A questioner said:
I found this in an abandoned building. It was in in a red box next to the fire alarm and you had to smash a glass plate to get it. The tip is a square and it’s about 8cm/3inch long
More from the owner:
The building where I found it was probably build around the 70s and is located in the Netherlands. There were muliple hanging around the building. It has something to do with exiting the building in a case of emergency but I haven’t found a lock it fitted. WITT
Some of the people opinions on it:
paulmarchant: “Door ‘key’. For (some) doors with normal handles, there’s a square bar that goes from one handle, through the door and latch mechanism and ends at the other handle. For some very low security applications, the handles are omitted. This will poke into the square receptacle on the latch, from either side, and operate it to open the door. Back in the 1980s, I remember the doors between carriages in trains (in the UK) sometimes had this setup.”
LtDansmissinglegs: “It looks kind of like one of those keys you use to turn gas/fuel valves on and off. Maybe so you can shut off flammable gas in the event of a fire?”
The-Riskiest-Biscuit: “Whatever it is, it could double as a bottle opener.”
TheElfOnAShelf: “I know it as a T key. It’s used for a variety of things from some elevators to train doors and many more. The shaft will be tapered to fit various sizes of square keyholes.”
Xaramic: “The building where I found it was probably built around the 70s and is located in the Netherlands. There were multiple hanging around the building. It has something to do with exiting the building in a case of emergency but I haven’t found a lock it fitted.”
old-uiuc-pictures: “I’m sorry – did you say you smashed the glass to get it?”
Robinvand1: “It’s a key to open a lock called ‘bakslot’ in Dutch. They are used for trailers and market carts. They are also used to lock fire hose enclosures.”
Plump_Chicken: “I’m pretty sure it’s a sprinkler stopper or an emergency alarm switch just in case the real one breaks.”
[deleted]: “If it was next to a building pull-down fire alarm, it could be the key to turn it off. I do maintenance on an old building that was built in the 70s and we have a similar key to shut off the alarm and reset the panic handle.”
[deleted]: “It’s a firefighter’s key, used for opening panels to fire equipment such as hoses and axes, it will even open up lift doors.”
That_One_Guy_Flare: “Looks like a gas key that turns on the gas in a fireplace.”
What do you think? Let us know in the comment!
During explorations of abandoned buildings, one can often come across various curious and mysterious objects. Recently, I discovered an interesting metal tool inside such a building. Here’s an account of what I found and the possible uses of this peculiar item.
The Discovery
I stumbled upon this object in an old, abandoned building. It was stored inside a red box located next to a fire alarm. To access it, I had to smash a glass plate, suggesting it was designed to be used in emergencies. The tool is about 8cm (3 inches) long, with an oval-shaped handle and a flat, double-edged blade that tapers into a square tip.
Description of the Object
Material: The tool is made of metal, indicating durability and strength.
Handle: The handle is oval-shaped, allowing for a firm grip.
Blade: The blade is flat with a double edge, suggesting it is meant to cut or pry open objects.
Tip: The tip is squared, which may be designed to fit into specific types of locks or mechanisms.
Possible Uses
Given its location and the manner in which it was stored, several potential uses for this tool come to mind:
Emergency Fire Tool: The most plausible use for this tool is as an emergency fire tool. Its placement next to a fire alarm and inside a breakable glass box indicates it was intended for use in emergencies. The design suggests it could be used to break windows, cut through obstacles, or pry open doors to facilitate escape or access during a fire.
Utility or Maintenance Tool: Another possibility is that this tool was used by maintenance personnel. The square tip could fit specific screws or locks, making it useful for routine maintenance or emergency repairs within the building.
Rescue Tool: The tool’s design also aligns with those used by rescue personnel. The sturdy handle and sharp blade could help in freeing trapped individuals or accessing difficult-to-reach areas during rescue operations.
Historical Context
Tools like these are often found in older buildings, especially those that adhered to stringent fire safety regulations. The presence of this tool might indicate the building was equipped with safety measures common in the mid-20th century, when manually operated emergency tools were more prevalent.
Conclusion
Finding such an object in an abandoned building is a fascinating glimpse into the past. It serves as a reminder of the safety practices and tools used in bygone eras. While its exact use can be speculated, the context of its discovery strongly suggests it was an emergency tool designed for critical situations. If you find similar objects, always handle them with care and consider their potential historical value and practical applications.