The Unexpected Uses Of Everyday Items
It’s easy to get carried away or overwhelmed with all of the new inventions that come out every day. These could be commonplace items that have been in our homes for years. We rarely ask why things are the way they are. Given that many of these objects are ones you’ve been using for a long time, you might be astonished to realize that you didn’t know these things previously. Following this list, you will gain a better understanding of the various hidden purposes of many products that we all use on a regular basis. Let’s get started, shall we?
Colored Squares On Toothpaste
Have you ever noticed that the bottom of toothpaste tubes has a small colored block? It’s possible that this block is blue, red, green, or black. If you believe this is just for display, you’re mistaken. You’re also wrong if you believe this reveals anything about the product inside.
Colored Squares On Toothpaste
During manufacturing, laser beam sensors scan these “eye marks” (also known as colored blocks) and tell the machines on the assembly line where to cut and fold the packaging. Without these marks, toothpaste would stick together, making it difficult to apply any toothpaste to your toothbrush.
Arrow On Gas Gauge
Most cars made since 2010 include an arrow next to the gas gauge that points to the left or right. The driver can see which side of the car the gas tank is on by looking at this arrow. If it’s pointed to the left, it signifies the gas tank is located on the vehicle’s left side. The same may be said for the right arrow and the car’s right side.
Arrow On Gas Gauge
The majority of people do not require a reminder because they become accustomed to filling up their car and intuitively know which side of the car to approach the gas pump on. However, if you ever have to drive a new car, such as a rental car, you may prevent the inconvenience of pulling up to the wrong side of the gas pump by paying attention to the direction of the arrow.
Loop In Back Of Shirt
Some men’s shirts have loops in the back, which you’ve probably seen. If you’re wondering what was that mysterious loop is doing there, we’ll tell you something interesting. The Navy was the first to include this feature on the backs of men’s shirts. There wasn’t much closet space when the men were at sea. Sailors wore loops on their shirts so that they could hang them on hooks to conserve space.
Loop In Back Of Shirt
The craze became popular among college students in the 1960s, who used the loops in the gym. They hung their shirts on loops while working out to maintain them wrinkle-free and clean. The Gant company, seeing a profit potential, began attaching loops to the backs of their shirts in order to attract their Ivy League customers. The loop evolved into a status symbol.
Metal At End Of Measuring Tape
Most people have had the experience of being summoned to hold the end of a measuring tape by a family member or an annoying roommate. Have you ever noticed the small metal item at the beginning (technically the end) of the measuring tape? You probably have, but you haven’t considered why. The presence of metal can be attributed to a variety of reasons.
Metal At End Of Measuring Tape
For starters, there’s a little slot that may be wrapped around a nail to help hold the measuring tape in place if no one is there to hold the other end. It’s also worth noting that the measuring tape’s edge is somewhat serrated. This is done so that you may easily mark a wall or other surface if you forget to note your measurement with a pencil behind your ear.
Dip In Wine Bottle
You’ve probably noticed that wine bottles have a dip in the bottom. Have you ever considered why this is the case? To begin with, the dip, also known as a punt or a kick-up, prevents the bottle from tipping over. When you have a picnic at the beach or in the park, the plates of food frequently fly over and a storm of napkins erupts in the air? Then there’s the wind, which is trying to knock your bottle over.
Dip In Wine Bottle
“I don’t think so, mister,” says the punt. If there is champagne or sparkling wine within, the punt is also used to strengthen the bottle so it can withstand increased pressure. Finally, the punt facilitates the distribution of steam during the cleaning process prior to the pouring of the wine. As a result, you may relax knowing that the wine you’ll receive is crystal clear. Despite the fact that wine bottles are now stronger, they are nevertheless made with this indentation at the bottom to stick with tradition.
Holes In Airplane Windows
Raise your hand if it’s the first time you sat in a window seat on a plane and spotted a tiny hole in the window that made you panic a little. We say this to expose the purpose of that hole, not to expose you. When you’re so high in the air, seeing a little hold in the windshield of an airplane can be terrifying. If you are a frequent traveler, you can relax. This hole makes no mention of the fact that your seat’s window is about to blow out in the middle of the trip. First and foremost, the hole is known as the breather hole.
Holes In Airplane Windows
The breather hole is responsible for how you can breathe in an airplane when it’s flying so high in the sky. As an airplane climbs, the outside air pressure reduces. Thanks to plane manufacturers, the cabin stays safe and comfortable. If it didn’t, we wouldn’t be able to fly. The breather compensates for the pressure difference between the aircraft’s two outer panels.
Holes In Padlock
Padlocks are useful for a variety of reasons, and you’ve probably used one at some point in your life. Have you noticed the padlock’s bottom has a little hole? As you might have guessed, these holes are useful. The holes are there, first and foremost, to drain any water that has entered the lock. If this is not possible and the water cannot drain, the lock may freeze, causing serious damage.
Holes In Padlock
Another use for these holes is to allow you to pour oil or WD-40 into the lock if it becomes jammed and refuses to open, rendering the item worthless. So, if that treasure chest you dug up as a kid has been stuck for years, you now know how to unlock it and recover the treasure! However, we do deserve a share of the gold.
Hole Next To iPhone Camera
If you have an iPhone, you’ve probably noticed a little hole next to the camera lens. If you’re like the majority of us, you probably didn’t notice because you’re more likely to use the selfie cam. That little hole isn’t a second secret camera that helps Facebook and the NSA spy on you, in any case. It is, in fact, a microphone.
Hole Next To IPhone Camera
All iPhones have had three microphones since the iPhone 5 was released. One is placed directly beneath the speaker grill, another is placed on the phone’s bottom edge, and the third is positioned near beside the camera lens. It’s easy to pick up sounds thanks to the three microphones included, regardless of how you hold your phone.
Keyboard Bumps
Look at any computer keyboard. We’ll wait for you. Do you see the F and J keys have two small bumps on them? If you’ve ever taken a computer class, you might know why these bumps exist. But, if you’re like the rest of us, you probably have no idea. The little bumps are there to help you find your way on the keyboard while staring at the screen.
Keyboard Bumps
Your left pointer finger will be on F and your right pointer finger will be on J if you type with both hands. This allows you to keep your eyes on the screen while typing, knowing that your hands are in the proper positions.
Black Grating In Microwave
You’ve probably noticed that the door of the microwave has a type of black grating on it. This grating is known as a Faraday shield, and it has a very significant function. The shield prevents electromagnetic radiation from escaping the microwave and harming those waiting for their meal to heat up.
Black Grating In Microwave
You should be grateful that the shield was there for you at 3 a.m., peering into the microwave, waiting for your pizza to warm up. You’d be in danger if you didn’t have the shield, and the microwave wouldn’t be as good at cooking your food. But it makes you ask what precisely happens to our food inside the microwave if it need electromagnetic field protection.
Flat Takeout Boxes
Who doesn’t enjoy a greasy Chinese takeout order while binge-watching Netflix? Yes, we do. But, if you’re like most people, you’ve been eating Chinese food wrong for years. We’re discussing how you eat from takeout boxes. Although there’s something fulfilling about eating right from the container, you shouldn’t do it unless you’ve recently broken up with someone.
Flat Takeout Boxes
There’s a reason why the boxes are flat. This is because they are designed to be used as their own plate, and you don’t even need to take the food from the container to do so! Simply pull the sides apart carefully and place it flat on the table. Your meal should now be sitting on a flat and convenient place if you moved it gently and carefully enough. So there’s no need to do the dishes!
Lines Of Red Solo Cup
We’ve all drunk from red solo cups more than we’d like to admit. We’re not here to shame you; instead, we’re here to inform you of something that your drunken freshman year self might have found useful. Have you ever noticed that the insides of red Solo cups have horizontal lines? Those lines are useful.
Lines Of Red Solo Cup
The lines in the cup indicate how much liquid is in it. So, one ounce or one shot of hard alcohol is equal to the first line at the bottom of the cup. The following set of beers are all five ounces in size, which is about right for a single glass. The top line represents 12 ounces or one beer. So you put a few ounces of too much hard alcohol in your cup when you filled it halfway up. The red Solo cup appears to have been on your side all along, and you were completely unaware of it.
Extra Holes In Sneakers
Unless you’ve been having your shoes tied since you were born, you’ve most likely noticed the extra hole at the top of your shoes that the laces aren’t using. Have you ever wondered why they’re present? The extra holes are included in case users get blisters on their feet and need to move their feet within their shoes.
Extra Holes In Sneakers
They can tie their shoes in the extra holes, but they must do so in the opposite direction. This makes a loop on either side, allowing you to cross your laces inside them. Then, before tying your laces properly, pull down on the laces to produce a much tighter lock. This technique is known as the “lace lock” or “heel lock,” and it guarantees that your shoes stay tight on your feet.
