Things That You Never Knew Had A Strange And Secret Purpose
Have you ever wondered what that weird drawer was for under your oven or what the little black diamonds mean on your measuring tape? The world is full of little design features that exist to make our lives a little bit easier— if only we knew about them. Some of these design features are so well designed that they blend seamlessly into their surroundings.
We're here to help you uncover the greatest built-in product features that have always been sitting right under your nose.
What The Black Diamond On Your Measuring Tape Means
It might be something you've never given much thought to before, but those little black diamonds (sometimes triangles) on a tape measure are there for more than decoration. They're known as "black truss" markings. They begin at 19.2 inches and go all the way to 96 inches (eight feet).
Their purpose? For every eight-foot section of wall, there should be five floor trusses placed 19 inches apart. The black markings show where the studs should be. The first mark indicates where the center of the first stud in a wall is located. Knowing where the studs are can be very useful when hanging items on the wall!
The Holes In Pot Handles Can Be Used As Spoon Holders
The holes in the handles of pots and pans are great for hanging your pots up on hooks if you need to save some space in your kitchen. The holes can also work as a spoon (or any mixing utensil) holder in a pinch.
Just push the end of your spoon through the hole to keep your counters mess-free while you're cooking. Now you won't get tomato sauce absolutely everywhere the next time you make spaghetti bolognese.
That Spiky Bit On Medicine Caps Helps Tear Through Foil Seals
SOmetimes tubes of medicated creams and ointments come with a spiky cap. The cap might have a spike in the center of it. The reason those spikes exist is to help customers poke through the foil seal under the cap.
That foil exists to let customers know that their product hasn't been tampered with. The spike will protect your nails. Just turn the cap upside down and poke it right through the seal. Then you can start using your new ointment.
The Triangle Beside Your Gas Gauge Tells You Which Side The Tank Is On
You know that feeling when you go to fill up your car with gas only to realize that you've pulled into the station the wrong way? Now you have to turn around so that the gas pump is on the right side of your car, wasting valuable time and energy. If only you had paid attention to the little arrow on your gas gauge.
The direction it's pointing lets you know which side your gas tank is on.
You've Been Eating Ketchup Wrong Your Whole Life
Those tiny paper ketchup cups you find in fast-food restaurants are actually more useful than you thought. Those cups have very specific folds, and you can actually unfold those folds to create a little ketchup plate for easier dipping.
The next time you're at a fast-food restaurant with your friends, try showing them this trick. They'll be so impressed with your condiment knowledge that they might just share their crispiest, crunchiest french fries with you.
The Extra Holes On Your Padlocks Are For Drainage
Aside from the actual lock, the extra little hole is very important. Weirdly enough, it acts as a drain for any padlock you might be using outdoors. Meaning, your lock won't rust, freeze, and then break on you. It will be in tip-top shape for all of the elements it will face while doing its job outside.
It also is used as a way to oil your lock. No need to hurt your ears with horrible squeaking noises! Long story short, that extra little hole is there to make sure your padlock is always in working condition.
A Secret Tic Tac Dispenser
We've all been eating Tic Tacs incorrectly our whole lives. Inside the flip-up lid on the Tic Tac box, there's actually a little indentation that's the exact size and shape of a single Tic Tac. Just flip the box on its side and flip the lid open. You'll be served a single Tic Tac on a white plastic platter.
If you want to eat two Tic Tacs at a time, well, just dump the contents of the box into your hand (or mouth) the old fashioned way.
Take Apart Your Take-Out Containers
Ever go to pick up your Chinese takeout only to be greeted with a funny look when you ask for paper plates? Well, there's a good reason for that, and it's not because the cashier thinks you could just use your normal plates. Much like the fast-food condiment cups, Chinese takeout containers are folded in such a way that you are able to unfold them and utilize them as dinner plates!
No need to use valuable resources when we all know you're going to finish that container of chicken lo mein anyway. Take it in stride, people, and use what you are given to its full extent!
