We use countless objects every day without giving them a second thought. But many of these items have secret features that can make our lives easier or solve problems we didn’t even know we had. Let’s explore some surprising hidden functions of everyday objects that might just change the way you use them forever.
The Hole in Your Pen Cap
Ever wonder why there’s a small hole in the top of your pen cap? It’s not just a design quirk. This tiny opening serves a crucial safety purpose. If a child accidentally swallows the cap, the hole allows air to pass through, potentially preventing choking. It’s a simple yet ingenious feature that could save a life.
The Ridges on Keyboard F and J Keys
Take a look at your computer keyboard. You’ll notice small raised bumps or ridges on the F and J keys. These tactile markers help touch typists position their fingers correctly without looking down. They’re called “home keys” and serve as a starting point for your index fingers. This subtle feature can significantly improve your typing speed and accuracy.
The Arrow Next to Your Gas Gauge
If you’ve ever pulled up to a gas station and forgotten which side your fuel tank is on, this tip is for you. Look closely at your car’s gas gauge. You’ll see a small arrow next to the gas pump icon. This arrow points to the side of your car where the fuel tank is located. It’s a handy feature that can save you time and embarrassment at the pump.
The Holes in Your Pasta Spoon
That large slotted spoon you use for pasta has a hidden talent. The hole in the middle isn’t just for draining water. Instead, it’s designed to measure a single serving of spaghetti. Simply pass dry spaghetti through the hole until it’s full, and you’ve got the perfect portion for one person. No more guesswork or wasted pasta!
The Tiny Pocket in Your Jeans
That small pocket inside the right front pocket of your jeans isn’t just for decoration. It’s called a watch pocket and dates back to when people carried pocket watches. Today, it’s perfect for storing small items like coins, keys, or even a USB drive. It’s a handy little space that’s often overlooked.
The Lines on Solo Cups
Those lines on plastic party cups aren’t just for decoration. They serve as measurement guides. The bottom line is typically 1 ounce (for liquor), the middle line is 5 ounces (for wine), and the top line is 12 ounces (for beer). This hidden feature can help you mix drinks accurately or control your portions at parties.
The Hole in Your Spaghetti Spoon
Take a closer look at your spaghetti spoon. You’ll notice a hole in the middle. It’s designed to measure a single serving of spaghetti, not to drain water (although it does that, too, of course). Simply pass dry spaghetti through the hole until it’s full, and you’ve got the perfect portion for one person. No more guesswork or wasted pasta!
The Tabs on Aluminum Foil Boxes
Ever struggle to keep your aluminum foil roll in place? Look at the ends of the box. You’ll see small, perforated tabs. Push these tabs in, and they’ll lock the roll in place. This prevents the roll from falling out when you’re trying to tear off a sheet. It’s a simple feature that can save you a lot of frustration in the kitchen.
The Hole in Your Pot Handle
Many pots and pans have a hole in the handle. This isn’t just for hanging the pot. It’s also perfect for holding your stirring spoon. Simply slide the spoon through the hole, and it will catch any drips over the pot instead of your countertop. It’s a clever way to keep your cooking area clean and your spoon within easy reach.
The Indentation on Wine Bottles
The deep indentation at the bottom of wine bottles, called a punt, serves several purposes. It strengthens the bottle, helps it stand upright, and collects sediment in older wines. In sparkling wines, it helps distribute pressure. Some sommeliers also use it as a thumb rest when pouring. It’s a feature with both practical and aesthetic benefits.
The Fabric Square With Clothes
Ever notice that extra square of fabric that comes with new clothes? It’s not just for patching holes. This swatch is for testing laundry detergents and stain removers. You can use it to see how the fabric reacts without risking damage to the actual garment. It’s a thoughtful addition that can help extend the life of your clothes.
The Holes in Lollipop Sticks
If you’ve ever eaten a lollipop, you might have noticed a small hole in the stick. This hole isn’t a manufacturing defect. It actually serves an important purpose in the lollipop-making process. When the hot candy is poured into the mold, some of it flows into this hole. As it cools, it creates a stronger bond between the candy and the stick, preventing the lollipop from falling off.
The Tiny Hole Next to Your iPhone Camera
iPhone users might have noticed a tiny hole next to the camera lens. This isn’t a design flaw or a secret button. It’s a microphone. This third microphone helps reduce background noise when you’re recording video or using voice commands. It’s a small feature that significantly improves your phone’s audio capabilities.
The Bumps on F and J Keys
Take a look at your computer keyboard. You’ll notice small raised bumps or ridges on the F and J keys. These tactile markers help touch typists position their fingers correctly without looking down. They’re called “home keys” and serve as a starting point for your index fingers. This subtle feature can significantly improve your typing speed and accuracy.
The Hole in Padlock Bottoms
Ever noticed the small hole at the bottom of most padlocks? It’s not just for aesthetics. This hole serves two important functions. First, it allows water to drain out, preventing rust inside the lock. Second, it can be used to oil the lock mechanism, keeping it working smoothly. It’s a simple feature that extends the life of your padlock.
The Diamond on Measuring Tapes
Look closely at your measuring tape, and you’ll see black diamond shapes every 19.2 inches. These aren’t random decorations. They’re actually “stud marks” used in construction. Studs in walls are typically placed 16 inches apart, but these diamond marks help quickly measure distances for five studs. It’s a handy feature for builders and DIY enthusiasts that can save time and improve accuracy.
The Grooves on Bottle Caps
Take a closer look at the cap of your soda or beer bottle. You’ll notice small grooves around the edge. These aren’t just for grip. They’re designed to create a perfect seal when the cap is tightened, keeping your drink fresh and carbonated. The grooves allow the cap to bend slightly, creating a tight seal against the bottle’s rim.
The Little Holes in Airplane Windows
If you’ve ever sat by an airplane window, you might have noticed a tiny hole in the bottom. This “breather hole” serves an important safety function. It regulates the air pressure between the window’s inner and outer panes, reducing the stress on the window and preventing fogging. It’s a small but crucial feature that helps keep you safe at 30,000 feet.
Katy Willis is a writer, master herbalist, master gardener, and certified canine nutritionist who has been writing since 2002. She’s finds joy in learning new and interesting things, and finds history, science, and nature endlessly fascinating.
