Any idea of tool's intended use?

[Jim Kellett]

Found this old tool in a box while clearing out a basement. Any idea what this tool was designed for? It is cast and 6" long. Has a square opening that would fit a 7/16" square nut or shaft

 

[switchkid0]

Looks like it's for a gas valve. Look around your furnace.

 

[JBill]

Slightly smaller square opening and it'd make a nice brake adjustment tool.

 

[1928Pickuppain]

I have a few just like that for making amusements on some of my old wood working machinery from the 1800s they come in ranges of asides from 3/8-1 1/2" could have been for anything verry common tool back when.

 

[FL&WVMIKE]

I have a similar tool for shaking the grate, in a pot bellied stove.
MIKE

 

[Bob/Kansas City]

Cracking walnuts?

 

[just plain bill]

Pulley wrench?

 

[Dave72dt]

About the size for turning gas valves on the old acetylene tanks.

 

[takomaned]

My vote goes to Dave72dt

 

[gweilbaker]

Were the old acetylene tanks different than than moderns? Mine has like a 1/4 in or smaller square valve.

 

[Jim Kellett]

Thanks to all that responded. I have a better idea of it's function after reading the responses.
Jim Kellett