Know what this part is?

Recently purchased a 99 Tacoma Prerunner 2WD. I've been doing some work on it getting it back in shape and came across two of these in the center console. The previous owner said he doesn't know/remember what they are. Anyone here know?

The small end is not broken or cut. It is clearly machined into a groove. The spring is quite stiff.

 

Center console latch mechanism?

 

That looks like part of a quarter twist fastener like they use on aircraft panels. Off the top of my head I can't think of any place where the Tacoma has one.

Might be from a tool box lid or something with push to shut/push to open sheet metal panels/doors.

 

Part of a 3 hole hole punch? Kinda looks like one on my hole punch.

 

Bingo

 

lol wow that does look like it was used for a hole punch. the bottom part, does it have a wavy cut?

 

Contact for door ajar sensor

 

nope

 

that part does not belong to anything on a 99, it is junk from something else


edit: yes it is a paper punch punchy cutter mcthingamabob


here is a tip. If [random part] it doesn't have a 10mm, 12mm, 14mm, 17mm head, it doesn't come
from a 99 series tacoma or 4runner (j/k)

 

Checking back in. So verdict is hole punch?

Do I win anything?

 

Looks like you may have won some hole punch parts

 

It's probably a replacement head for a sheet metal nibbling cutter. If you've never used one there really fun to use

 

Sorry, just got back to the thread after a crazy weekend. The hole punch idea has absolutely blown my mind. I'm gonna have to grab it out of the truck after work today and check it out.

 

I've compared the part to the office three hole punch and it DOES appear to be a cutter for the punch. I'm floored.
Good call and enjoy your bonus internet points for today!