Mystery tool - what is it?

[TreePointer]

I picked up some tools at a garage sale and found this mystery item included in the box. 5.25" long, hex shaft with hole, eight metal panels held on by two rubber o-rings. As shown below, I can squeeze the two metal discs into the panels.

It kinda of looks like some type of honing/polishing/cleaning attachment, but the rubber rings don't seem like they belong on a tool that generates a lot of friction. Maybe some type of puller? Anybody know what it is? Thanks.

 

[bloodhound]

Its used to open up the inside diameter of mild steel exhaust pipe end I believe.

 

[ViseFan]

Exhaust pipe expander?
VF

 

[abk241]

Its used to open up the inside diameter of mild steel exhaust pipe end I believe.

Exhaust pipe expander?
VF

That's it!

 

[TreePointer]

Ah, that makes sense now. Put it in the pipe and spin the shaft to shorten the distance between the discs, which in turn forces out the plates. Thanks, guys!

 

[the gypsy]

Hi guys and gals this post is a little off topic. Can I use this tool on the inside diameter of a drill press column to spin, like a shaft on a lathe so that I can sand /polish shaft, or do I run the risk of breaking the column.

 

[abk241]

Hi guys and gals this post is a little off topic. Can I use this tool on the inside diameter of a drill press column to spin, like a shaft on a lathe so that I can sand /polish shaft, or do I run the risk of breaking the column.

If you want to sand/polish inside cylinders/pipes get a short piece of 1/2" roundstock and cut a slot in one end long enough for 1" or 2" emory tape.
Then simply wrap enough emory around the shaft to get a light or snug fit (depending on your needs) inside the cylinder and chuck it in your drill.

I've got a few of these laying around and have used them for years to clean up nicks in bearing bores and to open up bushing bores where needed.

BTW...you should have started a new thread for this...IMHO

 

[Panthro]

Nifty looking clutch.

 

[blackwire]

Exhaust pipe expander?
VF

This

 

[the gypsy]

If you want to sand/polish inside cylinders/pipes get a short piece of 1/2" roundstock and cut a slot in one end long enough for 1" or 2" emory tape.
Then simply wrap enough emory around the shaft to get a light or snug fit (depending on your needs) inside the cylinder and chuck it in your drill.

I've got a few of these laying around and have used them for years to clean up nicks in bearing bores and to open up bushing bores where needed.

BTW...you should have started a new thread for this...IMHO

No I do not want to clean the inside of a cylinder. I want to use it to drive a cylinder. The opposite of a chuck on the outside clamping the cylinder. I wanted to know if there is a danger that I break the cylinder.

 

[90zcar]

I'll expand on this.....if it's the harbor freight expander I'll tell u exactly what it is.......JUNK!!!!


Sent from my iPhone 5s using Tapatalk

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Hi guys and gals this post is a little off topic. Can I use this tool on the inside diameter of a drill press column to spin, like a shaft on a lathe so that I can sand /polish shaft, or do I run the risk of breaking the column.

It probably isn't going to be balanced well but I would give it a go.

Richard

 

[A_Pmech]

Those really aren't expanders, although they're sold as such. At most, they're dent removers.

 

[Mechanical Noise]

Those really aren't expanders, although they're sold as such. At most, they're dent removers.

Exactly. And I usually had to tap the clamp groove flat with a hammer against the "expander" before I could reuse the pipe or muffler.

Pretty much a lost art since the elimination of leaded gas and exhaust system maintenance.

 

[abk241]

No I do not want to clean the inside of a cylinder. I want to use it to drive a cylinder. The opposite of a chuck on the outside clamping the cylinder. I wanted to know if there is a danger that I break the cylinder.

Guess I should have had that 2nd cup o'joe before logging in.

 

[gungatim]

Those really aren't expanders, although they're sold as such. At most, they're dent removers.

really? I have 2 different sizes and have used both of them dozens of times. the pipe expanded every time. may not be as smooth and round as a machine, but gets the job done and seals just fine with a muffler clamp. have never had a problem using them.