Tab On Rearview Mirror
Your car’s rearview mirror probably has a tab at the bottom of it, which you’ve probably noticed. Even if you are aware of the existence of this black tab, you may not be aware of its purpose. Its goal, after all, is to keep you alive.You can adjust the mirror’s position using the black tiny tab to control the glare of lights behind you.
Tab On Rearview Mirror
For instance, you can angle the mirror to dim the headlights of the car behind you. The tab allows us to perform this action manually. It works by deflecting light without obscuring your view of the car behind you. It’s a frequently neglected safety element in cars. These types of mirrors were developed in the 1930s and were standard equipment in the majority of cars and trucks by the 1970s.
Square Patch On Backpacks
Many people enjoy wearing vintage-style backpacks with patch-shaped squares on them. They’re incredibly popular, particularly with companies like Herschel Supply Co., Jansport, and L.L Bean. Did you know, though, that they have a purpose other than to appear cool and vintage? This patch was initially created for travel packs to allow people to carry extra stuff in their bags. It was called a “lash tab” or “pig snout” (you can guess why).
Square Patch On Backpacks
Wearers can hang extra items on the front of the bag using cords and strings that fit through the two tabs of the patches. This is especially useful if you’re going camping and need to secure extra goods to your pack. While you’re probably not going to do any hiking with this backpack, it’s nice to know that you can hang things on the exterior in case you need it!
Plastic Lids On Cups
You’ll probably look at this one and slap yourself for not noticing it before. For both coffee and soda beverages, the plastic lid that comes with each disposable cup can be used as a coaster.
Plastic Lids On Cups
Of course, you’ll keep the lid on when you’re walking or driving. The ridges of the lid, on the other hand, are designed to grip your cup and keep it in place when you sit down to get your caffeine fix. Anyway, it’s 2019, therefore we shouldn’t be using plastic lids in the first place… looks like you missed out.
Randomly Placed Buttons On Jeans
If you frequently wear jeans, you’ve probably noticed the additional buttons scattered around your pockets. These rivets, or buttons, are carefully put on the jeans to keep the seams from wearing out and ripping. After eating that decadent chocolate cake, imagine your jeans ripping in the middle of a party or a holiday dinner.
Randomly Placed Buttons On Jeans
Levi Strauss, the famous Jean tycoon, owns these rivets and has a patent on them. After miners began to complain about their jeans wearing out too quickly, they were introduced in 1829. As a result, young Mr. Strauss began to ponder and developed this product. They make jeans last nearly forever. When you’re out shopping for your next pair of jeans, make sure the ones you’re considering have these bad boys on them.
Loops On Grocery Carts
Have you ever paused to appreciate the design of a grocery cart? You probably haven’t, given the fast-paced environment in which we live. That is precisely why we are here today; to educate you about everyday items! Consider the picture below. Are you familiar with the metal loops that protrude from carts’ fold-out section? This protects your cart’s contents.
Loops On Grocery Carts
The loops can be used to hang plastic bags containing breakable products such as eggs and soft items such as bread that you don’t want to be squashed by heavier items. Clearly, the designer of the supermarket cart was much older than his years. Indeed, if you ever check out folks who bag your groceries and load them into your cart, they may be unaware of this interesting feature. The next time, you can teach them something new and establish yourself as the most likable person in the store.
Golf Ball Dimples
If you’ve ever looked at a golf ball up close, you’ve probably noticed that it has dozens of little dimples on the outside. It wasn’t always like this with golf balls. What happened was that experienced golfers began to discover that older balls with bumps and nicks traveled further over time.
Golf Ball Dimples
These flaws contribute to the formation of turbulence in the air surrounding the ball, which aids in the reduction of drag. Manufacturers eventually began designing golf balls with intact dimples to increase lift and distance.
Margins On Lined Paper
Thousands of times, you’ve used notebook paper. However, have you ever wondered why they appear the way they do? And how come you have more room on the page in college? To be sure, the answer to the second question is self-evident—colleges enjoy torturing students. However, the answer to the first question is a little more intriguing and involves time travel.
Margins On Lined Paper
When rats were regularly discovered in homes decades ago, they chewed on paper. Because paper has margins, a rat can nibble around the edges without damaging someone’s work or consuming vital information. Thus, children could not use the excuse “a rat ate my homework” back then. While this feature is no longer necessary, it is a piece of history that has been preserved. Additionally, the corners of our papers frequently become soiled, so it’s a good thing they’re there.
