Sometimes, we come across objects and don’t know what they’re for. In the past, we had to visit libraries, ask knowledgeable people, or simply accept that we might never find out. But now, the internet helps us figure these things out. Here are 16 discoveries that had surprising explanations.
- “Is this what I think it is?!”
Someone found a ring that looks like an acupressure tool. It’s actually a hand massage kit meant to improve circulation in your fingers.
- “What are these?!”
A person discovered candle holders among their boyfriend’s stuff. Turns out, they were similar to the ones used in their wedding.
- “What’s this thing on the wall in my 1906 house?”
It’s not a decoration — it’s a capped-off gas line from the days when gas lighting was used.
- “What are these flat metal disks with a long stem?”
These are flame snuffers used to put out a fire in a candle or small flame.
- “I found this on my window.”
It’s a crowned slug moth caterpillar. Don’t touch it unless you want a painful experience.
- “What are these rubber bands around books?”
These are elastic bands to keep books closed in backpacks.
- “What is this tool with two handles and rails?”
It’s an old casserole cradle used to hold hot dishes.
- “My father-in-law sent this for my kids, but we have no clue what it is!”
It’s a sprinkler. People used to cork it in a bottle to dampen clothes while ironing.
- “I found this pink clay thing in the garden.”
It’s a worm weight used for fishing, wrapped in indicator putty.
- “What’s this clamp used for?”
This is a gang lock used to secure equipment during maintenance work.
- “I found a heavy blob of metal in the street.”
It’s nickel or chrome slag, a byproduct from an electrolysis plant.
- “What’s this heavy yellow tray?”
It’s a shaving bowl used to mix shaving cream with water.
- “What is this tool with a wooden handle and two metal parts?”
It’s a patterned paint roller for adding texture to paint.
- “What’s this flexible metal?”
It’s boning from a corset or knee brace.
- “I found this plastic object in a drawer.”
It’s a hamster water bottle.
- “What are these objects that look like safety pins?”
They might be other types of pins, but the exact use is unclear.
