What is the purpose of the rods that look like clock hands on the front of a steam engine?

The rods in question are actually locking rods that are used to hold the smokebox door in place and closed. The smokebox is right at the front of a steam locomotive and is where hot fumes will accumulate after having been drawn through boiler tubes from the firebox. The fumes are then vented out of the smokebox via the chimney.

Periodically the smokebox will need to be opened and cleaned as it will accumulate ash and soot after periods of extended use. The smokebox can be opened by using the two external rods on the smokebox door. One of the rods is the locking mechanism itself whilst the other is a screw used to hold the lock in place. When viewed externally, the two rods will present an appearance similar to a clock face.