Holes In Pot Handle
You might not understand why pots and pans have holes at the end of the handles unless you’re a chef. There are two logical explanations for the hole’s existence. For starters, the hole makes it simple to hang the pot on hooks while it’s not in use or drying out. You may have even used similar pots in your own kitchen before. The other trick of the trade, on the other hand, is probably something you haven’t tried before, and you’re going to love it.
Holes In Pot Handle
It’s time to put down the saucy stirring spoon and clean off the counter. Slip the utensil into the pot the next time you’re making a red curry and left it there to rest while your food cooks. This smooth hack is especially worth trying the next time you’re cooking dinner and want to impress guests with your excellent Top Chef skills. Many ‘oohs’ and ‘aahs’ are certain to follow your performance.
Cylinder Toward End Of Cable Cord
You’ve probably used a cable or power cord previously for a variety of reasons. You could have noticed a big cylinder-shaped lump near the cord’s end if you have. Apart from being a cylinder-shaped lump, there is a name for this. Chokes or ferrite cores are what they’re called.
Cylinder Toward End Of Cable Cord
It’s just magnetic iron oxide, and it helps to keep high-frequency electromagnetic interference at bay. When your phone is too close to a speaker, do you get that strange static noise that interrupts your call? This is an example of interference like this. To prevent this, cable cords are designed with large cylinders.
Wings On Apple Power Cord
Do you own a MacBook? If that’s the case, you’ve surely noticed that the power cord has some wings that you can pull up. You may have been confused as to what these things’ purpose is. We were all there, rest assured! They do, however, serve a purpose.
Wings On Apple Power Cord
It’s much easier to wrap the cable around the power block and keep it out of the way if you flip up the wings. It isn’t necessary to use, but it is a useful tool that will enhance your experience.
Paper Condiment Cups
We’ve all dipped our french fries and chicken fingers into those little (and, dare we say, pitiful) paper condiment cups. You know, the ones where you dip two fries in and the ketchup is gone in an instant. Let’s not even talk about dipping your fatty chicken wings into those little suckers.
Paper Condiment Cups
We’re not going to dive into the science of why those objects are so small (to be honest, we’re not sure). But we’ll show you how to use them properly so you can be the coolest kid in your chicken wing and fries crew. These little cups, like the Chinese takeaway containers, are supposed to be unfolded and used as a plate. Never again will you have to fight to dip a fat wing into them.
Pocket In Women’s Underwear
Have you ever noticed that your underwear has secret little pockets sewed right into it? Because they aren’t secret pockets, you can’t put your tampons, pads, or whatever else you want in them. This small flap is referred to as a panty gusset. To keep the privates dry and ventilated, gussets are frequently composed of moisture-wicking, breathable fabrics like cotton.
Pocket In Women’s Underwear
The majority of producers don’t bother to stitch them closed. In any case, it’s more comfortable to leave it open. It also gives women the freedom to store whatever they want there!
Zigzag Side Of Bobby Pin
You can probably imagine how a bobby pin looks in your hair even if you’ve never used one (guys, we’re looking at you). One side is wavy, while the other is straight. The wavy zigzag side is the one that faces the scalp and hence isn’t visible.
Zigzag Side Of Bobby Pin
The wavy side of the pin is exactly what helps to keep the pin in place by catching the hair on the other side. That’s why you only see the wavy side of the bobby pin when it isn’t being held in place.
Soda Can Tab
The top of a soda can is as recognizable to most of us as the back of our hands. You may have overlooked one element of the soda can tab despite having consumed soda hundreds, if not thousands, of times in your life. The tab has another purpose besides occasionally breaking off into the can and ruining the rest of your drink.
Soda Can Tab
The tab on the top of soda cans was made to be flipped over and used as a straw holder. Right, who knew? Despite this handy feature, most of us avoid using straws while drinking from a can, if not for the sake of the environment, then because they’re flimsy inside the can and it’s more pleasant to sip straight from the can. However, using the tab to keep your straw in place makes great sense.
Hole In Cap Of Ballpoint Pens
We’ve all used ballpoint pens since we were in grade school. Have you ever wondered why your cap has a hole in it? The company, on the other hand, carefully placed that hole there. No, it’s not because it dries up faster, causing you to purchase more pens. The hole in the top is there in case a child or adult swallows the cap accidentally. If this happens, air can flow through the cap due to the hole, allowing the unlucky fellow who swallowed the cap to breathe.
Hole In Cap Of Ballpoint Pens
If you’re wondering what kind of grownup swallows the top of a pen, keep in mind that many adults have the unfortunate habit of swallowing pen caps. It only takes one incorrect move to choke on the cap by accident. You’re free to believe in conspiracy theories about companies drying out pens on purpose, but just know that the company designed the pen with your safety in mind.
