Whatsit

Larry · January 02, 2011, 05:41:01 PM

Kathy bought this for me at auction yesterday because (A) it was cheap, and (B) she knew I could use it around the sawmill.

I have no idea, but figured I would get an answer here in maybe 10 minutes?

Autocar · January 02, 2011, 05:43:30 PM

I believe it is a railroad iron carrier one on eather side. Thats my opinion

northwoods1 · January 02, 2011, 07:17:06 PM

I think it was used by the rail road somehow but I believe it is a chain tightner or load binder.

pigman · January 02, 2011, 07:53:29 PM

WE had one that we used to stretch fence. There is a heavy chain that is part of it that is missing in the photo.One hook is hooked in the chain link and then the devise is moved back so the other chain is hooked in another chain link pulling the chain. This process is repeated to pull or stretch anything hooked to the device. A pole sticks in the tube for leverage.

Dave Shepard · January 02, 2011, 08:54:57 PM

It is a come along that works on a chain. It'll pull anything you've got a lever long enough to pull. :D I think one of the hooks might be on backwards. Ours is in the shed somewhere buried under a bunch of other whatsits.

pineywoods · January 02, 2011, 09:03:03 PM

Dave got it right. Stick a 6 ft pole in the socket, and you have yourself a good cheap come-along. I have one somewhere

Piston · January 02, 2011, 09:48:01 PM

It's a piece of steel with chain on it....Duh...

Larry · January 03, 2011, 12:29:35 PM

Pigman got it. When I looked again the end of the hooks were cast into chain clasps for really heavy chain. There were a couple of stress cracks in the hooks from excess tension I imagine.

The socket for the pole measures 3" id putting this thing into the big boys toy class. Think I'll hang it on the wall and tell little ones that great grandpa used this winch to pull his wagon up Pikes Peak on the trail to Arkansas. :D

Magicman · January 03, 2011, 01:31:58 PM

Now, help me with mine in the "Grandpa's Tools" thread, reply #12. ;D

https://forestryforum.com/board/index.php/topic,47954.0.html

SamB · January 03, 2011, 01:53:11 PM

Seems like this tool has appeared on the FF before. I used to possess one and can't remember what became of it. It didn't have a handle, just like yours and no chain just a clevis. It was part of the left behinds on a property I previously owned. The person who left it said it was a tool used in the coal mines for working on the track that the coal cars ran on. I never found a use for it and he didn't have any either, probably ended up in the landfill.

beenthere · January 03, 2011, 02:05:43 PM

SamB
Which tool are you referring to in your post?

SamB · January 04, 2011, 01:07:01 PM

I was referring to Larry's "Whatsit?" tool......

sdunston · January 07, 2011, 07:40:35 PM

Its a come-a-long,also a fence tool and the RR did use them to tie down loads, They were mostly used to pull out stumps when clearing land. I have one and I did the same thing you did ask around and you will find many useful tasks this thing can do. I have used mine many times, I have a 4' handle and an 8' handle. Have fun with it 8)
Sam

WildDog · January 11, 2011, 05:10:51 AM

I have got something similar (the black tool hanging amongst the other junk) about 3 1/2 foot with a permanent iron handle, can't say I have ever used it, no doubt I have needed it a 100 times but forgot I had it.