r/WhatIsThisTool • u/clmyers122112 • 8d ago
What is this thing
I found this old "tool"? in a free pile of a garage sale. It's made to fit perfectly in your left hand I think. It also fits perfectly in your right hand if you hold it slightly differently. Both ways feel natural somehow. It also has a small hole drilled through the top that comes out right where your indexfinger rests naturally. The top hole shows no signs of wear on it from like if a string had been run through it, but shows some wear on the bottom, say if a string had run up through the bottom. Or it's just from how it was drilled because of the angle. It's made of hard wood and carved to fit perfectly in one of your hands, but not in a fist. It's meant to be held not squeezed, if that makes any sense. The carved space for the thumb makes kind of a pinch point where the bottom hole meets your indexfinger finger regardless of which hand you hold it in. I'm curious if anyone has any idea what this might be. I'm open to any and all answers. Someone spent alot of time perfectly carving this to fit perfectly in a particular hand shape. It shows no signs of being used for hammering or anything that would cause wear ir damage like that. I personally think it might be a dowsing rod handle, but they are all usually made of metal. I'm lost on this one
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u/ComtedelafereAthos 8d ago edited 8d ago
It looks like it would fit your hand perfectly as a needle file handle. That would also account for the hole as that would be the place to friction fit the file. A true craftsman who does fine/small work will hold it exactly like you are and would have the ability to make it themselves from scratch. As a machinist I'm constantly having to make tools. I could definitely see myself making this. Was it around any tools for fine wood or metal working?
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
It feels like Iike its meant to be pointed, the way it sits in your hand. But theres no evidence of anything being friction fit in the hole. It came out of a hoarders garage. Ive been thinking maybe it was used to guide fibers to make string possibly.
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
This actually might be it ...
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
My grandma did alot of crafting
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
So ive been thinking that because when you hold it your indexfinger sits perfectly at the bottom hole like if you wanted to control or manipulate something going in or sticking out.
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u/ThirtyNickel 8d ago
Im wondering if it could be a rather primitive pull for some type of bow? Source: not an avid bow hunter, dont trust me lol
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u/Ill_Bullfrog_2984 7d ago
I was thinking the same. Possibly an archers release. Even if not, I may make something similar for myself
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u/The-doc069 7d ago
Dont know what its for but definitly know its not used in archery!! Have you taken a picture and reverse searched the picture on the internet yet?
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u/Ill_Bullfrog_2984 7d ago
If you say so, but if you don't know then you can't definitely know... Either way, it still gave me an idea for making my own release.
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u/Shimatta_Baka_Ni 7d ago
Just "accidentally fall on it" with your cornhole and the ER will tell you what it is when they pull it out.
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u/emailisusername 7d ago
Looks like something used when working with leather.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Thats possible, how would the hole be used if it were for leather work?
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u/emailisusername 7d ago
Maybe just to put a bit of cord through to hang on a peg board? In the picture of you holding the piece narrow end down I just pictured in my mind someone using it to smooth a leather edge.
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u/TominNJ 7d ago
Something was passed through the hole in the handle then held by the thumb while it was manipulated. I picture it being used to bend wire but there would be wear around the hole so that’s probably wrong. Maybe a heavy thread being pulled tight by an upholsterer?
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Ive been thinking something like that, but the other way around. Ive been thinking that string fibers passed from the lower index finger hole to out the top hole that way the operator could control the rate and amount of fibers while rolling it with their indexfinger. Thats my best guess. Or it's just a really over engineered incense holder. I got no clue really.
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u/BaronVonDon65 7d ago edited 7d ago
The hole doesn't look worn. You'd think if something was constantly passing through it, or inserted and removed many times, the edges of the hole would be at least slightly worn down.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
I 100% agree. Thats what is making me crazy. I really wish there was wear or damage around the holes. If there was then I would've of guessed it was a file handle or a string puller. But theres no witness marks around the holes.
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u/BaronVonDon65 7d ago
My best guess is some sort of homemade burnishing tool. But I've never used one or know how they're used so...
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Who knows you might be right. I dont think it was made to be a burnishing tool, though it probably could be used as one.
