Lever Readymade

This marvelously simple tool is also a wonderfully sculptural object. The lever is one of the six “simple machines,” as defined by Renaissance scientists (along with the inclined plane, pulley, screw, wedge, and wheel). These clever devices are the basic mechanisms that we use increase our mechanical advantage (aka leverage) to get things done. This particular lever is a “strapping tool,” used to tighten steel straps around bundles of materials (such as wooden shingles). In addition to the lever, it involves a simple system of gears and gripping jaws. This one has an ergonomic bakelite knob, marked simply “Acme Steel.” United States, 1940s-1950s.

10” x 9”