Why There's A Hole In Your Pasta Spoon
Have you ever looked at a pasta spoon and wondered why there was a hole right in the middle of it?
Slotted spoons have a neat feature that allows you to strain the pasta and leave the water behind. So if you ever wanted to insert spaghetti into a pot without splashing boiling water everywhere, there you go! Now you can scoop your noodles into a delicious sauce taking just the right amount of pasta water along with it.
Those Dots On Your Windshield
Ever noticed that there is a black band running along the edge of windshields that is usually followed by a series of small dots? Well, this is known as the "frit" of a windshield which is baked-in ceramic paint that has a variety of functions. First and foremost, it protects the sealant from ultraviolet rays which keep the glass in place.
It also helps to conceal the dirt that builds on the edge of the glass. The dots, on the other hand, are used to transition from the black frit to the transparent glass, which also helps with temperature distribution.
What That Drawer Under Your Oven Is Really For
Most people use that drawer under their ovens to store baking sheets or spare wooden spoons, but the drawer was actually designed for a different purpose.
That drawer was actually designed to be a food warmer. It's a place to store food that's already been cooked when you want to keep it warm until it's time to eat. Of course, if the drawer is full of baking sheets and wooden spoons, there won't be much room in there for food.
The Indentations On The Bottoms Of Wine Bottles
So what is really up with wine and champagne bottles having those indentations at the bottom? While some of us probably thought they were for show or for some fancy decoration, there's a better explanation.
The indentations are there to compensate for the pressure of the contents of the bottle when it goes through the corking process. The bottoms and sides of bottles are considered to be weak spots and the indentations help to evenly distribute the pressure inside. Champagne bottles have much deeper indentations since they are under much more pressure due to the carbonation.
The Disk Under Bottle Caps Serves A Purpose
By now you're probably marveling over your little discoveries of all these things that serve so much purpose that you never paid any mind to, right? Well, here’s another one!
Do you know that little disc under the lid of plastic water and soda bottles? They serve a special purpose as well. You might find that removing them doesn't cause a problem. The bottle still closes fine, right? Turns out, they create a seal that keeps everything in the bottle – both liquid and carbonation. Without that little disc, your soda would go flat very quickly!
Margins Were Rat Protection
While most people assume that notebook margins are there for teachers to leave comments, that’s a common misconception. In reality, margins started being added to the paper in order to protect people’s work.
Earlier in history, having the edges of your paper chewed off by rats or insects was relatively common, so people who wrote all the way to edge would lose work. By establishing large margins, it gave the rats room to eat away with a lesser chance of them ruining a piece of paper with writing on it.
The Holes In The Side Of Your Sneakers Actually Serve A Purpose
You know those little metal-rimmed holes on the side of your running shoes and sneakers? Well, those things aren't just for show. Converse All-Stars added those holes for a very specific reason, and no, they're not just for ventilation.
There is a way to lace up your sneakers using those holes that doesn't leave loose lace ends flopping around. This lacing technique was used by basketball players to decrease their chances of tripping on the court.
The Right Way To Use Bobby Pins
We all have used bobby pins for various reasons, whether it be for styling hair, getting yourself out of a tricky situation or for other discovered needs along the way. Bobby pins are just those things lying around the house that are either super useful for some or overlooked by many.
But have you ever wondered why bobby pins have one side shaped like a zigzag? Since they are famously known for styling hair, the grooved side is the bottom of the pin and it should face toward the scalp! The grooves help the hairpin hold the hair better. Helpful info!
What The Blue Side Of Your Eraser Is For
As a kid, and sometimes even today, erasers were essential for anyone in school. While it has been known to erase pencil marks, that blue side has a purpose as well!
Turns out, that blue side of the eraser is meant to erase pen ink but it actually only works on very strong and thick paper. The blue side of the eraser is harder and more abrasive than the soft, pink side. It also takes a lot more paper off when you use it, hence all the times you've ripped through your paper while using it.
