Mystery Knob

[Chuck Fischer]

Hey I found these in my grandfathers basement. I've used a couple for drawer knobs, but highly doubt thats what they are for. They are very heavy and take a 3/8" bolt. They look like little ball hitches to me. Anyone have any ideas?

http://www.chazmonro.com/photos/knob1.jpghttp://www.chazmonro.com/photos/knob2.jpghttp://www.chazmonro.com/photos/knob3.jpg

[Doug Shepard]

Not positive, but I think I have seen these before. The first thing that came to mind was boat covers. I think I've seen a mating clip sewn into covers that slips over the ball end of your hardware and locks until a pin is pulled to release it. Don't quote me though. I'm not a boater and don't personally have anything like this. They just look real familiar and that's the first thing that came to mind. Could just be too much coffee.

[Dennis McDonaugh]

Chuck, The friction swaybar on my last travel trailer used a ball about that size. There's one ball on the tow vehicle next to the hitch and another on the side of the trailer tongue. The swaybar goes between the two balls and uses a friction shoe to keep the trailer from moving back and forth behind the tow vehicle. There's a cup on the swaybar that fits over the ball and is made secure with a large clip.