Plu.b tool identification

[labrat12]

Anyone have ever seen a handle like this, what is its purpose. This is a plumb 5449

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Looks like it might be one of the types of cranks they made and sold special to a few industries and customers, leveraging/modifying their standard ratchets. In this case the 5449 1/2-inch drive. Missing the rotating knob. I don't have one to verify, but if you search the Plomb thread you'll see several examples.

 

[3baygarage]

Do you have a photo of the part number/cover plate? I’m curious if there are any additional markings. It does appear to be a shortened version if it’s a 5449.

I’ve never seen that piece for the end, even if it had a knob type handle as Lugz mentioned.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If not a knob than a grip handle that slips right over that pin, 3bay. Maybe the aircraft crank. Someone had one. Can't remember who. EDIT: It was you! Haha. And Roob. Couple others. I defer to you. Just looks naturally crank-y to me.

 

[3baygarage]

Yes, that might have been me. I have a good assortment of crank ratchets. The part on the end of this ratchet looks almost like a fitting. Too hard to tell from the photo if that’s a tube or a tapped hole or what. If it is a tapped hole, it doesn’t match with any type of knob I’ve seen on Plomb/Proto.

 

[labrat12]

Ok, crank handle makes sense. The hole in the tube is threaded. Thank you guys

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Ok, crank handle makes sense. The hole in the tube is threaded.

If it is a tapped hole, it doesn’t match with any type of knob I’ve seen on Plomb/Proto.

Do you have the one that was used on an aircraft? On a winch? Or was that someone else?

 

[twertsy]

Do you have the one that was used on an aircraft? On a winch? Or was that someone else?

I "had" 3 proto examples, but they were numbered differently I believe.

 

[3baygarage]

Yes. The winch is a Williams. Snap-On was landing gear, Plomb/Proto Bell System cable tool.

Thank you for confirming the hole is threaded Labrat. I think Lugz is onto something. This looks similar to the wood knob ratchets.

 

[3baygarage]

I "had" 3 proto examples, but they were numbered differently I believe.

Yes, the mystery Proto. Still with unknown purpose all these years, yet there are so many out there.

 

[3baygarage]

.https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/threads/an-ugly-plomb-spinner-rat.417933/

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's the idea. Missing the knob and the screw. Granted, the right angle connection to the ratchet is different. I think we need to consider the possibility this is a homemade one-off. Wouldn't be too hard for a shop to get that fitting on the end.