There are a few things that Maltese households have seen in their lifetimes, and one of them is the rebekkin and ‘American brace.’ In a recent post on Facebook group Nostalgia Malta, a local posted two photos of the old tool, which immediately sparked a conversation.

These tools were used for woodworking and were found in every dad’s (or nannu’s) shed or workshop. Many locals who commented on the post said that they got up to all sorts of trouble with the rebekkin (the hand-held turning handle).

“I used to love piercing holes in my dad’s garage wall. It’s like my hands would automatically be attracted to it. And then, cue my dad’s swearing!” admitted one Facebook user. Whoops!

Someone else said she had the tool in her car once and gave it to a kind passerby to help her change her punctured tyre. “He was laughing his head off!” Guess that's not what it's for then?

Ok guys, we know it's a tool but can someone actually explain how it's used and what it does? (Apart from look cool on a hipster's shelf)

Louis Sliemalouis via Nostalgia Malta / Facebook