What is this tool?

[DrRod]

I got this at auction years ago and it just resurfaced among my pile of collections. The numbers on the wooden face are from the auction company -- wish they wouldn't do that. The lid slides up. The orange handle is similar to seat belt material. The little slots along the sides hold a variety of odd shaped bits. Figure that someone in here will know what it is -- this site never disappoints. Thanks.

 

[Mendonsy]

That appears to be a crimping tool but it is not obvious exactly what it is meant to crimp. Amp, Molex and a few others have made similar tools for crimping different types of electrical connectors.

 

[DrRod]

Thanks. Your post motivated me to pull it out and look for some markings and indeed it is stamped with Amp Corporation, Harrisburg, PA.

What I find interesting is how elaborate the packaging is. Most modern tools don't come in a fitted wooden box. The strap seems sort of modern to me so I don't think its all that old -- then again the strap could have been added later.

 

[dickfoster]

Thanks. Your post motivated me to pull it out and look for some markings and indeed it is stamped with Amp Corporation, Harrisburg, PA.

What I find interesting is how elaborate the packaging is. Most modern tools don't come in a fitted wooden box. The strap seems sort of modern to me so I don't think its all that old -- then again the strap could have been added later.

Considering the prices they get for some of those things you'd expect them to boxed in gold. The rugged, heavy duty construction and low volume leads to the uber high prices but most are meant for continuous, daily use in high production environments.

 

[Mendonsy]

Considering the prices they get for some of those things you'd expect them to boxed in gold. The rugged, heavy duty construction and low volume leads to the uber high prices but most are meant for continuous, daily use in high production environments.

YEP!! I have seen some similar AMP crimpers that were listed for over $300 each.