Mystery Workshop Tools: How to Identify Inherited or Second-hand Equipment

Key Takeaways

Examine tools for manufacturer marks, serial numbers, and physical characteristics
Use online resources including forums and search engines to research unknown tools
Consult local experts at hardware stores, museums, or historical societies
Look for patent numbers to trace a tool’s origins and purpose
Document your findings and consider proper preservation of valuable tools
Join online communities dedicated to tool identification and restoration

Introduction: The Mystery of Unknown Workshop Tools

Have you ever found a strange metal contraption in your grandpa’s old toolbox? Or maybe you bought a box of tools at a yard sale and found something you just couldn’t figure out? You’re not alone. Many of us struggle to identify odd workshop tools that come our way through inheritance or second-hand purchases.

I’ve been collecting and restoring tools for over 15 years, and I still come across items that leave me scratching my head. Just last month, I found what looked like a fancy pair of pliers with curved jaws at an estate sale. It took me days of research to learn it was actually a specialized glass-blowing tool from the 1940s.

In this guide, I’ll share practical steps to solve these tool mysteries. We’ll look at how to examine tools for clues, where to research them, and who to ask for help. I’ve included real examples from my own experience and the experiences of other collectors I’ve met over the years. Let’s get started!

Examining Your Mystery Tool: First Steps in Identification

The first step in identifying any unknown tool is careful examination. Pick up the tool and really look at it. What does it tell you?

Start by checking for any writing on the tool. Manufacturers often stamp their name, logo, or location somewhere on their products. Even faded marks can give important clues. Use a magnifying glass if needed – I keep one in my workshop just for this purpose.

Next, look at how the tool is made:

What materials is it made from? (Steel, iron, wood, brass, etc.)
How is it constructed? (Cast, forged, machined, etc.)
Does it have moving parts? How do they work?
Are there signs of wear that hint at its use?

The physical characteristics often reveal a lot about a tool’s purpose. For example, tools with wooden handles worn smooth in specific spots show where hands gripped them for years. Metal parts with distinctive wear patterns suggest how they contacted other materials.

I once found a tool with a wooden handle and a metal end shaped like a half-moon. The wear on one edge of the curved part told me it was used with a scraping motion. It turned out to be a cabinet scraper for fine woodworking.

Take photos of your mystery tool from multiple angles. These will be useful when sharing with others for help with identification. Make sure to capture any markings or unique features in close-up shots.

Researching Online: Digital Pathways to Tool Identification

The internet has made tool identification much easier than it was in the past. There are many ways to research your mystery tool online:

Start with image searches. Take clear photos of your tool and use Google’s image search or similar tools to find matches. Sometimes this alone will identify your tool quickly.

Visit specialized websites dedicated to tool collecting and identification:

What Is This Tool has galleries of identified tools and forums for posting questions
The DIY Tool Identification page offers insights into common household tools
For older items, the Antique Tool Identification Guide can be very helpful

Social media groups and forums are goldmines for tool identification. Collectors and tradespeople love sharing their knowledge. I’ve had mystery tools identified within minutes of posting photos to these groups:

Reddit’s r/whatisthisthing and r/specializedtools
Facebook groups dedicated to vintage tools or specific trades
Woodworking and metalworking forums

When posting for help, include multiple photos from different angles, measurements, and any markings you’ve found. The more information you provide, the easier it will be for someone to identify your tool.

Don’t forget to search patent databases if you find a patent number on your tool. The US Patent Office has searchable records going back to the 1700s, and these often include detailed drawings and descriptions of how the tool was meant to be used.

Consulting Local Experts: Human Knowledge in Tool Identification

While online resources are valuable, sometimes nothing beats talking to someone with hands-on experience. Local experts can often identify a mystery tool at a glance.

Visit older hardware stores with long-time employees. The staff at these establishments have often seen thousands of tools over their careers and can recognize obscure items. I once brought in what looked like a strange wrench to my local hardware store, and the owner immediately identified it as a specialized faucet tool from the 1960s.

Retired tradespeople are walking encyclopedias of tool knowledge. If you know any retired plumbers, electricians, carpenters, or machinists, show them your mystery tool. They might recognize it from their working days.

Museums and historical societies, especially those focused on industrial history or specific trades, often have knowledgeable staff and volunteers. Many are happy to help identify unusual tools, as it aligns with their educational mission.

