Found on our doorstep - what is it?

[oscarcat99]

See picture - it's about the length of my index finger and metal. DH suspects criminal intent! Can anyone identify it?

I think it's too hooky for a lock pick, either way having CCTV has often revealed innocent explanations for what often initially appeared to be sinister.

They tend to use pliers to snap the lock barrel off, it’s now a dance move..
see my comment above. This is what happened to me when I was burgled and had laptops, designer hand bags, wallet and two mid range cars stolen 😡

DH is a telephone engineer. He says it's a tool for punching wires into a telephone exchange. He's now rummaging in his tool kit to find one.

Google Krone Punch down insertion tool.

He is useful for something after all!

My husband knows what it is. A Krone tool unpicker. He said BT would use one. He showed me one on Google and it's exactly the same

DH (electrician) says it's part of a tool for pulling cable out of a junction box. He's just gone to get his to compare.

@Brollywasntneededafterall

Could have been worse... Could have been a baby!!

I would love to find a baby on my doorstep! But only if I could keep it.

Lol all these men in their toolboxes right now

Trying to add a photo. The bit at the bottom is the thing you're after.

Agree have googled a krone punch down insertion tool and it's definitely that

Just need to clear my Google history from all the lock picks and window picks have now Googled as a result of this thread

It doesn't look like a lock pick to me although I'm not an expert I'd say it was dropped by wildlife.

@couchparsnip

DH is a telephone engineer. He says it's a tool for punching wires into a telephone exchange. He's now rummaging in his tool kit to find one.

Google Krone Punch down insertion tool.

He is useful for something after all!

Couchparsnip wins!

@ItsJustMyFace

My husband knows what it is. A Krone tool unpicker. He said BT would use one. He showed me one on Google and it's exactly the same

Well done that man, for once a Man has spoken and got it right

@octoegg definitely that

We use these at work for electrical idc connections @couchparsnip is spot on .
There held in by a pin that snaps often lose them

He says it's the arm off this thing.

All the tradesmen turned up at once

I like how all the electricians came out at once

Haha perfect thank you, I knew mumsnet would have the answer! I will stand DH down for now but probs move forward on the Ring doorbell just for reassurance in future

looks like a lever / latch / hinge from something that extends out - like a window, pram, door (old style latch)

Looks like some kind of door latch. Have a look at these Google images and take your pick
www.google.com/search?q=door+latch&tbm=isch&chips=q:door+latch,g_1:antique:uZ7IJbiFfe0%3D&hl=en&sa=X&ved=2ahUKEwj-ubrzwJjzAhXMw4UKHdVRCyMQ4lYoBnoECAEQJw&biw=2543&bih=924

...couple of examples attached.

Wouldn't fancy trying to pick a lock with it! Easier to use your elbow I should think!

MN to the rescue!

I'm absolutely crying at reading some of these comments - trust me, the police categorically will not finger print something you've found outside your house - a gun or knife may be the exception but not something that is highly likely to be a punching tool ..

It's one of those covid door hooks to operate door handles without touching them with your hands

Well done @octoegg who I believe was the first to give the right answer so should get the credit (or their DH should)

Hoof pick ?