[mIps]

I found this on the street the other day and I am not sure what it is:

It basically looks like a ball-point pen but made entirely of metal. The only markings on it say "Metal removal division" and "Federal-Mogul".

I have been using it for making center holes for drilling and for marking cut-lines but what is it actually for?

 

[LeeBarker]

I believe it is a carbide-tipped scribe.

Something like this.

 

[Dennisgrosen]

+1 to what Lee say

 

[crank49]

I agree with Lee. I have one myself.

 

[mIps]

Ah, okay then. I think mine is all steel, though I certainly wouldn't swear to it. Thanks!

 

[dhazelton]

Probably belonged to a guy who does sheet metal work.

 

[oldnovice]

The tip looks darker! Could be carbide. If it is carbide it will last a long time and will be very useful!

Federal-Mogul bought a company called Metaltec which I believe was a metal re-cycler/salvage company!

That's my 2¢ of input and I am sticking to it!

 

[Harry_Ch]

Just like you would use a pencil to mark your dimensions on lumber, you would use that to mark on certain metals that pencils do not work well on. You can also use it to mark/etch on slate stone.

 

[patcollins]

If I remember correctly carbide is not magnetic or is only mildly magnetic compare to tool steel. You could see if a magnet is attracted to the tip.

 

[JJohnston]

Yep, you're using it right.

Hmm, maybe we should start a "found tools" thread.