Dunluce Report post Posted March 28, 2019 A work colleague bought a bunch of old tools and there were some leather work ones in the box. One mystery is the tool below; we don’t even know if it is for leatherwork but I thought I would give it a go here. The two pictures are self explanatory as to how it works. Looks to me like you insert it and then use the lever to expand the hole? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bermudahwin Report post Posted March 28, 2019 That looks like a rugging hook, for making Rag Rugs https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Rag-Rug-Tool-/292263181285 Harry Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
alpha2 Report post Posted March 28, 2019 Well, darn it! I was going to say shrimp de-veiner. But I guess those are curved. Way to go, Harry! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
bermudahwin Report post Posted March 28, 2019 19 minutes ago, alpha2 said: Well, darn it! I was going to say shrimp de-veiner. But I guess those are curved. Way to go, Harry! I just wish I could remember important stuff too.... Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
zuludog Report post Posted March 28, 2019 (edited) As hwinbermuda said, it's for making rag rugs; my Mum & Grandma had one, and I used to help them You clamp strips of old clothes & similar spare fabric in the tool, then push them into a hessian backing. Release the clamp, and the fabric stays in the hessian. Gradually you build up the thickness of the rug, incorporating patterns or textures as you wish Rag rugs were common when houses had tiled or stone floors, and people didn't have much money, as carpets were expensive. Now that mass produced carpets are cheaper you don't see rag rugs much; mostly for interest or novelty Search t'Net & YouTube for 'rag rugs' Edited March 28, 2019 by zuludog Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites