yellow thing is a tool of some sort- doesn't look to be alive or moving so I guess I wouldn't whack it with a hammer. ;D

Good luck...

Lj

whiskers · May 03, 2010, 11:48:01 PM

It's a combination compass, level and washing machine finder.

Lil Badger Creek · May 04, 2010, 01:46:54 PM

What a cool tool! looks like a large scale version of an angle finder. Great for finish work. Your find has more uses. -Stephen

LeeB · May 04, 2010, 02:32:40 PM

The kind you put in a yard sale becuse you don't know what to do with it and hope somebody will buy it so they can try to figure it out.

maineframer · May 04, 2010, 07:24:11 PM

It is clearly a combination compass-level-with a built in accuracy gauge/timer and or watch.

sawdust · May 04, 2010, 10:12:39 PM

Given the color it is obviously a Caterpillar brand Stuck-o-meter. Gives accurate readings of depth of stuck and whether you are stuck level or half a bubble off.

Dave Shepard · May 04, 2010, 11:02:58 PM

:D

Sprucegum · May 04, 2010, 11:07:24 PM

:P read 240 times and still no concise definition of the artifact

I'd make a wise comment but I got to go get something to eat....no thanks, I don't need a

Grit-o-meter

ljmathias · May 04, 2010, 11:15:11 PM

I think Shinnlinger subconsciously figured it out- hence the placement on his (or his wife's?) washing machine: it's a washing machine level and adjustment tool... now you just have to figure out how to use it ;D :D ;D

Lj

LeeB · May 05, 2010, 05:40:03 AM

A hand held inclinometer?

Jim_Rogers · May 05, 2010, 07:32:36 AM

Definition of an Inclinometer:
Inclinometer is an instrument for measuring angles of slope and inclination of an object with respect to its gravity by creating an artificial horizon. It is also known as a tilt sensor, tilt indicator, slope meter, slope gauge, gradient meter, gradiometer, level gauge & level meter. Inclinometer is commonly used in different industries like Aviation, civil engineering, Government, Marine, Military, and Transportation for platform leveling, boom angle indication and slope angle measurement. The tilt angle range is the range of desired linear output measured in degrees. Important specifications to consider when searching for tilt sensors and inclinometers are the tilt angle range and number of axes.

LeeB · May 05, 2010, 08:31:41 AM

It sounded good though.

Jim_Rogers · May 05, 2010, 11:43:47 AM

LeeB, I'm agreeing with you.....

LeeB · May 05, 2010, 12:37:11 PM

That makes it sound even better then. :D

shinnlinger · May 05, 2010, 09:34:27 PM

That is a nice definition Jim, but do you have any idea what the tool is???

Dan_Shade · May 05, 2010, 09:48:33 PM

does it have a manufacturer's mark on it?

the color looks like "Stanley"

My "guess" is that it's simply a combo tool/washing machine finder like whiskers said!

shinnlinger · May 05, 2010, 11:10:43 PM

I don't believe it has any markings, but it is out in the barn right now because after it found the washing machine and the kitchen table a few times my wife thought it should go find the rest of my tools... and she said it is a clinometer, no IN the house about it....

bill m · May 06, 2010, 12:53:31 PM

Check out this web site.

http://www.washerhelp.co.uk

I think they might be able to help.

Jim_Rogers · May 06, 2010, 03:53:45 PM

Well, I googled inclinometer and then selected images to see if I could find a picture of one that matched. After viewing some 40 pages of images of all kinds of inclinometers I'd have to say it probably isn't one, but I'm not totally sure.

I didn't find anything that exactly matched.

Jim

Holmes · May 06, 2010, 09:21:39 PM

Looks like a dial type protractor/ level. Old like a dial type telephone. Holmes

shinnlinger · May 06, 2010, 09:51:48 PM

Holmes,

Lets assume you are correct. Who would have used it and why????

Holmes · May 06, 2010, 10:04:04 PM

Must be a timber framers tool.

shinnlinger · May 06, 2010, 10:11:36 PM

I can't believe it is a timber framer's tool as I have never seen such a thing, a co worker of mine with extensive framing experience (worked with Ed Levin for years) has no idea what it is, and out Forestry forum expert, Jim Rogers doesn't know what it is. Besides, it will have pretty limited use in TF applications... It is no BIG AL......

hhhmmmmmm....