Aircraft tool. Does anyone know what this does?

[santi]

I called up the company and they told me it is called a bump stick, also it's made out of aluminum. It can be used for aircraft construction where you can hit it with a mallet. Don't have anymore details about how exactly it's used. Any info would be wonderful, thanks!

 

[santi]

Also anyone know what it might be worth, thank.

 

[PassnThru]

Considering the circles on the end, I would guess that it was used as a bucking bar to set rivets in tight spaces. That would have been a rough way to do it though if it is made from aluminum since it would lack the strength and weight for that job. But there are many aluminum alloys out there so that would be my best guess.
As for value, no idea.

 

[NUTTSGT]

As for value, no idea.

What's it weigh and what is the scrap rate ?

 

[ZRX61]

Basically an aluminum punch for hitting something with restricted access, probably worth around $1/lb

 

[rburke65]

As said, I would vote also for a rivet bucking bar.

 

[yhprum]

I have never seen an aluminum bucking bar before. I think ZRX61 nailed it.

 

[Bent Wrench]

A bump rod, or bump stick is a tool that you use to impact an aircraft assembly or especially the parts that the outside skin attach to.
It’s main use is to adjust the contour of the skin when you have a low spot. You give the back side of the structure a couple of whacks, go out and see how far it moved then proceed as required.

They were usually made from whatever materials that were scrapped or bulk materials and formed for whichever part of the airplane each mechanic needs to it to do.

 

[rlitman]

I have never seen an aluminum bucking bar before. I think ZRX61 nailed it.

Agreed. Bucking bars are heavy. Cheap ones are steel. Expensive ones are tungsten.

 

[dougw181]

I too am curious as to what tool is so I sent a quick email to the company an here is their reply.

“This was designed originally to drive hi-lock fasteners into areas with a mallet or air-hammer.
It can have other uses but this was the main use by Northrop Grumman.
It could be used as a non-marring pry bar.“

Hope this helps.

 

[bugnut]

Doug i like your thing, in your avatar!

 

[My Old Tools]

https://www.jusntyme.com/Scrapers_c_33.html

 

[dougw181]

Thank you bugnut, that one is not actually mine, I need to update my avatar with a current pic. I have a ‘73 that’s been in the family since the early 80’s that I am slowly restoring.

 

[nadogail]

Glad you found an answer.