Home Improvement Stack Exchange
Home Improvement Stack Exchange

Questions tagged [identify-a-tool]

Questions about identifying a tool or item.

Wherever possible, please include clean, clear and well lit photos of the tool.

If the tool was found in a toolbox, a photo of other tools in the same area may be enlightening because people keep related tools together.

When photos aren't available, please describe the overall shape, size, weight, any wording that is on the item, and where you got it. Also saying what it resembles and how it differs from that could be useful

Descriptions of how you saw a tool being used are good too, for example "plumber used this weird sideways spanner to access the tap's nut" could be a Crow's Foot.

29 questions
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What is this tool used for?

I can’t figure out what this old tool is. Does anyone know?
Honey
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13
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7 answers

What is an adjustable wrench fit for tightening bolts?

The other day I saw a plumber tighten a bolt with what looked like an adjustable wrench. But it seemed like he didn't need to take it off the bolt every time to turn it further. Rather, it looked like the wrench's jaws were non parallel, or perhaps…
ispiro
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2 answers

Tool Identity and Use

I'm hoping someone can identify this hand tool. Here is what I do know: It was made by Stanley It may be something used with sheet metal or maybe Wire? It would only be used on the edge of the metal. It doesn't seem to be used to nibble as it…
jlaurenza
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11
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4 answers

What are these plastic rods and crimps under my couch cushion and can they be replaced?

One side of our couch sinks in way too much. I really don't want to fork a money for a new couch right now, so thought I'd see if I could fix it. I flipped it over and underneath I found that 3 plastic rods that run horizontally ( circled in red in…
Frank
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11
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1 answer

Can You Help Identify This Tool? Assuming It's 1800s!

My grandfather was gifted this tool and we're trying to identify what it is. It has no unique markings other than the portion where engraved "US." It has a rivet on it, and that's as far as we know regarding facts. We assume 1800s, based on the…
Angelina
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7
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2 answers

What are these clips called?

I need some clips that fit on the ends of rods that look like: Do they have a more common name than 'omega clips'? I can't find much if I search for that name.
EmmaV
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6
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2 answers

What is this swiveling panel retention device called?

This is something where you put a screw in it, then you turn it and it holds in place a panel or something that is not nailed down. I'm trying to buy more of them but I can't think of what to call them so that I can look for them.
bobsmith76
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6
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2 answers

What is the pictured tool and what is its use?

What is this tool for? It has a handle that looks like it can crush something.
Adina
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5
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1 answer

Help understanding and fixing shut off valve

I recently moved to a new house and am in the process of setting up essential appliances. While trying to connect the washing machine, I noticed that the shut off valve is leaking from a white hole(?) underneath. I want to know what the hole exactly…
Backspace
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1 answer

What is this tool with a slotted wrench and threaded nut?

Can anyone help me in identifying this odd thing. It seems to be some sort of attaching or tensioning "screw" I have searched the internet as much as i can and now i'm out of ideas as to what it is. The plastic handle or tightening tool is 14cm…
Ky Balion
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5
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3 answers

What is the purpose of these drill bits with two tips?

A friend of mine likes to buy old tools and smilar at car boots, and he picked up a set of bits which neither he nor his friends could identify. He showed me two of them: They have two tips, one mounted radially outboard of the centre tip but…
bertieb
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2 answers

What is this tool? It is cast iron and looks like a router attached to an adjustable fence

This antique cast iron tool is apparently for carpenters and incorporates a router section with an adjustable fence. What is it called and who made it?
bill d.
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4
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1 answer

What is this plastic Mitutoyo tool with retractable prongs?

Found on a local auction website. The white parts fold down when the unit is closed. The rear says MITUTOYO Precision Measuring System, however it looks to be plastic. My guess is that its a promotional item, not a measuring tool. There is no…
Criggie
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3
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1 answer

Tool identity - 111 year old cutter jig?

The square shank suggests its for a bit and brace not a lathe? Clearly a cutter that can be adjusted inward Sliding part appears to be a square dovetail Patent date Dec 5 1911 perhaps. This photo is a bit fuzzy, sorry. I have no idea what this…
Criggie
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3 answers

Identify a door handle type

I am trying to identify the origin of a door handle (crutch on rosette, photos attached) in order to be able to replace it. The problem is that the fixing screw holes seem non-standard (at least in France, where I live), so I can't buy any handle in…
Daneel
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