This tool was discovered at a yard sale in The Dalles , Oregon. I have no idea what it's purpose might be or what might be it's name. Any help would be much appreciated.
Here is a picture:

Hi Bob,

The scale of the pic could be misleading, but is the tool about 4-5" long?

It looks a little like a center-finding drill bit, to be used for drilling hinges, etc., but it's a little unlike any I've seen before...

I assume the drill bit can be screwed in from the end? Is there a hole at the other end for the bit to exit?

That's my best guess from your pic, anyway.

I found a crazy old tool in a friend's basement this weekend, and we haven't the foggiest idea what it is. I'm sure there's an old-timer shaking his head at me somewhere...

Cheers,
Brock

Hi Bob -
My certified, 100% uneducated guess would be that it's a type of spear bit, for masonry and tile; it's difficult from the pic to see the actual size and all sides of the piece, but there you have my 2 bits... :p
*K

The drill bit does go into the handle and would appear to normally be stored there. The drill bit also has a small hole near the cutting end. The whole tool with bit inserted inside is 5 3/4 inches long. There is no way to use the drill bit when it is stored inside the tool. And the drill bit does not separate from it's knurled handle.

The three pieces at the opposite end from drill storage expand as the smaller knurled portion is screwed into the larger knurled portion. This would appear to be to hold it in place in a round opening. The surfaces of the expanding pieces are smooth and polished with no abrasive marks.

My first thought ios that it's some sort of surgical tool. It appears unrusted, which makes me think it's probably stainless. I dunno, any doctors in the house??

The small hole in the end of the drill bit reminds me of the "fish bits" I use for wiring work. You can attach a wire and pull it back through the hole using that small hole. The main assembly almost looks like it could be a temporary dog (i.e. workbench type - not the pawed variety). Are there any aircraft assembly plants nearby? Is the a through hole in the main assembly and if so, does the small drill protrude when the main assembly is fully expanded?

Interesting piece.

When the drill is stored in the main body, it is completely enclosed and there is no hole through the assembly.

I am a retired physician and I have never seen anything like this.

It is stainless and nicely machined.