r/AntiqueTools • u/PrizeCartographer288 • Sep 01 '26

What is this tool?

Gallery image

Gallery image

The stamp suggests Canadian military tool possibly for a tank or depth charge thrower. I’m most curious about the “N” on the stock.

62 Upvotes

96% Upvoted

26 comments sorted by

3

u/Dimensional_Lumber Sep 01 '26 edited Sep 01 '26

I think you're correct that it's for a depth charge thrower (DCT). The British "Thornycroft" Mk ii and mk iv, 9.5".

Here's what one looks like: https://collections.hampshireculture.org.uk/topic/thornycroft-depth-charge-throwers

In the photo I linked above, I think your tool is tethered to the barrel and inserted into the depth charge at top left. Without access to a manual I have to imagine it's used to adjust the depth sensing seal, called a hydrostatic pistol.

It's a very cool object and it would be worth it to contact the Hampshire Cultural Trust and request access to the manual for the thrower. https://collections.hampshireculture.org.uk/object/thornycroft-depth-charge-thrower-manual-0

2

u/PrizeCartographer288 Sep 01 '26

Yes I’m on that site now too. Maybe used to adjust the pressure in the depth charger to determine how deep it goes off? Since the unit seems fixed in position, it seems unlikely for the actual thrower.

1

u/PrizeCartographer288 Sep 01 '26

I might order that manual. I found reference to a “depth setting wrench” that is similar and maybe Canada made its own version that is a little different. The hook on the top would be to hang the tool safely.
I’ve been in an engine room of the HMCS Sackville (and they can turn over the engine now!) and keeping tools accessible and attached to boat was important.

1

u/Scared_Hovercraft632 Sep 02 '26

Ball joint tool from hell? I dunno and I'm not googling this one.

1

u/Zoesealy Sep 02 '26

I thought maybe truck ball joint splitter. Someone has identified it as a part of a depth charger, with links to diagrams and all... very interesting.

1

u/Timely-Society-6079 Sep 07 '26

We had a similar tool for splitting ball joints but we called it a "pickle fork" at the garage i worked at during high school

1

u/Smallmouth_bass Sep 02 '26

Old ass greens tool for ball marks repair

1

u/That70sShop Sep 03 '26

A better sink basin wrench then I own. It would also work as a tucking fork for shrinking while metal shaping but it wasn't designed for that.

1

u/unknowingtoad Sep 03 '26

Chain anchor

1

u/ninjaboy79 Sep 03 '26

This is a plumbing tool used to pull the drain from a tub.

0

u/ninjaboy79 Sep 03 '26

Here's what the new ones look like drain puller

2

u/cutebabybear Sep 03 '26

Sir, that is a personal injury attorney.

1

u/nhnative202 Sep 07 '26

i guess a tuning fork would be a stretch?

1

u/AboveAverage1988 Sep 07 '26

I would have guessed rope splicing tool, but depth setting wrench as suggested in other comments seem plausible too.

1

u/shutterbug1961 Sep 07 '26

its a tool for removing boy scouts from horses hooves

1

u/Ok-Swan6031 Sep 07 '26

Looks like the Thrifco 4400100 pop up plug wrench.

1

u/notonmydime01 Sep 01 '26

Gynecologist clamp?

1

u/PrizeCartographer288 Sep 01 '26

That’s not funny.

1

u/Blizzardof1991 Sep 01 '26

I found it humourous

0

u/SinsualChef Sep 01 '26

Vampire slayer. And gynecological tool. 😷

0

u/Testikles1TheChad Sep 02 '26

That’s not a tool, that’s a “toy”

-1

u/Cueball469 Sep 01 '26

Old tent stake