It starts in the position in View one and goes clockwise until it stops in the View two position.
Dammit, I know I’ve used one of these, I just can’t remember what for, whatever it was , there is a far easier way of doing it, or at least hardly anyone would bother, you just wouldn’t bother looking all the way in your toolbox for it when you can get away without using it.
I’m an electrician by the way, my guess is that it’s for something to do with cables or jointing or something like that.
Nope. I would be very surprised if you had one of these.
Are the different ridges on the left end of the rotating part significant? The top one looks rounded and the bottom one sharp and not rounded.
Is it used in the position shown or with the rotating part extending to the right?
Would a view of the left end help us?
View three (sorry, my camera doesn’t have a macro setting)
When used properly, the side with the downturned tab rests against the forked end. See View two.
Adjustable tuning fork? (Musical)
Nope.
Would it be surpising if he had one because he is male?
Nope. It’s not a gender-specific device, but you’d have to be in a specific industry to have gotten one of these. Like I said, I don’t believe the device ever took off. When you find out what it’s for, you’ll know why.
Weaving thread positioner.
Thread cutter.
Sudoku solver.
Aircraft related?
More clues, please, or I swear, I’ll quit…
None of the above.
It retains something.
Is it a pipe cleaner?
Nope.
Clue: Once you have used it for its intended purpose, you have to wait to use it again or you have to get another one.
Does it hold something in position while it cools…drys…hardens?
Yes, no, no, no.
Is it used to stabilize materials for braiding like cable, rope or wires?
Does it have to do with soldering? or some such?
You ought to submit it to this website : http://puzzlephotos.blogspot.com/
Nic2004 - stabilize would be stretching the point, but you’re close. It does keep something under control to an extent.
SandyHook - nope
I think this is a latch of some sort. The forked end fits over a rivet or stud, and the projections on rotating end applies force (in either direction) to the surface as needed to hold the assembly in place.
I know I’ve seen one of these before…