A "what is it"

[Ramper]

I picked this up at an auction. It is obviously some sort of puller (come along), but what was it used for? The chain actually gets wound through the gears. The teeth that hold the gears (dogs?) can be moved away.

 

[BFBOB]

I don't know either, but I'd darn sure have bought it!

With that shackle, it looks to me like a general purpose hand winch - comealong. It doesn't look like a special mounting to me, just a variation on a common clevis.
Any brand markings on it? Casting numbers?

And, just to be nosey, how much did you give for it?

 

[slyonedoofy]

Board stretcher...

But seriously, It looks like something used in logging. Just a guess.

 

[Ramper]

It set me back $9

 

[Hephaestus29]

Looks like an old ratcheting chain hoist.

 

[thebeekeeper1]

What's on the end of the chain? I'm thinking a fence stretcher. The old ones I've seen used hemp rope and pulleys, but if it has a wire clamp on the end of the chain I can see that being one.

 

[Ramper]

One end is a ring and the other end is a hook

 

[Ramper]

This thing is definitely HEAVY DUTY.

 

[CutterFarms]

It is a fence stretcher several of the older farmers around me have them hanging in their barns. Especially for stretching through the woods. Nice find and great price.

 

[CutterFarms]

This thing is definitely HEAVY DUTY.

You are correct they are very heavy duty seen trucks and tractors get pulled out of mud with them

 

[Ramper]

I assume that the "dogs" (ears?) should be connected and there should be some sort of spring to hold them tight.

 

[Outlawmws]

Take some shots of it hanging by the chain to by that bail looking thing, but I'f bet it's a "come along" using chain instead of cable... essentially a light duty chain hoist, or binder.