Small multi-function key ??

[GoingDown]

any ideas?

 

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[mojjax]

Maybe a steam radiator vent key ?

 

[Kansasippi]

Gas light valve key..

 

[junkdigger]

Or a roller skate key?

 

[stoney56]

Maybe a floor furnace key? Flat end to help lift the grate, the square to turn on the gas valve.

 

[TreasureTales]

Whatever it is, it isn't very large. Look at it compared to the Lincoln cent. Can't imagine it was used for turning on a regular gas valve or anything like that because it's just too small.

 

[MiddenMonster]

Whatever it is, it isn't very large. Look at it compared to the Lincoln cent. Can't imagine it was used for turning on a regular gas valve or anything like that because it's just too small.

Maybe not a regular size gas valve, but what about an old kerosene/fuel lantern? The slotted screwdriver part would be used to turn the wick up or down, and the square drive would be used to regulate the flow of fuel. Or if it were a natural gas lamp for the inside of the home, the square drive would regulate the flow of fuel and the screwdriver part would open the access door to the mantles.

 

[martinuk]

for bleeding a house radiator as its got a square female indent

 

[TreasureTales]

From the photos, it seems to be chromed. So how old could it be if chromed? Not very, right? I think lamp wicks were raised by using a thumb knob kinda thingy. But I'm sure the styles varied.

 

[diggummup]

Or a roller skate key?

Or a ice skate key,one or the other is my guess.They came in many shapes and sizes.The most common attribute to them all is the square opening or wrench and the round open ring for hanging on a necklace or string or chain.Although I haven't found an exact match,here are some examples-

 

[TreasureTales]

Very impressive skate key collection. Duggummup, is that your collection? It's way cool.

Still, seems the item in question is too small for a skate key. Imagine trying to use the small thingy with an adult's fingers.

 

[MiddenMonster]

I'm going to go out on a limb and say it's Melanie Safka's brand new key, which makes it a very rare find:

Brand New Key

I rode my bicycle past your window last night
I roller-skated to your door at daylight
It almost seems like you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and try them out you see

I been looking around awhile
You got something for me
Oh! I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

I ride my bike, I roller skate don't drive no care
Don't go too fast, but I go pretty far
For somebody who don't drive
I been all around the world
Some people say, I done all right for a girl

Oh, yea yea, oh, yea yea yea, oh yea yea yea yea yea yea

I asked your mother if you were at home
She said yes but you weren't alone
Oh, sometimes I think that you're avoiding me
I'm okay alone, but you got something I need

Well, I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key
I think that we should get together and try them out to see
La la la la la la la la, la la la la la la
Oh! I got a brand new pair of roller skates
You got a brand new key

 

[TreasureTales]

LOL MiddenMonster, that was a great song back in the day. Still don't buy the skate key idea, though.

 

[MiddenMonster]

LOL MiddenMonster, that was a great song back in the day. Still don't buy the skate key idea, though.

Hey, if Melanie Safka comes with that "small multi-function key" it can be anything she says it is!

 

[Cladius]

I say clock key and pendulem tool.

 

[TreasureTales]

I repeat my question...it's directed to the original poster...is this thing chromed? Perhaps knowing that will help us.

 

[GoingDown]

Yes it is indeed chromed!

 

[diggummup]

I agree,it does look like chrome peeling off of it to me.I'm not so sure about the skate key idea either anymore.That thing is really,really small,unless it was found near the circus side show where the little people hang out.lol PS-No,it's not my collection of skate keys.

 

[kenb]

It is definitely a key used to bleed heating radiators, I have about 20 of them in my desk. go to www.sidharvey.com and search part # B160. Radiator vent key.

 

[PBK]

It is definitely a key used to bleed heating radiators, I have about 20 of them in my desk. go to www.sidharvey.com and search part # B160. Radiator vent key.

"Ask the man who owns one!"

Great call, Ken!

Variously listed as a radiator key or air vent key.

http://www.legendvalve.com/heatingvalves.htm


• Manual hot water air vent key
• Chrome-plated brass body
• Sizes 1/8"