Auctions and flea markets where tools are sold regularly attract collectors and dealers with extensive knowledge. Strike up a conversation with vendors and show them photos of your mystery tool.

Local makerspaces and community workshops bring together people with diverse skills and backgrounds. Someone there might recognize your tool or know someone who can help identify it.

Remember to approach these experts with respect for their time and knowledge. Be specific with your questions and thank them for their help, regardless of whether they can identify your tool.

Understanding Patent Numbers and Maker’s Marks

Patent numbers and maker’s marks are like fingerprints for tools - they can lead you directly to identification. If you’re lucky enough to find these on your mystery tool, you’ve got a great starting point.

A patent number typically includes the word “PAT” or “PATENT” followed by numbers and sometimes letters. U.S. patents might be marked as “U.S. PAT” or “PAT’D,” while tools from other countries might have different designations.

To look up a patent number:

Visit the US Patent and Trademark Office website (for US patents)
Search the patent number in their database
Review the patent document, which often includes detailed drawings and descriptions

Maker’s marks can range from full company names to small symbols or initials. Some well-known tool manufacturers used distinctive logos that changed over time. For example, Stanley tools used different marks during different periods, which can help date a tool as well as identify it.

Resources for researching maker’s marks include:

The Ultimate Guide to Identifying Unknown Tools
Specialized books on tool manufacturers
Brand-specific collector websites

I once found a woodworking tool marked only with “H.D.R.” and a patent date from 1895. After researching the initials in conjunction with the patent date, I discovered it was made by the H.D. Rose Company, a now-defunct tool manufacturer from Massachusetts.

When you identify a maker’s mark, research the company’s history. This can tell you when your tool was likely manufactured and its original purpose, even if the company no longer exists.

Common Types of Mystery Tools You Might Encounter

Certain types of tools frequently show up as mysteries because they’re specialized or no longer commonly used. Here are some you might encounter:

Specialized Trade Tools Tools designed for specific trades often baffle people outside that profession:

Cobbler’s tools for leatherwork and shoe repair
Watchmaker’s tiny precision instruments
Cooperage tools for barrel making
Blacksmith’s hardy tools that fit into anvil holes

Outdated Household Items Many household tools from previous eras have been replaced by modern conveniences:

Darning eggs for repairing socks
Button hooks for fastening high-top shoes
Crimping irons for fabric pleating
Ice picks and tongs from before electric refrigeration

Agricultural Implements Farm tools evolved significantly over the centuries:

Specialized pruning tools for different crops
Seed planters and furrow makers
Harvesting implements for specific plants
Animal husbandry equipment

Workshop Tools with Changed Designs Some tools still exist but look completely different now:

Early drills and braces
Wooden molding planes for specific profiles
Specialized measuring and layout tools
Early versions of adjustable wrenches and pliers

For help identifying tools in these categories, the Industrial Tool Recognition Guide and Construction Tool Guide offer valuable information.

I once found what looked like a small metal hoe with holes in it. After research, I learned it was a float for finishing concrete - the holes allowed excess water to rise to the surface while smoothing.

Restoration and Preservation of Identified Tools

Once you’ve identified your mystery tool, you might want to restore it or preserve it. The approach depends on the tool’s value and your intentions for it.

For tools with historical or collectible value:

Minimal intervention is often best
Clean gently without removing patina
Stabilize rather than replace damaged parts
Document the tool’s condition before any work

For tools you plan to use:

Remove rust and clean thoroughly
Repair or replace damaged parts
Sharpen cutting edges if applicable
Apply appropriate protective finishes

When restoring tools, research appropriate techniques for the specific materials. Different metals, woods, and other materials require different approaches. The Vintage Tool Values guide offers good advice on preservation that maintains value.

I restored a hand plane I inherited from my grandfather. Since it had sentimental value, I chose to clean it carefully, repair the wooden handle with matching wood, and apply a light oil to prevent future rust. It now sits in a place of honor in my workshop, occasionally used for special projects.

For very rare or valuable tools, consider consulting a professional conservator before attempting any restoration. They can provide advice specific to your tool and its condition.

Building Your Knowledge: Becoming a Tool Identification Expert

The more tools you identify, the better you’ll get at recognizing unknown ones. Building your knowledge is a rewarding aspect of working with mystery tools.

