Mystery Find: Can You Help Identify It?

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The discussion revolves around identifying a unique item acquired from an estate sale. Initial observations suggest it could be a tool for lifting or manipulating pipes, with one user proposing that it functions as a post hole puller when used upside down. The design features movable parts that expand to grip the inside of a vertical pipe, allowing it to be lifted. Suggestions for further identification include taking clearer photos against a plain background for a Google Images search, although previous attempts yielded no results. The conversation also touches on the item's durability and effectiveness, comparing it to traditional cleaning tools.
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A friend of mine got this from an estate sale today.
We're trying to figure out what it is.

top view:
2019-04-06_15-34-52-0700.jpg


Side view lying flat, moving parts sticking out further than central part:
2019-04-06_15-35-24-0700.jpg


Center pulled up, moving parts pulled in toward center:
2019-04-06_15-35-21-0700.jpg


I'm think if used upside down, it could be lowered into a piece of vertical pipe and then if it is lifted up from the middle, in the upside down orientation, the moveable parts would expand to grab the pipe from the inside, so it could be lifted up. ?

Any thoughts?
 
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Maybe take a couple photos with a plain background, and then do a Google Images search on those photos?
 
Just a guess, but it looks like maybe some sort of boreing bit.
 
berkeman said:
Maybe take a couple photos with a plain background, and then do a Google Images search on those photos?
Tried that with no luck.
It thought it was a pile of wood.
 
First impression: Looks sort of like an industrial strength broccoli steamer.

diogenesNY
 
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Centre piece to hold circus tent top?
 
Device to lift pipe upright from inside?
 
BillTre said:
Any thoughts?
Yeah, I've used those things before... and both of you are very close to the functional

description. . . .:cool:I need to modify your quotes just a bit, though.
BillTre said:
I'm think if used upside down, it could be lowered into a piece of vertical pipe post hole and then if it is lifted up from the middle, in the upside down orientation, the moveable parts would expand to grab the pipe post hole from the inside, so it could be lifted up. ?
pedro the swift said:
Device to lift pipe post hole upright from inside?
Yes, what you have there is . . . a post hole puller !
A very novel find,

Carry on. . . .:ok:.:smile:

.
 
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The handle is missing.
Regular fabric mops used to wear out rather quickly when cleaning concrete.
This model lasts a very long time,
And gets the stains out.
 
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