ID this tool

FIL wants to know what this is for, he must be cleaning E36 M3 out of the garage at the farm

Fancy battery carry handle?

That's a doofratsmer, also known as a horseshoe holder.  The horse shoe goes on the horizontal "shelf"and then you put it up to the hoof and turn the t-handle to clamp it to the hoof while you get the first couple of nails in.

Or something completely different...

secretariata (Forum Supporter) said:

That's a doofratsmer, also known as a horseshoe holder.  The horse shoe goes on the horizontal "shelf"and then you put it up to the hoof and turn the t-handle to clamp it to the hoof while you get the first couple of nails in.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Or something completely different...

Uhhhh, something different....

Chick magnet.......

californiamilleghia said:

Chick magnet.......

 

nah that's just what FIL thinks he is

Simple, they are used to make these

My thoughts:

• Based on the construction & hardware I'd say it's from around the mid-20th century. I'm thinking likely post-WWII to the late-60's. 
• It's obviously built for a specific purpose, and based on the design it seems to be for reaching around an object, squeezing inward, while keeping the object somewhat captive.
• If it were automotive, carpentry, plumbing, etc. I think we'd already know what it is. So I'm thinking it's more likely automotive, agricultural, nautical, or aeronautical. 

Uncle Fester's headache cure, portable version

Bill. That tool is named Bill 

Perhaps for horseshoes?

10 amp battery charger. It charges batteries.

Can you clean off the rust with some steel wool to maybe read a name or tool number? I have no clue what that is for. 

someone go wake up Crackers...... 

gearheadmb said:

10 amp battery charger. It charges batteries.

Oh, you meant the thing on top. That's a battery discharger. You clamp it on to both battery posts at the same time. It discharges it super fast. You should only use it outside with the battery out of the car.

My guess is some sort of spring compressor, clamp, or spreader. As to the specific use for it? No clue. 

Am i missing the joke here  because that thing looks like it would do exactly the thing described when installing horseshoes and looks old enough too. 

gearheadmb said:

10 amp battery charger. It charges batteries.

I happen to have that exact same battery charger, in fact. 

Its sweet to know you think of us more than internet weirdos with funny names for hand jobs and an affinity for Mazdas.

"Patrick's Contacts" has a nice ring to it. Going to go tell my wife.

Fueled by Caffeine said:

Bill. That tool is named Bill 

Yup.  Made in Hungary.  Trust me, I know these things...

Funny thing.  When I gOOGLE  the image it come up with 7 different pictures from GRM.  8 if you include the original image.

Vigo (Forum Supporter) said:

Am i missing the joke here  because that thing looks like it would do exactly the thing described when installing horseshoes and looks old enough too. 

No, it just isn't for that. I totally made that up and have no idea what it really is used for. IIRC Floating Doc is a vet with horse experience, so he would probably know if my guess was right.

Patientzero said:

Fancy battery carry handle?

That was my thought as well, but no handle.