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Need help identifying a good tool

Dangie

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Jul 11, 2018
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Attached
Can someone help me identify the tool on the attached photo?
The points are very sharp and loosening the screw lets you move around the arms.
 

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Movin/on

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May 9, 2014
Messages
247
Location
Brookings, Oregon
I haven't seen one but I'd use it to scratch concentric circles on metal, wood or plastic. Each arm could be a separate radius.

Movin/on
 

GrantCee

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Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
808
Location
Willamette Valley, Oregon
It's used to locate holes precisely when rebushing plates (such as in clockmaking).

The center post is put into the existing hole, and each leg is set to a different distance and angle. The legs are then lightly tapped with a hammer to make a reference indentation in the plate.

The tool is then set aside. The existing hole is drilled out and a solid piece of bushing material pressed into place. Once done, the tool is retrieved, the legs located in the dimples they made, leaving the center precisely located where the center of the original hole was. it is then tapped to make a mark where the new pivot hole is to be drilled.

There are usage variations that can include using one or more existing pivot holes to locate, but the principle is the same.

Commonly used for clock repair, although I don't think I've ever seen one that wasn't made of brass. They're also made in 3-point versions.
 
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Dangie

Active member
Joined
Jul 11, 2018
Messages
44
Location
Attached
It's used to locate holes precisely when rebushing plates (such as in clockmaking).

The center post is put into the existing hole, and each leg is set to a different distance and angle. The legs are then lightly tapped with a hammer to make a reference indentation in the plate.

The tool is then set aside. The existing hole is drilled out and a solid piece of bushing material pressed into place. Once done, the tool is retrieved, the legs located in the dimples they made, leaving the center precisely located where the center of the original hole was. it is then tapped to make a mark where the new pivot hole is to be drilled.

There are usage variations that can include using one or more existing pivot holes to locate, but the principle is the same.

Commonly used for clock repair, although I don't think I've ever seen one that wasn't made of brass. They're also made in 3-point versions.
Thank you Grant!
Do you know if there is a name for this tool?
I appreciate all your help!
Thanks,
Dangie
 

GrantCee

Well-known member
Joined
Aug 23, 2010
Messages
808
Location
Willamette Valley, Oregon
Thank you Grant!
Do you know if there is a name for this tool?

There is, but I'm not remembering it.

With the use of pre-made bushings and matching reaming tools, the tool became obsolete decades ago. I used mine when I was an apprentice in the 1970s, but even back then I was told that it was an "old fashioned" method.
 
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