Small tool with a wrench and a 6-pointed star at the other end

[Iron Buzz]

Found in a farm field in Minnesota where an 1865 homesite once stood. Obviously, it has been bent but I don't dare try to straighten it.

 

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[bradyboy]

bicycle wrench?

 

[A2coins]

yepper

 

[bradyboy]

geez - i got one?
Brady

 

[Iron Buzz]

geez - i got one?
Brady

Not without proof. Do you know that's what it is, or do you think that's what it is?

This homesite was there when bicycles were first popular, and for not much longer (1865-1890 or so, I think).

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

The six point star end if it is for a wheel nut doesn't seem like it would fit in for that time frame. I am not convinced it is not something modern dropped at the site.

 

[Iron Buzz]

The six point star end if it is for a wheel nut doesn't seem like it would fit in for that time frame. I am not convinced it is not something modern dropped at the site.

Can you find me a picture of a star-shaped bicycle wheel nut? I can't find anything like that.

Not impossible, but unlikely that a bicycle wrench would have been dropped in the middle of this cornfield. But stranger th
ings have happened, I guess.

 

[ticndig]

Yes please post a pic of a wrench like this .I've looked at lots of wrenches and can't find a match .
without a match it's use is still debatable. oh well at least it will be bumped to the top for some more views.
I know one of you guys will solve it for sure.

 

[Kray Gelder]

I spent some time looking, nada. Maybe it's one of the cheap stamped wrenches that come with "some assembly required" kits. Specific to that item. Good luck finding a match.

 

[Tony in SC]

The star shape will fit a square nut/bolt , which were common back then, six different ways.

 

[Retired Sarge]

The star side is used on an external torx/star head bolt.

The question is, does or did any off road/mountain bikes, or dirt bikes come with that style bolt. Yes some bicycle/motorcycle/automotive brake systems used an external torx screw/bolt.

All that said it could theoretically be a bike combo wrench. Seeimg the Torx head screw didn't come out until 1967, that would make it a lot newer than the site is, if that is what it is.

 

[Iron Buzz]

The star side is used on an external torx/star head bolt.

The question is, does or did any off road/mountain bikes, or dirt bikes come with that style bolt. Yes some bicycle/motorcycle/ automotive brake systems used an external torx screw/bolt.

All that said it could theoretically be a bike combo wrench. Seeimg the Torx head screw didn't come out until 1967, that would make it a lot newer than the site is, if that is what it is.

The most recent items I found at the site (it belonged to my great, great grandfather, who got it after the Civil War) would be from the very early 1900s, and almost all from the late 19th century. An 1849 large cent, an 1868 Shield nickle, three toe taps, three IHPs, things like that. Nothing that you would consider even mid 20th century, certainly not any TORX wrenches.

It was also in the middle of a farm field, a very good walk from any road. Trust me... NOBODY is riding a bike out there. Nobody.

(Sorry if it comes across like I'm giving you a hard time, but I think this forum needs to be about proof, not guesses.)

 

[cw0909]

ffuries beat me to the torx type of wrench info
i vaguely remember the old brake pad bolts looking
like a torx head BMX maybe

 

[dingode]

Wrench for the old strap on roller skates?

 

[terrafirma]

The star shape will fit a square nut/bolt , which were common back then, six different ways.

The old "planet jr." seeders had a wrench that came with them for tightening up bolts in the field. They had square head bolts. The wrenches were usually cast , but maybe there were stamped steel versions?

 

[How Lucky]

My vote is for roller skates.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/SKATE-KEY-...026564?hash=item5b72dbba04:g:JL8AAOSwWEZenEcp

 

[Back-of-the-boat]

Can you find me a picture of a star-shaped bicycle wheel nut? I can't find anything like that.

Not impossible, but unlikely that a bicycle wrench would have been dropped in the middle of this cornfield. But stranger th
ings have happened, I guess.

I stated "If it is for a wheel nut" I couldn't find a bike wheel wrench with that type of nut either, that was main reason I said "If" and I really doubt any wrenches from that era would have a star opening. It just seems more modern.

 

[Tony in SC]

I have some 6pt wrenches, I'll post pics if I get time today.

 

[DCMatt]

That thing is tiny. Maybe 3 inches long if straightened out? Too small for a bicycle wrench.

I'm thinking sewing machine tool, although I can't find a pic of one anything like that.

 

[Iron Buzz]

I spent some time looking, nada. Maybe it's one of the cheap stamped wrenches that come with "some assembly required" kits. Specific to that item. Good luck finding a match.

Not likely, given the rest of the finds in that same area. Not impossible, but highly unlikely.