Unique (Possible Automotive) tool. . . Help ID
 

Evening Ladies/Gentlemen,

My Mother-in-Law was cleaning out her garage and I received her entire stash of tools collected over the last 50 years. Most of it cheap Chinese made tools, a few Sears and Craftsmen items and a Plomb wrench.

What did get my attention was this unique item, stamped ”Ford.” . . . and for those of you who are wondering . . . Yes it is magnetic.

Was this a specialized automotive tool, or just a magnet stamped “Ford?”
http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637629701.jpg

Tuning fork?

😂

I did a little more research . . .

It is a Model T Magnito magnet.

https://www.worthpoint.com/worthopedia/lot-16-antique-vintage-shaped-2014381801

“These are about 4 " inches long, ¾ inch wide and 7/16 inch thick. These were “V” shaped so a number of them could be placed together North pole to South pole until they formed circle which made the main component in a magneto found in antique Model T Fords. 11 are stamped FORD & 5 others have no markings. Over time these lose their magnetic pull as have THESE. They are not magnetic. They usually have to be rejuvenated until they are capable of picking up a 2 pound weight before they are again usable . There are several ways to make their magnetic pull stronger and these are discussed on various web sites. will need cleaning. demagnetized”


EDIT: More info . . .

If anyone is interested in the history of this magneto part. . .

Apparently my Mother-in-Law’s mother was a seamstress in Aleppo, Syria circa 1940. She somehow acquired this part to pick up needles and pins that fell to the floor. It appears to be in good condition, which isn’t a surprise because in 1940 it would have only been 20 years old.

Very cool

No kidding. Thanks RN.

Not so unique. My Dad had one which is the one in the photo. He gave to me once I had my own toolbox. He claims he picked it up while stationed at Kirtland when it was still SAC. I also found one in the street in the 1980's.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637633268.jpg


They were arranged like this on a flywheel.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637633302.jpg


This is how you balance them. The rotating assembly is quite large. Like bellhousing large.

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637633338.jpg

The more I read into this thing the more of a contraption it is. It appears reliable but nutty on the design aspect and packaging.

All this because the starter / magneto was incorporated into a single unit. Harley Davidson did the same thing on the golf carts with 2 250cc stroke Aermacchi motors built in the 1960's..

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637634101.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637634119.jpg


http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637634136.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637634146.jpg

http://forums.pelicanparts.com/uploa...1637634158.jpg

Thanks Jeff,

Interesting as all heck. That one photo with the jumper cables must be how they remagnitized the metal.