This month's item is a set of dapping tools, or daps. They're used to make curved impressions in, or "dimple," soft metals. While they are used in a variety of trades, they are popular with silversmiths and jewelry makers. To read an extensive discussion about how they are used in making jewelry, click here.

Several people guessed that they were used to smooth out metal (e.g., auto dents and dings). It makes sense, but we couldn't accept that answer because the tool is meant to create impressions, not remove them.

It's easy to confuse this item with a brick jointer (shown right), even though it's not the traditional S-shaped tool many people think of when they think of a brick jointer. Not surprisingly, the two function identically. Specifically, the ball of the tool is used to smooth the mortar between bricks, leaving a smooth and consistent finish.

In this case, the primary differentiating factor was the number of sizes shown. A set of brick jointers wouldn't be sold in the smaller sizes. In fact, they're often sold in pairs with the balls ranging from 1/2" to 1.25" in diameter.

We want to thank David C. of Nashville, TN, for supplying this month's mystery item!