Not a knife, but what the heck is this tool?

[Chris Meyer]

Greetings everyone,

I know that many of you are keepers of odd knowledge, so I was hoping that someone could tell me what this thing is and what it’s for. I know that it’s an Electo-Technic High Frequency Generator, but that means nothing to me. Is it a tool that could still be of use to someone? Does it have any value? I tried searching the web for info but came up empty.

After my wife’s Grandfather passed away we cleaned out his garage and I found a whole case of these High Frequency Generators, still new in the box. No one could tell us what they were for, so we threw most of them away. I saved a few because I hate to throw away perfectly good tools.

Any information that can be provided would be most appreciated. Thanks.

 

[not2sharp]

It looks like an electric prod we use to use to stimulate inert gases in lab. Think of it as a sort of cattle prod - but it creates a continous current.

n2s

 

[skunked]

Humm, don't ask me how I know....but you might try googleing "violet wand"\
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Violet_wand

 

[Chris Meyer]

Skunked,

Thanks for the info. I checked out your links. It's quite disturbing, but those "instruments" sure look like the same thing, although they look like they have some "accessories". It's not the kind of thing I would have suspected to find in my Grandfather-in-law's garage, so I'm hoping that there is some more mainstream use for those things. The paper that came with it does say something about lighting gas burners... I did notice that they’re selling those wands (with a case and ceramic capactior) for $289!!! Now I wish that I'd kept the whole case.

 

[Ken C.]

Isn't that a flux capacitor?

 

[Thirteenth Star]

It's the predecessor to the sonic screwdriver, for fixing older TARDIS models or fighting Daleks/Cybermen.

Don't leave your space-time continuum without one!

 

[rebeltf]

Well if you plan on sellin those off , I'll buy one.
Perhaps I can use it on those darn Bluejays bent on destroying my patio.

 

[Esav Benyamin]

Perhaps I can use it on those darn Bluejays bent on destroying my patio.

No, they're slingshot practice !!

 

[Gollnick]

Fortunately, th manufacturer is still going.

http://www.electrotechnicproduct.com/

And still making the BD10 series of leak detectors

http://www.electrotechnicproduct.com/pinhole.asp

 

[Chris Meyer]

Gollnick,

Thank you very much for the links! I guess you had much better luck searching the web than I did. It's good to know that Grandpa wasn't a closet pervert.

Looks like a new generator goes for $180, so I still wish I kept the whole case.