How To Open And Close Pill Bottles
If you’ve ever had to open a prescription pill bottle, you know the pain that it can be at times trying to get through the child lock. Luckily, not all pharmacists intended people to suffer every time you need your medication, especially if there aren’t children around. If you simply turn the cap upside down, it will fit snugly onto the pill bottle.
Even if it’s knocked over, the pills won’t spill out, but it allows for easy access to your medication (as long as children aren’t around). Good trick, especially if you aren't feeling well and don't want to deal with lining up the tiny arrows on the bottle.
Those Tiny Jean Pockets Were For Pocketwatches
You know those tiny little pockets on your jeans that don't really seem to be good for, well, anything? It turns out that these little pockets actually have a purpose after all. In the 1800s, nearly everyone had a pocket watch and that little pocket is where they kept them!
Nowadays we tend to use the bigger pockets to stash our wallet, keys, and whatnot so the little pocket is sort of just there for show. However, if pocket watches ever do become trendy, we know where we'll keep them!
Why Pen Lids Have Holes
Since childhood, once our parents allowed us to use ink, it has been drilled in our heads that it is important to keep the lids on pens to keep them from drying out, and to keep a pressure balance that can prevent the pen from leaking. But turns out, the hole in the pen lid has a purpose, too.
The holes in pen lids are actually there to lower the risk of suffocation of small children. If a child was chewing on the cap and choked on it, the hole keeps their airway from closing up entirely, thus preventing suffocation. Raise your hand if you chew on pen lids all day at school!
What The Numbers On Produce Stickers Mean
We've all bought fruit before that has come with that pesky sticker you take to take off. But what are they really for, aside from boasting the occasional brand name and helping cashiers ring up your item?
Turns out that stickers on fruit mark the country and the producer. The numbers are usually 4 digits with the first number being 4, meaning that the fruit has been sprayed with pesticides. If there are 5 digits and the first is 9, the fruit has been grown organically. However, if there are 5 digits and the first is 8, the fruit has been genetically modified.
Why There's A Metal Thing On The End Of Your Tape Measure
If you're not particularly handy, this will probably blow your mind. The little metal bit at the end of a tape measure can be incredibly useful.
If it’s serrated, it’s really useful when putting up drywall. The edge lets you easily score softer surfaces. While the bit slightly often moves back and forth, it is actually compensation for the width of the metal hook and it pushes in if you are measuring an inner surface while pulling out if you’re measuring an outside surface. The bit stops the slight width to throw off the measurement while moving the exact width of the metal hook, usually 1/16th of an inch.
The Real Reason Your Computer Charger Has Those Wing-Like Tabs
How many times have you been sitting by your computer flicking those little tabs on your charger up and down? Those things are for more than just fidgeting. Start by wrapping the thicker cable around the big power block, then wrap the thinner part of the cable around the wings.
After that, secure everything down with the clamp on the very end. Now your cables won't get tangled and turn into a huge jumbled mess at the bottom of your bag.
Why Rulers Have Holes
This one made us roll our eyes because it is such an obvious explanation. The hole on the beginning end of the ruler is so you can hang it up. Math teachers don't need to find weird baskets to try and organize these measuring tools, all they need is a handy dandy nail in the wall so they can hang them all up! They can also be placed into 3-ring binders.
If only math were as simple as hanging up the tools. But, beggars can't be choosers and here we are shaking our heads that we didn't realize what those holes were used for during our childhood.
Ingenious Bottle Cap Design
If you're like us, you used to pry those little plastic discs out of water bottles, soda bottles, beer bottles, and any other bottle that contained one. Really, what possible purpose could those little plastic discs actually serve aside from being turned into really weird '90s bracelets?
Truth be told, those little discs keep everything in the bottles! The water, the carbonation, the whole enchilada. Without that ring, you'd have a flat soda in no time and it would be leaking through the top of the bottle was ever knocked over. Keep that in mind next time you're feeling bracelet nostalgia.
