What is this tool?

[Mick56]

Picked this up the other day, Jones Mfg. Birmingham, Alabama. Their logo is a plumbing pipe trap. It is a ratcheting nut driver, but only goes one direction to tighten, and has that curved sleeve that swings out.

 

[Mintgrun]

It is a type of torque wrench. I picked one up in a third hand store recently and looked it up online. The one I found was marked 60 in. lbs. on the end where the logo is on yours. I think they might click at the prescribed torque setting. I have seen some online that have a square drive on the end like a socket wrench.

 

[Oldtuleguy]

Here is a thread on them

Anyone know anything about JO-Line torque wrenches?

These were quite popular click style back in the day and they had several military contracts. I have a 1/4" inch-pound torque wrench and a 3/8"dr flex-head branded AC Spark Plug, both made by JO Mfg of South Gate, CA. The 3/8"dr is a very solid unit and checks out within specs as to...

www.garagejournal.com

 

[Wrench97]

If that is a 5/16" hex it is for torqueing hose clamps.

 

[Mick56]

It is 5/16 hex, but I don't see any way to reverse the ratchet. It only tightens. I don't think it's a torque wrench, as much as I hold the shaft, there is no clicking.

 

[Mintgrun]

I don't think it's a torque wrench, as much as I hold the shaft, there is no clicking.

Maybe yours is broken.

Here is a google image search with [ Jones Mfg. Birmingham, Alabama t handle torque wrench ] in the search bar.

Google Search

 

[archtimb]

Looks like an older version of what we used to tighten no-hub fittings on cast iron pipes. Would click off when torqued to spec. Think of a no-hub fitting like a rubber fernco fitting wrapped in a metal sleeve.

 

[nadogail]

Yes, it is a torque wrench.

 

[Ricky Joe]

Seekonk makes them. They are designed with a non adjustable preset torque value for specific applications. I have a six inch pound model made for Cummins engines that I use when setting valve lash. You may not be able to turn it because the torque value may be higher.

 

[Mick56]

At first I tried holding the shaft with pliers, but was unable to keep it from turning. Now I put a 5/16 head bolt in it and held the bolt with vise grips. I was now able to make the torque wrench work, but it took a lot of force to make the wrench skip.

 

[Gear Wolf]

Far out! What a neat tool!

Thanks for sharing this as well as those who helped expand on the topic by providing another thread! ^_^