Posted 3 years ago
AnythingOb…
(1778 items)
I'm sure there's a proper name (probably a 'nickname' too?) for this tool, I just don't remember offhand what that is beyond maybe "tensioner". (and that sounds too easy?) I *do* know it is a prybar tool of sorts, used by truck drivers to secure (and presumably release) the ratchet strap 'hold-downs' used to keep the load in place on large semi-truck trailers.
It is solid chromed steel thus heavy, about 32" long probably, one end is a smaller kinda bent conical shape and the other has a roughly wedge shaped welded fitting for something that has a number stamped into it. The main shaft is knurled at both ends and has a crook bend of its own at the 'wedge end'.
It was quite literally 'picked up' from the street at a busy local intersection I use often. I noticed it laying there on the ground one morning, and that it didn't really look like just a random chunk of scrap metal. By the next morning it had found itself neatly leaning up against a traffic signal pole at the same intersection (I don't know who did that??) and then by later in that day, it became simply a matter of an extra turnaround or two to get myself waiting for the red light right there beside it -- jumped out for a sec to grab it and toss into the back, then the light turned green again and off we went. :-)
I looked online at the time and found many examples similar, there's no doubt it is a pretty common thing in the trucking industry. I don't know what I'll ever *do* with it, but I've *got* it now...?? <lol>
Well, doesn’t have the correct “patina” for the rust garden. Even if it did develop that particular finish, someone, someday, might think it was the perfect tool to pry open your door, and just propped up there like an invitation to “come on in”.
It could come in handy someday for something, so it was a good find.
Looks like the handle only of a load binder.