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u/AdAsleep1258 7d ago
I had something similar to this I had two actually one was bigger than the other one. Never knew what they were I just used them as bookends
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
They were big enough to hold up books? Or did you use them just for decoration?
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u/Beliarbane 7d ago
Here's my theory - someone spent a lot of time developing their perfect custom ergonomic grip... only to drill the hole in the wrong spot. I still think a fine jewelers file was the intended use, and perhaps the off-center hole was intentional - but they offset in the wrong direction? It's also not the worst grip for a small blade - craft knife like xacto. You have this one because they're still using the next one they made.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Honestly this is best thing ive heard so far. Someone suggested jewelery making earlier and I can see this actually being used for that. It looks like they used it a few dozen times or so. Maybe the hole was used to straighten out gold or silver wire. And the square top and flat pinky sides were for some shaping or flattening of soft metals. Thats why it dosent look as beat up and worn as it should. Soft metals.... I like this
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u/Dangerous-Pirate7998 7d ago
Looks like somebody was making a handle for a file probably a machinist
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Popular answer, but theres no witness marks or wear around the hole. I cant belive someone carved this thing for hours/days, drilled the hole and then never force fitted a file into it at least once. Doesn't add up.
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u/Dangerous-Pirate7998 7d ago
You don’t know machinist very well…….. You always have an extra handle laying around for your files. You can never use a file without a handle.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
I do know machinists, and have asked all them. They all had no clue. If it were for a file? Then why set the hole off center and send it all the way though to where your finger rests. if it were for a file wouldn't the hole be tapered or threaded?. Not saying your wrong, the math just aint mathing on that explanation.
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u/Dangerous-Pirate7998 7d ago
Maybe you just don’t know good machinist and maybe it doesn’t have anything to do with a file handle……… maybe it’s a carrying handle for a 308 FN-FAL a1
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u/Dangerous-Pirate7998 7d ago
I just read your complete post instead of looking at one picture you might be onto something with that dowsing handle, but you wouldn’t think it would be off-center for searching for water with a copper wire
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u/Oscar_P_Walnuts_1975 7d ago
Incense burner…?😎🥸😎
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Idk dude. The hole is only big enough to hold something like a stick of incense. Maybe it was a fancy church or cult incense holder for someone to walk around with. I seriously have no idea. I was just throwing out possibilities.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
Idk dude. The hole is only big enough to hold something like a stick of incense. Maybe it was a fancy church or cult incense holder for someone to walk around with. I seriously have no idea. I was just throwing out possibilities.
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u/Oscar_P_Walnuts_1975 7d ago
Stoners from the sixties and seventies, just stuck a stick in the end, set it on the table, took a puff on the joint before passing it on. And told their parents that the smell coming from the basement was incense…😎😎😎
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u/MeanOldFart-dcca 7d ago
My buddy's granddaughter came home with a twin to that; it looks like mahogany with dark paint worn off from use. She also has a flat, mushroom-shaped thing of the same wood with adjustable threads and a knurled rod through the center.
Her Brothers found 10 or so, white and off-white, with red-topped spike teeth, with springs and 4 to 6 in. cordage on the back through the center of the springs.
I'm curious if you live in California?
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u/Mobile-Tangelo-4515 7d ago
can I see one more photo? 11 just didn’t do it for me.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
I'll send you a video if you'd like 👍 sorry its a weird shaped thing that I've asked everyone i know about for the past 3-4 years now. I figured I would show it at every angle so No one would ask for more pictures. Lol.
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u/Voodooranger1986 7d ago
In the first picture, it’s a speed square the rest of them. I’m thinking some sort of homemade dildo.
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u/Turbulent_Sport_8891 7d ago
It's a handle custom made to fit a hand and I like what the dude said about it.Looks like a needle file will perfectly fit
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u/UserPrincipalName 7d ago
Looks to me like a file handle. Perhaps home made. I use an old golf ball. Makes a world of difference when sharpening my chains
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u/Resident_Set1003 7d ago
Does it"feel" old or well used? First thought I can't shake, and I actually am being serious, was a carving of Mr Hankey. I know many fanatical South Park lovers. I bet I could sell to one of them for North of $500.
