“Picked it out of my dad’s toolbox,” the post began. “Looks like it’s meant to wind or tension something, but I couldn’t find anything similar on Google. No markings at all. Any idea what this old tool is used for?”
It’s the kind of mystery that stumps even seasoned tool collectors — a small, crank-handled device that looks part drill, part winding key. The metal gears and compact design hint at precision work, yet its purpose isn’t immediately obvious.
The answer turned out to be a clever little piece of workshop history: a hand-cranked drill bit sharpener, sometimes called an auger bit sharpener.
Before electric grinders or replaceable bits became standard, keeping tools sharp was a regular chore. Craftsmen used this small, gear-driven sharpener to restore the cutting edges of drill bits or auger bits by hand. The crank rotated a tiny abrasive wheel or file at a steady speed, allowing fine control without overheating or damaging the metal.
It was a must-have in any well-equipped toolbox — a sign of thrift and care from a time when tools were made to last, not tossed when they dulled.
Today, pieces like this one are more than just curiosities; they’re symbols of a different mindset — one where maintenance and skill mattered as much as the work itself.
So that odd little crank you found isn’t for winding wire or tightening springs. It’s a reminder of a craftsman’s patience — and the quiet rhythm of a time when every tool earned its keep, one careful turn at a time.