Start by learning about tool evolution across different trades. Understanding how tools developed over time gives context that helps with identification. The Rare Tool Identification guide is an excellent resource for this.

Build a reference library:

Books on tool history and identification
Old tool catalogs (many are available as reprints or PDFs)
Bookmarked websites with good tool information
Your own notes and photos of identified tools

Visit museums with tool collections when possible. Many industrial museums, living history farms, and craft centers display tools with informative labels. Take photos (where permitted) for your reference.

Consider specializing in tools from a specific trade or era that interests you. Becoming an expert in a narrower field makes learning more manageable than trying to know everything about all tools.

Share your knowledge with others. Teaching is one of the best ways to solidify your own understanding. Answer questions in forums, write about your discoveries, or give talks at local historical societies or tool collector meetings.

I started focusing on woodworking tools from the 19th century, building expertise in that specific area. Now I can often identify unusual planes, marking tools, and other woodworking implements that would have puzzled me years ago.

Connecting with the Tool Collector Community

The community of tool collectors and enthusiasts is friendly and knowledgeable. Connecting with this community enhances your identification skills and makes the hobby more enjoyable.

Join online forums and social media groups dedicated to tool collecting. Active participation – both asking questions and helping others – builds relationships with knowledgeable collectors.

Attend tool meets, swap meets, and antique tool auctions. These events bring collectors together and provide opportunities to see rare tools in person. Many collectors are happy to share their knowledge face-to-face.

Consider joining formal collector organizations like:

The Antique Tools and Trades Association
Early American Industries Association
Tool collectors clubs with regional chapters

Subscribe to publications focused on vintage tools. Both print magazines and online newsletters provide regular doses of tool knowledge and keep you connected to the community.

As you build relationships within the community, you’ll develop a network of experts you can consult when you find particularly puzzling tools. I’ve made friends with collectors who specialize in different types of tools than I do, giving me a diverse group to consult when I find something unusual.

The Power Tool Recognition Guide can help you connect with collectors focused on more modern tools if that’s your interest.

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best way to clean a rusty tool I’ve found without damaging it? For light rust, try using fine steel wool with a penetrating oil like WD-40. For heavier rust, a vinegar soak can help, but limit it to 24 hours to prevent damage to the metal. Always dry thoroughly and apply a protective oil afterward. For valuable antiques, consult a professional before cleaning.

How can I tell if my mystery tool is valuable? Rarity, condition, age, maker, and historical significance all affect value. Research completed auctions for similar tools, consult price guides like the Vintage Tool Values guide, or get an appraisal from a dealer specializing in antique tools.

Should I restore my antique tool or leave it as is? For tools with primarily collector value, minimal intervention is usually best. Clean gently but preserve patina and signs of age. For tools you plan to use, more extensive restoration is appropriate. When in doubt, consult with experienced collectors before making irreversible changes.

How do I identify a tool with no markings at all? Focus on the shape, materials, and construction methods. Post clear photos from multiple angles on identification forums. Compare to similar tools in reference books or museum collections. Sometimes, the pattern of wear can indicate how the tool was used, providing clues to its purpose.

Are there apps specifically for tool identification? While there’s no dedicated app just for tool identification, general object recognition apps like Google Lens can sometimes identify common tools. For better results, use forums and websites specifically for tool identification like What Is This Tool.

How can I determine the age of my mystery tool? Look for manufacturing techniques (hand-forged vs. machine-made), materials used, patent dates, maker’s marks, and design characteristics. Tools made before mass production show signs of individual craftsmanship. The Best Power Tools 2025 guide can help you recognize more modern features.

What should I do if I inherit a large collection of unidentified tools? Start by sorting tools into categories (woodworking, metalworking, specialized trades, etc.). Identify the most common or recognizable tools first. Document everything with photographs. Consider inviting a knowledgeable collector to help with identification. For valuable collections, professional appraisal may be worthwhile.

How do I properly store old tools once I’ve identified them? Store metal tools in a low-humidity environment with a light coat of protective oil. Wooden parts should be conditioned occasionally with appropriate wood care products. Keep tools organized and accessible, either displayed or in drawers with padding to prevent damage. Avoid storing directly on concrete floors, which can promote rust.