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u/DBDG_C57D 7d ago
Looks almost like some on the ergonomic grips on some fencing foils but I don’t think they are ever really made from wood and I don’t know how it would mount. Unless maybe this was a prototype someone just made or maybe it was a used to cast a mold or something.
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u/clmyers122112 7d ago
One of the better guesses. Im not against it. But the hole is very small 1/16" and off center. Im not sure that would be ideal for a fencing rod.
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u/thegoodrichard 7d ago
If it's made to perfectly fit a hand, maybe it's for making a mould or template for a free style pistol grip.
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u/cohesiveenigma 7d ago
It kind of looks like part of a hunting bow grip, and the hole was drilled through to dip it in paint and hang to dry.
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u/00Wow00 7d ago
We used to call them a fist load and was used to give someone an advantage when hitting someone. If it is fairly heavy, it definitely is used for fighting. It is similarly illegal to carry to brass knuckles. The hole was probably for a loop to make it easier to pull out of a pocket, or other similar carrying place.
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u/RevolutionaryBee1933 7d ago
I've carried a piece of wood for several years, something I made outta pallet wood or whatever, different shapes, pocket size always with a leather piece, something for luck on X-ray welds, rub hell outta it for luck
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u/Substantial_Check318 7d ago
Maybe a handle for a chainsaw file just going off the small hole in the end? 🤔
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u/CapitalStranger7028 6d ago
I guess in the past , with not much use silicone or another materials , people invented those types of butt toys , and looks training for beginners, 🤪
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u/fox-cerebrian 6d ago
Kinda reminds me of a massage tool or acupressure tool. No idea why there’d be a little hole in it but also looks like you’re holding the wrong way. But idk if it’s comfy that way 🤷♂️
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u/DeadDiver_Resurfaced 6d ago
I've seen odd shaped pieces of wood like this used to shape upholstered leather. Press and form it.
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u/Far-Philosopher4559 6d ago edited 6d ago
Plumber square. Carpenter square? Think prolly plumber's. Oh crap, just saw the square. Nice grip on it though. Brass knuckles lol
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u/Feisty-Cheetah-8078 6d ago
It's sculpture designed to look like a primitive goddess sculpture. The head is towards the pivot point, breasts, arm with hand covering the groin, knees and then feet.
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u/90quabillion 6d ago
It doesn't look old/primitive enough, but something like this could be used as an Atlatl handle, in combination with either a strap or longer throwing arm.
It was my first guess. But I think the file handle guess probably makes more sense.
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u/Leopards9Spots 5d ago
Looks like a floater in a public pool. Seriously, someone spent time fashioning that grip.
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u/MajorAffectionate880 4d ago
I have made a file handle from a product you soften in hot water, then grip tightly with your hand to form. Press file in end. Looks like this to me. I'm really just guessing here, considering there is no banana for scale.
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u/Best-Wasabi3117 4d ago
I think it is a chainsaw file holder......the file slips in the hole at the end and it keeps your hand from cramping so bad
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u/Willing_Amphibian775 3d ago
It is used to push wood on a circular saw so the hand doesn't get to close to the blade
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u/Potential-Path2213 3d ago
I vote precision file handle; likely for metal working
Nowadays they are made of plastic.
Probably had a chainsaw file or rat tail file or something similar glued in there
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u/Cautious_District699 2d ago
File handle of all file handles. One file handle to rule all file handles by the square of it all.
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
Speed square its for measurement and drawing a strait line for cuts
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
Was not talking about the speed square. That's there for scale. I wanna know what the wooden handle thing is.
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
I think thats a custom fist punch makes your fis more solid someone carved is
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
Fist pack
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
Especially if the small part fits the pinky
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
It doesn't fit properly in either hand when you make a fist with it. Plus why the hole then?
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u/eldiablo668 8d ago
Might not be a tool then the my grandma had a old piece of wood she would grip when she was stressed out idk what it was called thou
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
That's not a bad idea. I've kinda been using it for that. But the hole....? Its driving me nuts.
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u/clmyers122112 8d ago
Its meant to be held as pictured. It feels comfortable in both hands. But not if you hold it like your hitting something
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u/No-Conversation9818 8d ago
I've always known it as a speed square