Trying to identify this tool for a friend. Before I post it on an old tool forum, I thought I'd ping the collective knowledge here.
The grooves starting at the pointy end are threads. The side hole in the hex end does not go through. There's a small hole in the big end that intersects that larger hole. I initially thought it was a plumb bob, as the hole in the end would accommodate a string. Any ideas?
G'day Jeff,
In my old days, I recall seeing a tool like this one for splitting logs/wood, the hole is where a metal rod would be inserted to allow rotation of the tool. The tool was only used on logs that already were split, hammering this tool into that crack and then rotating it would open the crack until the wood would separate or close enough, sometimes the tool had to be inserted multiple time before the log would be totally split.
Sure, it could be used as a plug as suggested before but a plug does not require to be pointed something that we can clearly see on the pics, maybe very worn but visible.
I don't remember what it was called them so I have no idea of what can be called in English, further, searching may answer that question but as for its use, that's what I saw being used for.
Our days this improved tool is still being used in many countries, some motorized some not, its effectiveness also varies depending immensely on the exact shape and size of the new tool when made, some examples on YouTube clearly show the effectiveness/speed differences.
Sorry Jeff that I don't have the tool name, I hope what I said is helpful in some way...!
Cheers
George