Welcome to DU! The truly grassroots left-of-center political community where regular people, not algorithms, drive the discussions and set the standards. Join the community: Create a free account Support DU (and get rid of ads!): Become a Star Member Latest Breaking News Editorials & Other Articles General Discussion The DU Lounge All Forums Issue Forums Culture Forums Alliance Forums Region Forums Support Forums Help & Search

hurl

(978 posts)
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:07 PM Apr 2020

Mystery (to me) tool

I ran across this tool that belonged to my father. It looks like a wire cutter/stripper, but it's attached to a little cylinder with a screw cap. When I unscrew the cap, it extends outward, but it's spring loaded to pop back in if I let go.

I don't know much about tools, so this one stumped me. Ideas?



19 replies = new reply since forum marked as read
Highlight: NoneDon't highlight anything 5 newestHighlight 5 most recent replies
Mystery (to me) tool (Original Post) hurl Apr 2020 OP
Do you know the nuts that have holes drilled into them for wires? RGinNJ Apr 2020 #1
Mystery solved hurl Apr 2020 #4
Wow! The first response! 2naSalit Apr 2020 #12
I knew I could hurl Apr 2020 #14
Usually a good bet. 2naSalit Apr 2020 #15
Safety wire pliers. Girard442 Apr 2020 #2
Thanks! hurl Apr 2020 #5
Safety wire pliers. SeattleVet Apr 2020 #3
The video was helpful! hurl Apr 2020 #6
It's a safety wire pliers. The Velveteen Ocelot Apr 2020 #7
Thanks, VO! hurl Apr 2020 #8
Racer, motorcycle, airplane, safety wire, Keeps your nuts secure so to speak. gibraltar72 Apr 2020 #9
Protect those nuts hurl Apr 2020 #10
They're also made in left and right twist... OxQQme Apr 2020 #11
Very cool! hurl Apr 2020 #13
cool Kali Apr 2020 #16
That's so cool! hurl Apr 2020 #17
Used one a couple of times. JustGene Jun 2020 #18
. Hassin Bin Sober Jun 2020 #19

RGinNJ

(1,027 posts)
1. Do you know the nuts that have holes drilled into them for wires?
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:12 PM
Apr 2020

This is used to tighten those wires and give them their twist.

Girard442

(6,401 posts)
2. Safety wire pliers.
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:13 PM
Apr 2020

You thread safety wire through something, clamp the pliers on the loose ends and the center handle twirls the pliers round and round to make a nice twist.

SeattleVet

(5,589 posts)
3. Safety wire pliers.
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:13 PM
Apr 2020

Used for twisting safety wire to hold fasteners in place on aircraft, race cars, motorcycles, etc.

Here's more info:

The Velveteen Ocelot

(120,836 posts)
7. It's a safety wire pliers.
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 01:31 PM
Apr 2020

Aviation mechanics use them to twist safety wire that secures some kinds of fasteners. I have one.

Kali

(55,737 posts)
16. cool
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 04:55 PM
Apr 2020

I could tell it must be for twisting something, probably wire - but never saw one before or a clue what you would do with the twisted wire. in jewelry work I have seen rigs made from old hand egg beaters and hooks on electric drills but that thing would probably be good too.

hurl

(978 posts)
17. That's so cool!
Sun Apr 12, 2020, 05:24 PM
Apr 2020

Take something that was intended for one thing and apply it artistically to creating something else entirely. Love it!

JustGene

(421 posts)
18. Used one a couple of times.
Mon Jun 22, 2020, 09:25 PM
Jun 2020


A combination of a Yankee screwdriver and wire pliers w/ a lock
Neat tool if you need one.
Latest Discussions»Culture Forums»DIY & Home Improvement»Mystery (to me) tool