Is this a tool? Or a nail?

Question

Got this at a yard sale in a bin with mostly random fasteners. Its about 3" long.

It has a tip like a nail but a dipped-looking rubberized coating.

Any ideas what this could be for? Someone suggested a small awl but given the very small size of the "grip" (if that's what it is) that seems unlikely.

In the USA if that makes any difference.

why do you need to know this? ... some tools are useful for other than intended purposes — jsotola, Sep 05 '21 at 18:49
@jsotola mainly just for learning purposes / curiosity. I've done tons of DIY on my house in all areas, so I don't come across tools totally new to me very often. — StayOnTarget, Sep 05 '21 at 18:50
What is the diameter of the metal rod? It kind of looks like the tool you use to remove plastic sprinkler pipes that have been snapped off at the fitting, but the diameter looks too small. — longneck, Sep 05 '21 at 19:38
@longneck I have not measured, but it is very similar to a standard framing nail, if not slightly less. — StayOnTarget, Sep 06 '21 at 00:43

score 37 · Answer 1 · edited Sep 06 '21 at 00:45

37

From the Harbor Freight Hook Assortment (item #67587), it's a straight line "hanging hook." Photo below from the above mentioned web site:

edited Sep 06 '21 at 00:45

StayOnTarget

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answered Sep 05 '21 at 19:41

fred_dot_u

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Yes, this is very similar. But I must say... its still not clear what it actually is for. Even one of the review comment on HF's site says "a few weird useless pieces" and maybe they were referring to this. – StayOnTarget Sep 06 '21 at 00:46
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@StayOnTarget actually it is quite clear now ... it is a padded nail for hanging things – jsotola Sep 06 '21 at 02:04
I'm guessing the small grey things are some kind of installation cap, to protect the end against hammer blows damaging the silicon ? – Criggie Sep 06 '21 at 03:21
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the ladder shapes in the image are created when the plastic is heated and compressed, sealing closed the top and bottom finger slicing plastic. – fred_dot_u Sep 06 '21 at 09:32
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@criggie those are sonic welds in the package creating bonds between front and back of the package. Yours for easier package opening, not! Without them, the plastic would de-form and all the pieces would be found in a big lump at the bottom. – Harper - Reinstate Monica Sep 06 '21 at 17:05
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@Conrado you gently walk the Plasti-Dip off it, then drive it, then file down where you mushroomed it, then wet the Plasti-Dip and slide it back on. – Harper - Reinstate Monica Sep 06 '21 at 17:11
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You hammer it in at an angle and then you can hang things on it. – Valorum Sep 07 '21 at 19:01

score 9 · Answer 2 · answered Sep 05 '21 at 18:31

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It's a scriber used for marking wood, metal, etc. for cutting or drilling.

answered Sep 05 '21 at 18:31

JACK

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score 3 · Answer 3 · answered Sep 07 '21 at 15:22

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Small pegs you can hammer into a board where you can hang things on, like a towel or your size 10 wrench

answered Sep 07 '21 at 15:22

Tschallacka

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score 0 · Answer 4 · answered Sep 05 '21 at 18:28

0

Hardened point - then a tile cutter.

answered Sep 05 '21 at 18:28

Solar Mike

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You mean like, to score it? Why such a miniscule handle? Or is it meant to be mounted in something? – StayOnTarget Sep 05 '21 at 18:29
@StayOnTarget bigger is not always better. – Solar Mike Sep 05 '21 at 18:31
I can't argue with that in general. I guess this would be like holding a short pencil. – StayOnTarget Sep 05 '21 at 18:31

Stian · Answer 5 · 2021-09-07T10:45:06.090

That looks like a hand drill / hole maker. It is a type of awl (or, it could also be a bodkin for leatherworking or be a two-in-one as both) - thanks @StayOnTarget

It is used to facilitate screwing in things with your hands. (hooks, curtain hangers, etc). These are fairly easy to screw in, but it can be a lot of work to get the screw to engage. Punch or twist a rough hole with the tool first and then engage the screw.

Is this a tool? Or a nail?

5 Answers5