What is this tool? And what is it used for? Age?

[decbra]

Found in an old basement, more old tools soon to post!

 

[Charlie P. (NY)]

Spring compressor.

No earlier than 1850ish and likely not that old. Maybe 1920ish?

 

[HuntinDog]

I would agree it looks like that, but the hinge is wrong.
It looks like it is made to expand and hold.

 

[Duckshot]

I would agree it looks like that, but the hinge is wrong.
It looks like it is made to expand and hold.

It might be for expanding a valve spring in order to remove the retainer, and then the valve.



Is the business end cupped to the inside, cupped to the outside, or not at all?

Also, the kind of tools you found nearby might be a clue.

 

[fyrffytr1]

Please include a size reference for us.

 

[bowwinkles]

Vintage Doctors "just say augh" guarantee tool.

 

[firemanphob]

on small engines it goes between the spring and the housing and compresses the spring up so you can get the keeper off.

 

[Plug N Play]

Looks like a good id. The visual might help understand ... press the handle, compress the spring.

 

[cw0909]

good ID
https://goo.gl/images/U1PpjC

this link IDs maker
https://goo.gl/images/vZLF6j

maker may have had variations due to spring size?

 

[A2coins]

Good Id my dentist had one also

 

[Hawks88]

Nice find, can’t wait to see the rest.

 

[HuntinDog]

I "sit" corrected.
Valve spring compresser.
Thanks foer the pic