Why Jeans Have Studs
OK so we delved into the reason why we have those tiny pockets on our jeans but what about those studs?
Turns out, when jean king Levi Strauss crafted his first pair of jeans, it was a pretty common issue for the seams of the pants to tear due to the stress being put on them by the wearer – mostly workmen and coal miners. Those little studs, called rivets, exist to strengthen the jeans at the most conspicuous spots! So basically, rivets exist solely to make sure that our pants are durable and that they last a very long time.
The Real Reason Coins Have Ridged Edges
We all love money yet never think to ask about why it looks the way it does. It pays for everything so just shut up and use it, right?
If you have ever wondered why coins have rigid edges, you might want to look back as far as the 16 century. At the time, people would cut off small amounts of precious metal from coins to sell while passing on the damaged coins at full value. To counter this action, a special process called reeding was introduced, consisting of carving a series of grooves on the edges of coins so that you'd know it was tampered with. Reeding remains a long-standing tradition.
What Are Those Thick Bits On USB Cables?
We all have a bunch of random USB and cable cords lying around the house somewhere. Chances are, you have no idea what device each cord belongs to, but here is something you'll be amazed to learn.
Those little cylinder shaped lumps on the cords are called ferrite cores or chokes. They are essentially just chunks of magnetic iron oxide that are meant to suppress high-frequency electromagnetic interference. So if you’ve ever experienced interference when your cell phone gets too close to a speaker, ferrite cores are there to prevent that from happening to your other electronics.
Bumps On Your Keyboard
Most trained typists know what those little bumps on the F and J keys are for on a keyboard, but for the rest of us, we're a bit lost, while others really never noticed them to begin with.
Turns out, in 10-finger typing, the F and J keys are the home keys – the keys where your index fingers rest. Those little bumps on both keys let you find your way back to the home position without having to actually look down at the keyboard. While a lot of us probably don’t follow the rules of 10-finger typing, it’s still a fun tidbit of information, right?
Extra Fabric Is For Testing Detergents
You know when you buy new clothes and they come equipped with that trusty extra piece of fabric? To some, we just figured it was for fixing rips and tears, right? Wrong!
Actually, those extra pieces of fabric are included so that you can test the colorfastness of the fabric when it becomes laundry time. How clever! It has been advised to keep those fabric pieces when you're changing laundry detergents or experimenting with a new stain remover. So instead of ruining your new clothes, you can simply test the fabric to see the end result before you wash.
Those Soda Tabs Have More Than One Use
So we've all opened a can of soda using that nifty little tab, but after it is opened we kind of just forget about it, right?
You’ve been drinking from soda cans all wrong! Turns out, you can actually use that can tab as a straw holder! Just spin the tab around and you’ve got yourself an organized, fun, and new way to enjoy soda without having your straw move all around. Yes, folks – no more looking like a fool as your head bobs around to get the damn straw in your mouth. Amazing, huh?
There Are Real Holes In Airplane Windows
If you travel by plane a lot, you may have noticed that there actually are little holes in airplane windows. Don't worry, those holes are definitely supposed to be there.
Those holes are there to regulate air pressure inside of the plane. Your ears pop at high altitudes because air pressure changes as you move further away from the earth's surface. The window holes regulate some of that difference in air pressure so the outer window doesn’t have to do all the work. They also prevent the windows from fogging up.
Your Cuticles Exist For A Reason
If you're an avid fan of getting a manicure, then you’re probably familiar with the act of cutting off your cuticles to get a perfect look, but you might want to stop after reading this!
The tiny area of skin known as the cuticle is actually there to protect your nails from infection. By removing the skin, your nail is exposed with a tiny wound, allowing bacteria and fungi to sneak in. So cutting your cuticles may be a part of getting a lovely manicure but it actually doesn’t benefit your nails in any way. Plus, it can be quite harmful.
All About Utility Blades
Have you ever taken a close look at a utility blade and wondered what the little score lines are for? They mean that you can break off the end of the blade at any time, giving yourself a nice, new, sharp edge to cut with.
