T-shaped things

TDB_digs · May 4, 2020

A friend and I found this large T-shaped object the other day. We’ve been racking our brains trying to figure out it’s function.
Today, I was going through some old finds and lo and behold, something very similar emerged from a box of odds and ends.

The two seem to be different ages and sizes, but both perhaps have the same function? Each looks like it was mounted on a handle or post. Smaller one has a hollow threaded base, larger one is socketed. The main similarity between the two are the two arms with small wheels or rollers on the end.

They’re obviously something very specific, but we’re at a loss! Any ideas?

Country Dirt Kid · May 4, 2020

The shape reminds me of a plug wire boot puller. But its probably just a coincidence.

worm12ga · May 5, 2020

If the end is or was sharp, it looks like some kind of corer.

Ron 71 · May 5, 2020

Part of a turnbuckle maybe?

Jeff in Georgia · May 6, 2020

apple coring tool?

Ginniper · May 6, 2020

Makes me think of an old hand drill.

ncplumber · May 6, 2020

It looks like there might be a name or initials on the shank of one of the handles. If so, that might be a clue to what these things are. I'm interested in finding out what they were used for.

BaldAssCat · May 6, 2020

I think you're holding it upside down. It look like the leg to something that rolls, maybe on a track based on the size of the rollers.

Longhair · May 7, 2020

BaldAssCat said:
I think you're holding it upside down. It look like the leg to something that rolls, maybe on a track based on the size of the rollers.

You're on the right track, I think. :laughing:

I'm thinking some part of a window mechanism, like maybe for a car?
Could also be part of a tensioning system.

waltr · May 8, 2020

BaldAssCat said:
I think you're holding it upside down. It look like the leg to something that rolls, maybe on a track based on the size of the rollers.

First time I saw this post that item seemed familiar but still hasn't clicked.

The rollers look like they may have run in a track as you said.

Definitely an adjustment for height.

BFO Guy · Jun 21, 2020

The one looks like it has a brake on it. The little piece with the ridges on it, is it on a swivel? Looks like maybe it was made to roll in one direction but dig in and hold brake in the other....maybe. Hard to say.

T-Man · Jun 21, 2020

Almost seems like it could be a guide for some sort of conveyor that the belt may ride on, would explain the need for a one way brake and height adjustment, if that's what it was. For what I don't have any clue. Not even sure we're on the right track.

duggap · Jun 21, 2020

Just a guess, but my first thought was an old tree tap.

BFO Guy · Jun 21, 2020

From the looks of them, especially the smaller one I believe they hung from the roller end. The “T” shape seems to indicate a hanger design and looking at the smaller one if the rollers were on the bottom I’m not sure both rollers would touch a surface before the arch in the arms hit. And I think it likely that the arched shape provides strength for a hanging load. Even the larger one has some arch. If they did hang from the roller end then they could not have rolled more than an inch or so in either direction. Maybe some kind of back and forth aggitating motion? Maybe parts out of two similar types of machine? One older than the other or different manufacturer. The color if any may be a clue.
Imagine the copper looking handle on the larger one not being busted open/split but rather a tube with an intentional hole at the upper end to allow the compression connection at the top to work. Looks like it’s position/height was adjustable on the the shaft.
It’s also interesting that the rollers are exposed on both the top and bottom of their retainer. Maybe this part had an up and down motion in addition to side to side, rolling one way while suspended and rolling the other way while lifted. Or maybe just open design to prevent fouling.
Two many questions, not enough answers.
This is surely interesting. I’ll be pondering this in my sleep probably...

BFO Guy · Jun 21, 2020

Any idea what was going on at the sites where these were found? Need some history...

Franz · Jun 22, 2020

Reminds me of something off an antenna of some sort or some sort of communication equipment/wiring.

joe dert · Jun 22, 2020

Reminds me of auto emergency brake cable hardware...I’m thinking cables were involved, holding and releasing something...

Donut · Jun 23, 2020

Seen and used similar.
Could be.
Over the shaft to loosen a shaft nut.

BFO Guy · Jun 24, 2020

Any idea what is inside the tube part of the larger one? There appears to be some non metal material fragments inside. Is that wood? Or grease?

joe dert · Jun 24, 2020

BFO Guy said:
Any idea what is inside the tube part of the larger one? There appears to be some non metal material fragments inside. Is that wood? Or grease?

Good eye...I didn’t notice the dried grease..makes perfect sense..because that T shaped piece held the swaged end of a cable, or shaft with a rack gear that fit into the adjustment ratchet ..cable or shaft pulled out..swaged end or nut stretching open the rolled shaft. Could have stretched over time or from one heavy force..like applying too much pressure at once because the assembly was binding..grease was applied for the typical reasons..over time it hardens up...

T-shaped things

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