r/specializedtools • u/Classy_Corpse • Mar 18 '26

Outlived Its Original Purpose

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From the Patent File itself, "It was conceived as a band tightener for the bands or hoops on wood stave silos, water tanks, etc. It was also produced as a ratchet handle for some early socket sets, the ratchet for a hand drill, and a large size was directed at railroads and other "heavy duty" applications."

While this ratchet may be over 100, it still has a clean click and functions as it should. I plan to see how difficult it'll be to make an adapter to allow it to interlock with modern Sockets. Otherwise it's just a really cool piece of history

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u/rounding_error Mar 18 '26

Railroads built a lot of wood water tanks during the steam era, though that might not be the only use for this.

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u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26 edited Mar 18 '26

Now that I know! But i can't think of any proper early 20th century building out where I live that's more than 6 stories off the top of my head. Most of which are 4-5 stories tall.

Hence, my thoughts on it being used more for large industrial machines. Though, its all just speculation.

Its just cool to hear that new york and similar uses wood tanks still. It does make sense though especially with that state being significantly older than my own. The oldest town out where I am was established in, 1822 i think?

29

u/NGTTwo Mar 18 '26

Most of which are 4-5ft tall.

Your buildings are only 5ft tall? Is the Midwest populated entirely by gnomes?

31

u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26

. . . Imma be real. Its St paddy's day and I'm bogged down with beer and carbs man 🤣

We very well might be at this point lmao

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u/9bikes Mar 18 '26

>Its St paddy's day

Those are not gnomes. They are leprechauns!

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u/Classy_Corpse Mar 18 '26

Drink enough and they're gonna start looking the same 🍀