What's this tool?

[BigSkyBrad]

A tech at work inherited a tool box from a deceased family member, full of tools. There is  one tool that we have no idea what it is or what it could be used for.

Push in the black knob in the cutout and a blunt-ended rod protrudes and locks in position. Press the red button and the rod springs back into the tool. The casing has a knurled grip surface.

Given that it is quality anodized aluminium, I'm leaning toward something from the aircraft trade. Any clues?

[Thrustyjust]

Solder sucker, for removing solder from a pcb you have just warmed up

[stephenh]

cheese scoop?

[Andy_R]

Lightsaber? 

[Lyonspride]

"Desoldering pump" in the language of non-tech, or "solder sucker" to anyone who ever uses one.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

Solder sucker, BUT, it’s missing the end piece I suspect.

You usually have a plastic nozzle on the end - the metal bar slides out, inside the nozzle to clear it of any solder deposits.

[Northwarks]

I've always found them tricky to use and you need a third hand 

 

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

They make repairs to PCBs possible without destroying the tracks. The nozzles are consumables - see Maplin or the like.

[Dave Eastwood (Gadgetman) - Club Chairman]

I used to use them more, but have started to use braid instead, now I’ve got a temperature controlled iron.

[Man On The Clapham Omnibus]

Never tried braid although a business contact of mine in USA was the agent for a range of solder absorbing products and would have a happily given me samples.

[TAFKARM]

What you think you saw, you did not see. 

[BigSkyBrad]

Ah, I was leaning toward what Will Smith is holding, the only solder suckers I've seen are like an eye dropper. But I see now, now that there is mean't to be a nozzle on the end. The shaft is obviously the same diameter as the inside of the nozzle and it's (really) violent spring return provides the vacuum. The end screws off to empty out the balls of solder collected. All makes sense now - thanks, chaps.