The internet’s melting pot of knowledge and curiosity has become a hub for solving mysteries, especially when it comes to household mysteries. From strange tools to strange gadgets, people from all over the world share their expertise to uncover the purpose of these mysterious objects. Here are some fascinating cases that the Internet managed to crack:
Now I’ve Seen Everything can claim that we haven’t seen everything, and here are some mysteries that the internet has solved!
1. “As the spoke part rotates, the spokes (of different diameters) align with the hole on the opposite side of the tool.” Use a Sharpie to determine the size.”
2. “This little plastic basket/holder in the far corner of the cart – I asked the supermarket staff and they had no idea.”
3. “I know it’s a chair, but what about the outstretched arms?”
It appears to be a plantation/planting chair. After riding a horse all day, you would rest your painful, swollen legs on your hands, just like a pregnant woman does. This is also why the back is so lopsided. It wouldn’t be comfortable to cross your legs like this if you were sitting upright, but it’s perfect for blood and airflow while lying down.
4. “A small, light blue, rubber capsule with a tear-off end.”
5. “A co-worker noticed this toilet in the women’s restroom at the Huntsville Space Center. ‘How did it get that shape?’
6. “I’m waiting for the bank to open, and this card is facing the street.” “What is he doing?”
It’s definitely a warning sign. We change ours quarterly to alert other staff that it is safe to open. We usually had two employees “open” the branch while the others waited in the parking lot or across the street for the “all clear.” The openers enter the building, turn off the alarm, search and inspect everything, and then set the signal.
7. “In the middle of the wall in my 1906 house”
It is a closed gas pipe from the days when gas lighting was used.
8. “I found it in shallow water in Guam, 3 feet in diameter.” Nothing like this has ever been seen.”
9. “The opposite of hole-y: what’s the not-really-sharp kitchen spoon for?”
10. “What is the S-shaped metal ornament on this house?”
It is a wall washer or anchor plate. It is designed to hold the masonry in place while still being aesthetically pleasing because it is visible. On the other side, in the middle, a screw holds the bricks in place.
11. “What is this seemingly ancient piece of technology?” “I discovered it in a pile at the university.
12. “My house (built in the mid-1970s) has one of these in almost every room.”
13. “This is a gateway that prevents access to some cell phone towers.” “Why so many locks and how would anyone open them?”
Only one padlock needs to be unlocked to open the gate. Due to the way it is constructed, it can be used by many individuals and if one person loses their keys, only their padlock needs to be replaced. Unlike a single padlock with many keys, you would have to distribute the new key to a large number of people.
14. “What exactly are these crushed balls on my property?”
Juniper-hawthorn rust is a fungal infection. It starts as a gall, then develops tentacles in the spring or after rain. It is unlikely to harm this tree, but can severely damage secondary host apple trees. The only way to get rid of it is to cut and then burn the removed branches. Don’t forget to sterilize the tools afterward.
15. “Cast iron circle with raised edges and zero”
16. “I came across this while cleaning out an old cedar closet.” In the middle was a bent spring. Does it appear to be hanging on the door?”
It appears to be a vintage hat rack. There are many with a flexible bit and drawstring (which presumably allows you to pull the hat down and to the sides to examine it rather than touching the hat itself). Yours seems to be held by sliding to the edge of the table rather than sitting directly on the table. So you keep it upside down.
17. “What is that stuff growing out of the nail holes in my ceiling?”
That’s a termite idiom. You have termites and you need to get rid of them as soon as possible.
18. “I just bought a house and this weird triangular bracket is next to my kitchen sink.” “What exactly is that?”
Serves as a towel holder. Take the corner of the towel and tuck it behind the triangle, then pull the towel to stay in place.
19. “I found it buried in the garden, very hard glass.”
Dad repaired TVs for decades. I can confirm that this one has a glass back.
20. “I got them at a thrift store.” “I thought it was a bar spoon, but I’m not sure.
They are ice cream scoops.
21. “I found this in our kitchen drawer when I moved in and none of my roommates know what it is.” “What exactly is that?”
22. “I discovered this when I was cleaning out my father’s closet.” “Any idea what you’d hang on them?”
23. “It’s made of steel/iron and is heavier than it looks.” We’re not sure if it’s a tool or a kitchen utensil.’
24. “A fine wooden whisk-like object that fits into a small vase with holes at either end.” what exactly is that? “I’m very interested!”
These examples demonstrate the power of online communities in unraveling the mysteries of everyday objects. With the collective knowledge and expertise of people from all over the world, Reddit is proving to be an invaluable resource for those seeking answers to life’s curious questions. So the next time you come across something mysterious in your home, you know where to turn for some detective work and a little internet magic.