In order to be eligible to win last Toolsday’s (a.k.a. Tuesday) prize, we asked you to guess the identity of a strange-looking tool. We had a large variety of answers, everything from a cigar cutter, to a flag-pole holder to an oar lock. But, none of these were correct. Last week’s mystery tool was corn sheller.
We randomly picked one winner from all the comments and that lucky person is Janell Lee from Virginia Beach, VA., who thought it was a very intricate set of pliers. Not even close Janell, but you still win.
Next Tuesday we’re giving away a Leatherman Surge multi-tool. One of Leatherman’s deluxe models, the Surge has 21 different tools in one handy, compact design. Just to name a few; you get 2 types of pliers, 3 different wire cutters, 2 knives, 2 drivers, a saw, scissors and the all-important bottle opener. This stainless steel workhorse weighs less than a pound and come with a 25-year warranty.
To enter the Leatherman giveaway, post a comment (click “comment” above) and tell us what the old thing pictured below is used for. Hint: Each era all should gain an extra shout and cheer when the tide goes out. You don’t have to answer correctly to win; we will randomly pick one winner from this post. 
DIY Network needs your help designing a kitchen. We’re completely renovating a historic home on the coast of Maine for this year’s Blog Cabin. The circa 1884 home sits on 51 acres and has its own private beach – simply gorgeous. Right now we’re planning the kitchen layout and design, and we’re letting our fans have some input on the project. Please take a moment to help us decide on the appliances, cabinet finish, backsplash and more.
On Tuesday, January 31, we will select the winner of the Leatherman then start up a new giveaway for another tool, which will be given away the Tuesday after that.
You have until January 31, 2012, 2:00pm (ET) to enter to win the Leatherman multi-tool.






Plaster Bucket
a laundry agitator.
pan to pick up horse poop in parades
I believe I have seen this being used by bricklayers.
Laundry shovel
It looks like it could be a plasterer's bucket.
laundry agitator
I'll agree with the majority of the postings. {Whatever that might be!}
A fireplace ash shovel
If turned upside down – it looks like what bricklayers used to carry the mortar.
its an old item I've never seen but will have to say it's a pool cleaner
Laundry Agitator
wash boilers I guess, looks lake a mop/broom with a guard to me
For washing clothes
Well, it looks like a pooper scooper for an elephant, but I'll go with the laundry agitator. lol
Tool used to wash laundry by pushing it down!
its the flash for an old camera
Its a homemade lamp post
I'm guessing it's used as a shovel if not an oar.
Old School hand wash laundry agitator
"Double Plunger Vented Washer / Agitator This style agitator was designed to be used in a wash boiler or tub, and a simple up and down motion was employed. It is set up with a series of vents and passages with the final release hole in the top middle with a little shields to direct the soapy water back down and keep from splashing the user. It has patent info and locations on the body from the 1880's.": from antique website.
Well, they pretty much gave it away this week. This agitator is actually designed to be used with a wash boiler, a large copper or iron pot used to boil the clothing; hence the wooden handle so the user doesn't get burned.
dust pan with long handle
a dustpan
it IS a washing plunger, move up and down to make suds…