mystery object found with magnet

[magnetman]

What is this? A nice looking tool (if you like that sort of thing) but I have no idea what it might be. Found below a lock where windlasses usually are but it may not be remotely related to the canal.

 

The beer can is for scale and is a 440ml variety (found in beer shop )

[pete harrison]

It looks like a 'key' for lifting manhole covers

[magnetman]

It does but its bloody big !!!

And why would the round hole be there? I have had manhole keys out before and they are much smaller.

 

Not saying it isn't one though

Edited June 12, 2016 by magnetman

[AMModels]

Maybe the key for turning water mains on and off in the street?

 

The circle look like it would take a bar to give better torque on the rotation?

[OldGoat]

The nearest thing I can think of is a water main hydrant stopcock (as used by firemen).

The ring is for inserting a long bar to get a bit of leverage.

 

The ones I've seen are a lot longer.

[magnetman]

Yes that's an idea

The end is rectangular like a massive screwdriver rather than a socket for a tap though.

[b0atman]

put it in a box with the rest of the might have a use for bits

[pete.i]

It's a manhole lifting key. There is a brand spanking new on depicted on this page.

 

http://www.sebinternational.com/shop.php?sec=prod∏=67

[alan_fincher]

It's a manhole lifting key. There is a brand spanking new on depicted on this page.

 

http://www.sebinternational.com/shop.php?sec=prod∏=67

 

Good find, and case closed, I'd say!

[magnetman]

Well spotted to both the Pete's

 

Ta. Case closed indeed. I was surprised how big it was - other than that I did think it was a manhole key when I pulled it out.

[Ray T]

It is a ex BT carriage way cover box key for a JRC 12 or JRC 14. JRC = JOINT BOX CARRIAGEWAY Reinforced.

 

Used to use them before hydraulic lifters were introduced. If the lid was jammed a bar was inserted into the hole for extra leverage. Now you know.

 

Use of them now by BT staff will result in disciplinary action if caught.

Edited June 12, 2016 by Ray T

[fretman]

sounds like Ray T ex , BT, me to. very ex

[Ray T]

sounds like Ray T ex , BT, me to. very ex

Indeed. Worked for 'em for 42 years. Got EVR in 2009. They gave me a years salary to clear off.

Edited June 12, 2016 by Ray T

[fretman]

me left in 1998, age 52, got the big carrot

[magnetman]

Thanks Ray T

It does look very similar to the item pete i posted a link to but there was no beer can beside it so perhaps it was smaller? Or perhaps the design had been continued for a slightly different purpose.

 

Edit for misreading issues

Edited June 12, 2016 by magnetman

[magnetman]

Me too

 

One of the things I like about finding old rusty scrap with the magnet is if it is something useful like a sex aid there is some sort of direct link with the person who lost it. For me its like a time machine

 

Its a pleasing item anyway and I do appreciate all the comments about it.

[bizzard]

The hole is likely provided for use of bored water board blokes to kill time by blowing soapy bubbles out through the hole into the air, whilst his mate runs about popping them with a pin.

[Horace42]

What is this? A nice looking tool (if you like that sort of thing) but I have no idea what it might be. Found below a lock where windlasses usually are but it may not be remotely related to the canal.

 

 

The beer can is for scale and is a 440ml variety (found in beer shop )

As everyone says - it is a manhole cover lifter key. Usually you need two keys. The hole allows a bar to be passed through both keys to enable two or more people to lift heavy or 'stuck' covers.

[dogless]

I put a comment on this topic saying that another members comment made me laugh.

 

I have received a warning for this and the comments have been removed. Can someone explain please.

 

Rog

[RLWP]

I put a comment on this topic saying that another members comment made me laugh.

I have received a warning for this and the comments have been removed. Can someone explain please.

Rog

We infringed the rules.

 

Richard

[dogless]

Then the rules are stupid.

Rog

[Phil Ambrose]

We infringed the rules.

Richard

Did you get a warning too? Far too many warnings and disappearing posts and threads lately for just jocular remarks, nothing offensive, political or religious

Phil

[nicknorman]

Did you get a warning too? Far too many warnings and disappearing posts and threads lately for just jocular remarks, nothing offensive, political or religious

Phil

 

 

Yes one person is doing a good job of killing this forum by slowly but inexorably squeezing any life out of it.

Edited June 13, 2016 by nicknorman

[magnetman]

Mr Zuckerberg will be smiling

[Arthur Brown]

If only people got warnings for posting technically inaccurate, misleading or downright wrong information!