Discs Under Bottle Caps
You’ve probably observed that a small plastic disc is hidden beneath the cap of a plastic drink bottle at some point. While you may not think much of it (and why should you? ), there is an interesting reason for its presence. That tiny plastic disc helps in carbonation retention in some way.
Discs Under Bottle Caps
We’re not here to explain the science; we’re here to give you the facts. We have effervescent soda instead of flat soda thanks to those little discs. Nobody wants to live in a world where sodas are flat. Gross.
Blue Part Of Eraser
Some erasers may appear to be different colors to appeal to children. The blue component of the eraser has even been rumored to release ink in schools. That isn’t the case, unfortunately. The blue section, on the other hand, is designed to be used on thicker, stronger paper than common loose-leaf or notebook paper.
Blue Part Of Eraser
Artists, for example, use paper that is more friction sensitive. As a result, they must use a specific type of eraser, as opposed to the pink erasers that the rest of us use.
Long Neck Bottles
Have you ever wondered why your alcoholic beverage often comes in bottles with long necks, if you’re one of us who enjoys an adult beverage? You were probably more concerned with drinking the liquid courage than with learning about its history. For starters, a beer bottle’s long neck makes it easy to hold for lengthy periods of time. It’ll also be simpler to pour into the ice-cold glass you’ve been freezing for an hour.
Long Neck Bottles
In unfiltered beers, some bottles have a more bulbous neck to better capture particles and sediment. Furthermore, when your warm hand is around the bottle, the long necks help disperse heat throughout the entire bottle. In other words, the long neck ensures that your beverage stays as cold as possible… which is exactly what you want, right?
Pom-Poms On Winter Hats
You may have chosen a winter hat with a cute little fluffy pom-pom that sits on top when looking for a hat to combat the freezing temperatures of winter. While this is a winter fashion trend, it actually dates back to sub-zero Scandinavia, where people have been wearing this look all year since the Vikings! The pom-pom first appeared on the Viking god Freyr. A figurine of Freyr was discovered, depicting him wearing a hat or helmet with a pom-pom on top.
Pom Poms On Winter Hats
The word “pom-pom” was used in the 18th century. It is derived from the French word ‘pompon,’ which refers to a small fabric or feathered ball. The pom-pom was ideal for heavier, larger trinkets carried by soldiers at the time. Instead, bits of yarn might be used to make a pom-pom for a low cost. People all throughout the world fell in love with the pom-pom’s fluffiness and color, and it has stuck around for centuries.
Wooden Coat Hangers
Do you have a mix of wooden and plastic coat hangers in your closet? The way someone hangs their clothes might reveal a lot about them. But have you ever wondered why wooden hangers exist? They’re made to keep moths and other insects away from your clothing. Heavy clothing, like coats and dresses, is more sensitive to insects than lighter apparel.
Wooden Coat Hangers
Cedar wood is used to make wooden hangers, which is known for its natural ability to repel moths and other bugs. It absorbs moisture and odors as well. So, if you notice that bugs are drawn to the clothes in your closet, you’ll know what to do!
Color-Coded Ice Cream Scoops
To be honest, I spent several years working in an ice cream shop and never understood why the ice cream scoops were all different colors. I didn’t even consider asking. Years later, I’ve finally figured out why. Each color indicates a different scoop size. I guess I mixed up a few too many orders. It’s no surprise that my customers were always so happy…
Color Coded Ice Cream Scoops
Ice cream scoops are available in a variety of sizes. This is measured by the number of scoops in a cup and how many scoops in a 32-ounce container. While the rainbow colors of the handles are bright and cute, they have a function other than making you feel warm and happy on the inside.
Flaps On Juice Boxes
How could we have spent our entire childhood doing something so simple, yet so wrong? If you’re lucky, your parents addressed the flaps, even if they told you a lie like “the flaps help you get the most liquid out of the box.” Instead, after incorrectly holding the juice box by its middle, which caused the juice to spill out of the straw, I was left with juice on my hands and a half-empty juice box. The horror.
Flaps On Juice Boxes
To prevent this, those flaps are supposed to be turned outward. Is it simple to transport? Check. Spill-proof? Check. Is it true that our entire existence has been a lie? Double-check. We’re not going to let any youngster suffer from ignorance the way we did now that we know the bulky flaps can be folded outward to make them simpler to handle for small-handed children. I feel like we’ve reached a point in our life where we can start drinking juice boxes. We’ve got years to make up for everything we’ve done wrong!
