You said it's a turbo diesel, so I can't imagine bump starting is an option, unless you work on the edge of a cliff! lol
Clutch cutout switch? You know, the one that keeps the car from being allowed to start without the clutch depressed?

Internal guts of an ignition barrel..

What's an ignition barrel? 

you know - the bit you shove a key into and start things with (hopefully) 

Oh, an ignition switch! 

Quote from: Elmojo on May 21, 2015, 07:56:09 PM
Oh, an ignition switch! 

That would be about the right size, with several electrical contacts. And I guess if the "on" always worked, it was just the "start" that had issues then bump starting would still get you running. Why didn't you just install a push button 

If it is an ignition switch (not barrel - I stand corrected since the barrel is the keyed part and not the electrical bit) I shall let Elmojo take it - have just been roped into two days outside of technology coverage..

Yep ignition switch..... It's the electro side of the setup .. The key barrel simply has a little metal tang sticking out the end that slots into the end of the electro bit

Oh, that sounds like a real pain in the butt if it wasn't working right.
My dad had a similar issue on his motorcycle. He would have to switch it on and off until it finally made contact enough to start.
So, my turn then? Yay! 

Ok gents, try this one....

[attachment deleted by admin]

ground clamp for some manner of old electrical piece. Maybe a lightning rod?

Negative. No pun intended. 

A suspension wire/anchor?

Nope!

Tensioning device?

No, but that's on the right track in a very vague way....

Is it used in marine applications?

Looks like 1/2 of a latch for a strap securing loads.

Not used in marine applications, not half of anything.

Hints: It's a tool, it's not all that old, it's currently in use

Argh... another seen it and don't recall moment...

Something something pipework. ...

Is it used to bend something? Like pipes? Or crimp the end of them?