Probably one of the most rewarding feelings is the one you get when you figure something out. And yes, it totally counts if someone has the answers for you.
For the people who found these unusual items, they probably felt a lot of relief when they got their answers. Good thing there are so many smart people on the internet.
“What is this red leather devil figure, found in a wooden box in an attic?”
A bunch of different Reddit users commented with the right answer (which ended up being totally weird), but user doctoroffisticuffs’s answer explained it really well: “It’s called a Jenny Haniver. They’re dried skates or rays modified to look like monsters.”
Why… why was this ever a thing?
“What is this thing on our apartment wall with an explosion image, and should I not be messing with it?”
As multiple Reddit users pointed out, this isn’t something explosive. Rather, it’s a fiber optic cable box, which makes it way less dangerous than OP probably thought it was.
“This cool vintage tool handle in the shape of a leg was donated to our Tool Library but we can’t figure out what it was used for.”
According to Reddit user Ultimatespacewizard, “It’s for use with a rat tail file. The tail goes into the groove in the back, and the front foot holds the file down to the work piece.” I wonder if there’s a reason why it looks like a leg.
“Scissors that don’t cut? One side is a spoon and the other side is a loop that just fits around the spoon. It’s about six inches long. Found in an old junk drawer.”
“Those are pineapple eye scissors. They are for removing the tough spots on a pineapple after you skin it,” said Reddit user It_Is_Blue. What an incredibly specific thing.
“6” to 8″ black cast iron frying pan with a raised solid 2″ flat surface in the center of the pan.”
Reddit user raineykatz showed up with the right answer right away. Apparently, this thing is a donut skillet. I would’ve never even thought it could be related to making donuts!
“Early 1920s photograph taken at Yellowstone. Is she holding a shoulder bag or some sort of device?”
No, this isn’t a picture of a time traveler or anything. According to the Reddit comments (that all pretty much said the same thing), the woman in the photograph is holding some kind of old camera.
“After taking over a property I found this thing on the land within some shrubbery… it seems to be metal, about 6ft by 6ft, and possibly like it hitches to a tractor.”
According to Reddit user 1223taff, “it’s an old square baler, would handle hay or straw.” As it is, it’s pretty much junk. But it’s an interesting find, at least.
“New security at work? Anyone know what it might be?”
“It’s a Gen 3 Zooter 360 deg camera. They are often used in retail for checking stock,” was Reddit user bldrnr222’s answer. Like most of the random things people ask about, this was so incredibly specific.
“Blue Silicone mystery globe, possibly related to Circut machine.”
According to Reddit user Coppercaptive, this thing is used “to get the weeded scraps off the hook.” This is totally one of those things only a niche community would know about (since it’s for a Circut and all).
“Silicon cup thing? My parents were randomly mailed this from an unknown address. Material is malleable.”
According to Redditor jackrats, it’s “[s]ome sort of anti-cellulite hogwash. They were most likely sent as part of a brushing scam.”
In other words, it’s a useless doohickey that OP and their parents don’t need to worry about.
“What is this darker area on the ceiling in my bathroom? Easily wipes off and is usually on there in the winter.”
The Reddit comments were pretty quick to point out that this is, in fact, mold. Which makes sense, since it was found in a bathroom and all.
“What is the purpose of this interlinked metal rail in the basement of a huge Ikea store?”
Reddit user TadpoleCertain2752 said, “Looks like a new sine wave shaped joint system used to protect concrete floors. It allows wheels, probably forklifts and pallet jacks to run across transitions smoothly.”
That… actually makes a lot of sense.
“Metal object, made of steel (magnetic) maybe designed to pour? Found in engineer’s garage.”
“Looks like a side valve split guide removal tool,” said Reddit user ghost_protocol_ghost.
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That’s definitely one of those things where you either know exactly what it is, or you just kind of not in agreement like you do.
“I found this thing on the beach in Oregon. It looks like metal but it’s actually soft and rubbery. What is it?”
Reddit user gbmc7356 said, “It’s a rubber cover for an electrical terminal strip, usually used in industrial or transportation settings. The little holes fit pins on the strip and friction holds it in place.”
Here I was thinking it was some kind of metallic spine.
“What does this measure? ‘Thermostat,’ plastic or bakelite, goes from 0 to 100 then back down to 0, by 10s. Can be manually turned. Says PILOT and USA on the back. Date unknown.”
Reddit user vanmac82 said, “That’s a dial from an old radio.” I guess this mystery wasn’t really all that mysterious. It’s still a super cool thing, though!
“Green gooey stickie stuff on a 1950s Astralux Redlight.”
Reddit user Eskaminagaga had a whole explanation to explain what the heck this stuff is:
“PVC cable with copper wire made from 1965-1971 included an anti-oxidant which allowed for the cable to withstand higher temperatures, but unfortunately caused a reaction between the plasticisor in the insulation and the copper wire.” So, it’s the result of a chemical reaction.
“Weird, black, tar-like substance in my yard. I poked it with a stick and it’s a little soft and a little sticky.”
Some people thought it could be motor oil, but the most likely answer is that it’s black slime mold. I’d probably be steering clear of that part of the yard from now on.
“Strange power outlet in the hallway between kitchen and bathroom, what is it for?”
Reddit user doommaster’s answer was:
“It is a 2 phase main switch + fuses, you have 2x 220V phases (the 3rd was not send here) it is rare today, but was a way to save on wires back in the days.”
Also, OP is from Italy, which would explain why you’ve probably never seen a switch like this before.
“Weird elevated pods on a ski mountain? There were three of them just kinda sticking out.”
Reddit user ThrowAwaybcUsuck commented by saying, “They’re O’Bellx, made by the company TAS. They’re a form of RACS (remote avalanche control system) They use oxygen and hydrogen to create a small explosion to set off controlled avalanches.”
Makes sense, since they’re on a ski hill.
“Plastic pieces that clearly go together, came out of dishwasher.”
Reddit user KingMonk_senpai helped OP figure out that these bits are for a sprinkler in the dishwasher. Though, they couldn’t figure out where exactly in the dishwasher it was supposed to go.