Ridges On Coins
We’re not sure whether you’ve noticed, but quarters and dimes have rough edges. Go ahead, we’ll patiently wait for you to take some coins from your wallet to compare the differences, if you still have any coins at all, given that credit cards have taken over the globe. To set the scene, the year is 1972, and the U.S. Mint has just been formed by the Coinage Act. Coins used to be stamped with varied weights to indicate the coin’s real value.
Ridges On Coins
Minters put ridges on coins (a process known as reeding) to make it simple to discern whether the edges had been shaved off, to prevent thieves from filing shavings from the sides of the coins and selling the metal. Another advantage of doing so was that it made counterfeiting money more difficult. This is no longer a concern because coins are no longer made of precious metal. Our coins, however, still have edges.
Detachable Headrest In Cars
This one is open for discussion. Do you know how the tops of car seats can be removed? Come on, I’m sure I wasn’t the only one who used to pull them out on family road trips and anger my father. If you believe there isn’t a reason for this, you’re mistaken. Well, there’s a popular meme going around that explains why this is happening. The purpose for the removable tops of seats, according to this meme, is in case of an emergency.
Detachable Headrest In Cars
If you’re caught in your car, pull out the headrest and use the metal bars to break the window and get out. While the headrests are intended to give support for your head and neck in the event of an accident, you may ask why they are removable. I’m choosing to believe that all those times I yanked the headrest out were useful and that I’ll be the one who understands what to do if I’m stuck inside a car.
Extra Fabric With Clothing
When changing your clothes, you’ve surely noticed that many of them come with an extra patch of fabric inside. If anything, you’ve considered keeping the fabric in case your shirt or pants rip and you need to stitch anything back together. Well, it’s not there in case your pants rip, but we suppose you could use it as such if your shirt rips.
Extra Fabric With Clothing
The main purpose of the small fabric is to allow you to test out different ways of washing the material to see whether it shrinks or bleeds colors. This ingenious feature informs you of how the clothing item will behave in the washing machine. Don’t feel terrible if you’re beating yourself right now remembering the last time you damaged a new shirt. Unfortunately, the majority of people are unaware of this feature.
Three Handles On Jerry Can
Jerrycans were created for military purposes in Germany in the 1930s. The jerrycan’s original design is still widely used in the military today. Because it was requested that a soldier should be able to carry two full or four empty containers by holding onto the outer handle, the three handles were constructed. Three handles go across the top of the container to keep the fuel properly spread while you hold it.
Three Handles On Jerry Can
This is particularly true when it is carried by two people. If you’re carrying it with a friend, grip one of the outer handles for each of you. If you’re Hercules enough to carry it alone, take it by the middle handle, or by the outside left and right handles, respectively, if you’re holding two in each hand.
Brass Doorknobs
We don’t expect you to notice brass doorknobs, so give yourself a break on this one. Brass is used for every doorknob. The doorknobs are constructed out of this for a very good purpose, and it’s not by chance. Brass objects are more resistant to the growth of bacteria. Consider how frequently doorknobs are touched during the day.
Brass Doorknobs
The brass helps in keeping them germ-free. This is critical, given that individuals frequently touch doorknobs after handling a variety of other objects. People will take up germs on their hands in a number of ways, so this is obviously crucial. We are less exposed to germs because of the brass than if they were made of another material.
The Fifth Pocket On Your Jeans
You’ve certainly seen the tiny pocket on the side of your jeans, and while you probably just chalked it up to a design choice and use it to store folded currency or your favorite lip balm, this fifth pocket serves a purpose.
The Fifth Pocket On Your Jeans
During the mid-1800s, cowboys and gold miners wore jeans as their favorite style of pants, and their pocket watch was one of their most important items. Unfortunately, the little pocket was created to protect their valuable and delicate pocket watches while they worked.
The Hole in a Pasta Spoon
Have you ever noticed your pasta spoon’s big hole in the middle? Even if you’re not a major fan of Italian cuisine, you’ve probably seen these spoons and wondered why on earth a spoon would have such a large, strange hole in it. It turns out that there’s a very basic and useful explanation for it: it helps you calculate the exact amount of pasta you’ll need for a single serving.
The Hole In A Pasta Spoon
So, the next time you’re cooking for one and don’t want to go overboard on the carbonara, take a handful of dried noodles and fit them through the spoon hole to ensure you have the appropriate amount.