To break the blade, all you have to do is take off the black cap, slide the knife out the backside, and use the cap to break off the end of the blade. Put it all back together, and you've got yourself a "brand new" utility knife! Pro tip: ask for help if you're not comfortable messing around with sharp objects.
The Real Reason For Doughnut Holes
Donuts are pastries that truly managed to withstand the test of time. Although they are still an incredibly popular tasty treat today, they’ve actually been around for the past few centuries. Today, bakers can make them in just about any shape or size but that wasn't always the case.
Back before the donut was perfected, people had a hard time getting the edges and the middle of the pastry to cook evenly, so the hole in the middle was implemented. And thus, donut holes were made! Everyone likes a good munchkin, after all.
Elevators Have Holes For A Reason
If you’ve ever been standing to wait for an elevator for an extended period of time, you may have noticed a small hole in or around the door. No, this isn’t a peephole to look through, it’s technically called an escutcheon tube. With a proper key, it is used to open the doors of the elevator whether the actual elevator cabin is there or not.
This way, maintenance workers have easy access to perform tasks such as cleaning and inspection. Or in the unlikely instance that you get stuck in the elevator, people have a way to open the doors and get you out safely.
Carry Your Grocery Bags With Ease
While the back part is used to support a child that’s sitting in the cart, if you look closely, you’ll notice that there’s a loop or hump at the top. No, this isn’t just meant to be stylish but actually has a pretty logical purpose. It's meant to elevate bags that might be carrying light or fragile items like bread and eggs that might get crushed by heavier groceries.
Even today, you’ll notice baggers still don’t know about this use! Too bad, because there are so many sad eggs and loaves of bread that get crushed.
That Little Dot Next To Your Phone Camera Is Actually A Microphone
We're entirely sure why this is a thing, ever since the "selfie camera" came into effect. But it's there and we must know what it means! It is very mocking to be just sitting there, after all. That little dot next to the camera is actually a microphone for when you use the back camera.
So, if you're on the phone and trying to show your friend where you are while still speaking to them, you don't have to worry about them not being able to hear you. Apple people think of everything. It's really not a fair personality trait.
Half-Belts Turned Blankets Into Jackets
Ever wonder what the purpose of those funny half-belts on the back of jackets was for? Oddly enough, this addition is not just a fashion statement. Ripped jeans, anyone? These belts are typically found on trench coats and pea coats, which were commonly worn by men in the military way back when.
These coats would double as blankets for the soldiers. So the half-belt was meant to do what any belt is meant to do, gather up the material so the men were able to walk without tripping over any loose material. Blanket that doubles as a jacket? Sign us up!
Pom Poms Aren't Just For Fashion
Ever wear a beanie hat during winter and wonder what the funny pom-pom looking thing on the top is for? Of course not -- it's just fashion! But you might be surprised to know that these pom-poms once served an entirely different purpose.
Beanie hats were first made by the Vikings to keep their heads and ears warm during rough winters. The pom-pom on top was sewn there to make sure the seams of the hat didn't fall apart. In later years people used buttons instead of the pom-poms, which is where we get the name from.
The Necks On Beer And Soda Bottles Serve A Purpose
The neck on a bottle of beer or a glass soda bottle was designed for a very specific purpose. Manufacturers wanted to make sure their beverages would stay cold for as long as possible.
The long design shape with a narrow top was created specifically so patrons will hold the top of the bottom where the least amount of beverage is stored. This helps avoid the beverage from warming up too quickly and ruining the taste.
Your Stapler Has "Settings" You Probably Don't Know About
The very end of your stapler has a piece of metal that you have probably rightfully assumed is in place to bend the stable when you push down. However, did you know that little metal placeholder also serves another ingenious purpose?
You can actually turn the metal piece around. Doing this will force your staples to bend outward, creating a temporary staple that is easier to remove at any time. And now you know.
