Posted 4 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
I found this little tool on the ground outside a gas station where it probably fell out of somebody else's pocket. (yes, I pick up pennies from the ground, too...) It has a knurled aluminum handle with a tiny allen/hex shaped steel driver bit fixed into it.
This thing is driving me kinda nuts ever since, I just *know* I've seen something like it used somewhere before for something, but cannot for the life of me remember when, where, or what...? <headdesk>
Frankly, the thing also kinda intrigues me because it looks like something that's entirely more convenient than conventional allen wrenches for some particular task...makes me kinda wish I had a set of them in larger more common sizes, I bet I'd use 'em a lot?!
If somebody really does recognize this and know what it is intended for, PLEASE SPEAK UP and help me otherwise toss it in the toolbox to forget about, until I might to really need it for something as well...? <lol>
Kinda Maybe looks like an air pressure guage with some bits missing, or a thingy that blows a air that's under high air pressure. Great explanation eh?
This is an Allen-head driver. Have you tried to unscrew the knurled portion near the top? Some of these have changeable bits. Others are fixed and come in sets of different sizes.
It’s odd that I just used a similar tool to tighten loose screws on some patio chairs this morning. My standard size Allen wrenches were the wrong sizes so I resorted to my Husky 36-Piece Precision Screwdriver Set....it was a long shot because I thought they would be too small, but one was the perfect fit!!
You little tool is probably one such as mine. Is the bit removable?
This tool is called a Hinge Alignment Punch. It’s used to align or center spot locations for a screw holes for door hinges and catch plates. Some of them are spring loaded and others are tapped with a hammer.
Actually the ones for hinges are self centering punches. I have several of both types in my door kit. I have never seen one with a hex head on the punch. I have seen watch makers staking punches with a hex head but never a self centering punch.
THANKS EVERYBODY for your suggestions and input!!! For the moment I'm feeling Watchsearcher & Torque's thoughts that it is just one of a set of 'precision' small-sized allen wrenches -- I'm gonna look closer the next time I get to HarborFreight and see what I find there. This item is a solid piece without holes for air passage or moving parts/point for a centering punch (I've seen and have those) so doubt those suggestions, with appreciation.
After thinking about it more myself, I keep coming back to the idea that I saw some HVAC or alarm guy someplace using a similar item on a thermostat or sensor or something -- which might have made me think it was some 'specialty' thing when it really isn't at all...??