What was this tool used for?

[38 Dodge Coupe]

I recently came across this tool in my garage. It belonged to my grandfather and I do recall ever seeing him use it. There are no markings or id numbers on it and the shaft in the center moves freely and has a "v" shape to it, like it might be for cutting or crimping something.

 

[danielhp89]

Used to crimp battery terminal connectors. Put the terminal on the wire put them in the groove then smack the top with a hammer. My uncle has one and thats what I've seen him do.

 

[iajonesy]

I thought maybe it was an old cable cutter. Maybe not.

Mike

 

[4xdog]

+1 on the crimper. Nice tool to have.

 

[neophyte]

It looks almost identical in function to a Morse Starrett Cable/Wire Rope cutter. Morse Starrett refers to them as impact Cutters. You put the Cable in and then hit the top with a Sledge Hammer. This is the Morse Starrett Webpage.

http://www.cablecutter.com/ms/impact_cutters.html

 

[nanofrog]

+1 on Battery Crimp tool.

 

[devoncoolman]

Its a cable cutter. That should have a blade in it. Its not a battery crimper. Looks just like one but its a cable cutter for cutting wire rope.

 

[Mister Laugh]

The battery crimpers had a small "die" for lack of a better term tha would come down into the v on the bottom. That is not a battery terminal crimper. But perhaps a cutter as others have suggested

 

[PBCampbell]

Definitely a wire rope(cable) cutter!

 

[Outlawmws]

It has a blade in it. Its a cable cutter.

 

[2oolhound]

Yep, cable cutter, I've cut miles of cable with those things. Put it on a rock or stump, lay the cable in and come down hard with a big sledge hammer, one swipe and you're through (if you hit it hard enough).