The Hole At The Top Of A Lollipop Stick Makes A Ton Of Sense
Remember trying to make your lollipop stick whistle once you were done with the candy? For years we were convinced that was the purpose for the hole, either that or to avoid a choking hazard. It turns out that hole, found on round lollies with plastic handles, actually serves a manufacturing purpose.
When a lollipop is being made, the hot melted candy that will become the sucker is poured into a mold. Some of that candy seeps into the hole and hardens, creating a stronger grip on the lollipop stick. This isn't needed with round sticks made from paper since the candy sticks better to that material.
The Surprising Use Of Tire Pattern Indicators
Have you ever noticed that most tires have a little symbol located on their tread? Typically, the symbol is either the company's logo or in the case of Michelin, the Michelin Man mascot. Those symbols are not just for decoration.
As Michelin explains: "Tread wear indicators, built into the main tread grooves, show the tread depth. On MICHELIN tires, the Michelin Man figure shows where these indicators are located. A tire must be changed as soon as it wears down to these indications."
The Square Hole In The McFlurry Spoon Is Ingenious
The square hole in the McFlurry spoon is one of the more ingenious designs in the fast-food industry.
McDonald's created the spoon to automatically attach to the ice cream whisker on the McFlurry machine. Watch a McDonald's employee closely when they make your delicious snack. They attach the open hole on the spoon to the machine, then they mix in your chosen ingredient, and begin the mixing process using your spoon. This means less time is spent cleaning the machine between each use. It really is smart for businesses where seconds matter.
Wooden Coat Hangers Serve A Very Specific Purpose
Wooden coat hangers are not only more environmentally friendly than plastic options, they might also help save your favorite pieces of clothing from intruders of the insect variety.
Cedar wood is known to repel bugs while providing a fresh natural scent. Martha Stewart notes that the natural oils from red cedar help destroy moth larvae but won't affect adult moths or carpet beetles. She notes that the effect does fade as the scent fades. If you only have a few moths they may die off before they can spawn a bunch of babies that eat through your clothing, but it's not guaranteed.
Women's Buttons Were Placed On The Left Side Of A Shirt For An Old-School Reason
Have you ever wondered why women's blouses keep the buttons on the left side when a majority of people are right-handed? While not fully proven, the most popular theory comes down to wealthy women being dressed by their chambermaid.
The Atlantic writes of this strange quirk: "When clothing conventions were becoming standardized, many women did not dress themselves. Wealthy women, in particular... Servants were often required to help rich ladies get into and out of their elaborately buttoned dresses—and servants, like everyone else, were most commonly right-handed."
The Flaps On Juice Boxes Are Toddler-Friendly!
Have you ever wondered why they put two flaps on the side of juice boxes? No, it's not just part of the manufacturing process. In fact, they were designed specifically with a much younger audience in mind.
Little hands, especially little toddler hands, are often not big enough to hold a juice box on their own. Little children also often tend to squeeze too hard, sending juice flying. By opening up the two flaps, little toddler hands can easily grip their juice box as they drink from it.
The Heinz 57 Logo On Ketchup Bottles Holds A Secret Trick
Have you ever noticed that there is an embossed number 57 on glass bottles of Heinz ketchup? It turns out the company places that embossed piece of glass in a very specific spot and it comes in handy.
Speaking on The Today Show, a spokesperson for the company said the number 57 is placed to locate the "sweet spot" on the bottle. Gently tap the number 57 while holding the bottle upside down and ketchup will flow more easily from the bottle. We can't believe we've been using Heinz ketchup bottles wrong the entire time.
Escalator Brushes Are There To Keep You Safe
The bristles located on the side of many modern escalators were put in place for safety reasons. While it may look like they are cleaning the steps, they are actually there as a warning for people using the escalator.
The brushes were designed to discourage people from standing right against the side of the escalator and to remind them that clothing shouldn't be dragged along the side of the escalator. Basically, the bristles are a warning system to avoid snags which can result in serious injury.