The Half-Belt On Coats
The half-belt is a garment feature typically found on pea coats or trench coats, as well as some types of jackets, and while you might believe it’s just a fashion statement similar to “pre-torn” jeans, the half-belt has a purpose.
The Half Belt On Coats
The half-belt was originally designed for men in the military who wore oversized jackets that doubled as blankets. The soldiers could wander around freely because the belt was used to gather and hold any additional material.
Utility Blades
These days, it’s difficult to find someone who doesn’t have a box cutter or utility knife on hand. This secret function of a utility blade will come in handy whether this essential tool is something you use on a regular basis or something that generally stays in a drawer gathering dust. Utility knives have a thick, plastic cap on the end, and the blades contain small score lines, as you may have noticed.
Utility Blades
The score lines are there to show you were to break off the blade so that you can have a new, sharp blade whenever you desire. You may also remove the plastic cap and use it to cut off the blade! It’s simple, safe, and prevents cuts.
Cream Tube Caps
Though many of you may already be aware of this gem, it’s worth sharing for those who haven’t yet discovered it. You’ve definitely spotted spikes on the tops of some cream tubes’ lids, and if you’re like us, you’ve probably wondered what they’re for. Now you don’t have to wonder any longer.
Cream Tube Caps
All of these spikes are there so that you can use them to pierce through the protective foil covering your new tube. Remove the cap by unscrewing it, flipping it upside down, and using the spike to punch a hole through the foil.
The Holes in Rulers
Rulers are a must-have item in every respectable pencil case, and they’re normally a tool found in every home. While the purpose of a ruler is rather obvious, many people are confused as to why they have a hole in them.
The Holes In Rulers
You’ve probably noticed that many rulers have a small hole on one end, and it turns out that these holes are there so you can hang the ruler and have it ready whenever you need it!
The Lid on Tic Tac Packages
Everyone likes Tic Tacs. Even if you don’t, chances are you’ve tried them at least once. You’ve probably noticed a slight indentation on the lid of one of those cute little Tic Tac boxes if you’ve ever opened one. The first thing that springs to mind is that it has to do with tightly sealing the plastic box.
The Lid On Tic Tac Packages
While this is undoubtedly true, the indentation also serves another purpose: it acts as a dispenser, delivering Tic Tacs one at a time. Simply shake the box upside down, place it upright, then open the top to reveal a Tic Tac that fits exactly in the indentation and is ready to be grabbed!
The Metal Plates On Staplers
You’re undoubtedly very familiar with staplers if you’ve ever worked in an office. If that’s the case, you’ve probably spotted the metal plate at the front end and figured it was meant to help bend the staples. Although this is one of its functions, it is far from the only one.
The Metal Plates On Staplers
The metal plate, known as an anvil, allows you to alter the settings on your normal stapler. You can change the setting on your stapler by turning it upside down and spinning the wheel until it lines up with the hole in the metal plate. As a “temporary staple,” this will turn the arms of the staple outward, making it much easier to pull out the staple later if necessary.
The Hole On the Top Of a Lollipop Stick
Lollipops will always be a kid’s favorite. No kids’ party would be complete without them, and converting the plastic stick with a hole into a makeshift whistle was one of the finest parts of eating a lollipop. That hole serves a function, as entertaining as it was.
The Hole On The Top Of A Lollipop Stick
During the process of pouring hot, melted candy into the mold, some of the candy falls into the hole and hardens, ensuring that the candy remains on the stick without coming off.
The Threaded Bands On Audio Jacks
If you were to examine an audio jack attentively, you would see that it has deep ridges. These bands are there to make it more difficult to insert and remove the jacks when they are connected in, although this is only one of their roles.
The Threaded Bands On Audio Jacks
When sound is transmitted, the threaded bands are comprised of an insulating substance that protects the wires. In addition, the number of ridges on a jack indicates which end goes where.
Silica Gel Packets
Everyone is aware that silica gel packets are used to maintain the “freshness” of a product. Have you ever wondered how this tiny bag of beads does it? Silica gel absorbs moisture from its surroundings and can absorb up to 50% of the humidity in an enclosed space, keeping things nice and dry.
Silica Gel Packets
If you acquire a new product that comes with one of these little packets, save it instead of tossing it away. If your phone goes in the toilet, you may quickly stuff it into a handful of these tiny beads. It works far better than rice and is much less messy!
Rubber Bumps On Your Tires
If you’re not a mechanic, you’re probably unaware that these exist. And why would you want to? It’s not like we inspect our tires on a daily basis. However, if you did, you would discover that your tire tread has small rubber lumps on it.
