Identify this metal object please.
May 4, 2011 12:09 PM Subscribe
What is this weird metal object that I found on the floor? http://i.imgur.com/Rur42.jpg
Doorstop; it's a little piston on a spring, to absorb and cushion the force of door.
posted by orthogonality at 12:44 PM on May 4, 2011
posted by orthogonality at 12:44 PM on May 4, 2011
Response by poster: It was found in a field shortly after ATCO gas came and worked on a gas line - could the two events be related?
posted by drewgillson at 1:12 PM on May 4, 2011
posted by drewgillson at 1:12 PM on May 4, 2011
Best answer: It might be a tamper-proof nut that's used as a lockout on gas valves. Usually the service guy replace them if they have to remove them.
posted by Marky at 2:36 PM on May 4, 2011
posted by Marky at 2:36 PM on May 4, 2011
That looks very much like the pin that is in my bi-fold door that aligns with the wheel in the track.
posted by gjc at 4:17 PM on May 4, 2011
posted by gjc at 4:17 PM on May 4, 2011
This thread is closed to new comments.
It looks like it is two pieces; do they come apart, or rotate, or anything like that? It appears from the picture to be some sort of socket or swivel or somesuch, but I could be mistaken.
Any context? Where did you find it? Does it have any markings of any kind? Can you hazard a guess as to what sort of metal it might be made out of?
Sorry I couldn't be more helpful, I love mysteries like this but (for me, anyway) there's not much to go on.
posted by Scientist at 12:15 PM on May 4, 2011