Old ratcheting hole cutter???

[Zrxrunner]

We put our heads together at work and think we have a old hole cutter, but I cant verify. I cant find anything on the mfg or design. Anyone shed some light on this? Has 2 adjustable cutting carbide bits, and spring loaded adjuster knob to keep even pressure while ratcheting. U. T. & A. Co. Milwaukee, WI. Has some owners markings too. Pat'd June 25, 1916.

 

[Provincial]

The tool bits are hardened steel, not carbide. Being that old, and they probably aren't even High Speed Steel.

I suspect that it is an early tool for making conduit termination holes in electrical boxes.

 

[wrenchguy]

I believe he's trying to describe carbide bits as hone stones. It looks tobe some type a hone/grinder.

 

[RTM]

That patent date is invalid.

 

[Provincial]

Look at the top of photo #3. That square tool bit that is shiny from being ground on top. It has been ground narrower on the working end. In the photo, the working end is touching the backup plate, but in use it engages the work which would be in between the two.

 

[RTM]

How about this thing, slightly different patent date. Sounds like a pin wrench. One you posted isn’t valid.

http://datamp.org/patents/displayPatent.php?number=1188801&typeCode=0

 

[wrenchguy]

Look at the top of photo #3. That square tool bit that is shiny from being ground on top. It has been ground narrower on the working end. In the photo, the working end is touching the backup plate, but in use it engages the work which would be in between the two.

ok, the other end a spinner/handle?

 

[Zrxrunner]

Similar. Mine has a knob to spin that controls pressure on the cutters. My terminology was probably off on the cutting bits. They're a wear part, and I'm guessing these are just hardened metal stock ground for cutting, but same idea as what would have been original. The gear inside the ratchet mech is brass or bronze, and doesnt require a lever pull like the one in that link above. Patent date looks like it might have some variables from light stamping and use. Possibly 1910? June 20? Only definite I can see is june 2?, 191?