Rubber Bumps On Your Tires
These raised edges inside the tread indentations signal when it’s time to replace your tires; if the edges are even with the bumps, you should get to the tire shop. You’re good to go if the edges are well above the bumps.
The Stripes in Your Toothpaste
If you’ve ever purchased a tube of Aquafresh toothpaste, you’ve probably noticed the multicolored stripes on the tube. And no, despite the red, white, and blue stripes, this has nothing to do with patriotism. In the 1970s, people realized that brushing their teeth was insufficient to keep foul breath away for extended periods of time.
The Stripes In Your Toothpaste
As a result, Aquafresh added an ingredient (the blue stripe) that served solely as a breath refresher. When consumers began to be worried about their gum health, Aquafresh added the red stripe, which is designed to minimize plaque. Multicolored stripes became a big hit, and other toothpaste brands quickly followed suit.
Women’s Shirt Buttons
The importance of buttons on a woman’s shirt may surprise you. They not only keep your clothes closed, but their placement on your shirt—whether on the right or left—is a symbol of social rank.
Women’s Shirt Buttons
Back in the day, buttons on the right indicated that you were a farmer or a “commoner,” as you were most likely clothing yourself. Buttons on the left, on the other hand, signaled to the public that you were upper-class and perhaps dressed by servants. We’re wondering if the placement of buttons was a clever marketing strategy in 17th-century France. It appears that it could have been.
The Blue Bristles On a Toothbrush
So, the faded color is effectively a reminder to go out and get a new one. However, we believe that this information should be made more widely available, as there are likely many people who are unintentionally using faded and soft-bristled toothbrushes and are unsure when to replace them.
The Blue Bristles On A Toothbrush
It’s possible that your toothbrush is divided into colors for no apparent reason other than to look cool. This is not the case, however. They actually color part of the toothbrush blue for a very functional reason. Around the time that a new toothbrush is required, the blue bristles begin to lose their color.
The Square Hole on the McFlurry Spoon
When McDonald’s introduced the delicious McFlurry ice cream, it destroyed many people’s diets. If you’ve ever had the pleasure of eating one of these, you’ve probably noticed that it’s served with a strange-looking spoon.
The Square Hole On The McFlurry Spoon
The McFlurry spoon has a square-shaped hole in its handle and is used to attach to the machine that blends the ice cream and toppings together. The machine’s bar slides into the spoon and completely stirs it. The only reason you get a spoon with it is to keep the mess to a minimum. Isn’t it awesome?
Order of the Letters on a Keyboard
The creators of the keyboard must have had a valid reason for not arranging the letters alphabetically. It seems counter-intuitive not to do so. Well, there’s a reason for it, and it didn’t start off that way. The original keyboard did, in fact, include alphabetically-organized letters.
Order Of The Letters On A Keyboard
However, because typewriters used to be clumsy machines with metal arms, expert typists would type too quickly, causing the keys to jam. As a result, keyboard designers decided to change the order of the keys, slowing down typists and providing each letter a little “break.” The world has grown accustomed to the letter order, and it does not appear that we will be returning to it very soon.
The Second Hole On a Jerrycan
In the case that you’ve ever had to fill up a gas can for a lawnmower or any other type of machine, you may have observed that the jerrycan has two holes with caps on them. So what is the purpose of the second, smaller hole?
The Second Hole On A Jerrycan
The second hole is there for safety reasons. To avoid “glugging,” which would result in a waste of fuel and extremely flammable clothing if it spilled, you should unscrew the cap before pouring the gas.
The Dent On a Milk Jug
According to what you’re probably already aware of, milk jugs are commonly found with a dent on one of the edges. And, while many people may simply chalk it up to a design decision, there is a reason for this ding in the pavement.
The Dent On A Milk Jug
One of its functions is to inflate if there is a gas accumulation, signaling that the milk has gone bad. Another purpose for the strange dent is to keep the jug from exploding if dropped by accident. The dent allows the jug to expand, dissipating the abrupt pressure that occurs when the jug is dropped.
The Little Hole On Elevator Doors
If you’ve ever wondered if that small hole in the elevator door was a covert spy camera, you’re in the same boat as the rest of the population. You’d be wrong, just like the rest of us.
The Little Hole On Elevator Doors
The small, peculiar hole on elevator doors is there in case the doors become stuck and must be manually opened. It’s official: our days of suspecting the elevator of spying on us are finished.