16 Times People Handled to Solve a Mystery

Life often presents us with intriguing mysteries that capture our imagination and curiosity. Whether stumbling upon an old, weathered map with cryptic markings, or hearing whispers of a hidden, forgotten cave deep within the woods, these enigmatic discoveries stir a desire within us to unravel their secrets.

1. “A friend found this on bleachers at school.”

Answer: Connector for a measuring cup set.

2. “This tubular hook thing mounted on the mirror in the bathroom, between the toilet and sink.”

Answer: Yeah it’s a rotatable multihook, for washcloths and other accessories (probably loofahs too).

3. “I bought a jean jacket at Target, and found this really lightweight, velvety soft ball that I couldn’t crush in my hand? What is that?”

Answer: Repurposed stone wash filler.

Used as a tool to take up space and orient the inside fabric as it’s sewn. Tough enough to last but not break equipment and rounded enough to not snag.

Originally was mixed in with the stone for jean softening and fading. If it’s all stone it is too rough on the fabric and bogs down the machine for large batches. You mix like 2/3 of these with 1/3 stone, and it’s tumbled with the fabric-filling the voids and giving the stone something to push the fabric against.

4. “Operates like a pair of scissors, the tip isn’t sharp, and the shorter end looks like it is supposed to pack something where it fits.”

Answer: It looks like it may be a candle snuffer.

5. “This gooey stuff is on the manhole cover outside my house. What is it for?”

Answer: It looks like clear silicone. A cheap alternative to manhole lid plugs.

6. “Thumb protector possibly, but for what? Found at a yard sale.”

Answer: After some googling it’s an antique butcher thumb guard.

7. “Seen while walking down the street. A ziplock bag tacked above a door. Seems to contain water and a few pennies. What could this be for?”

Answer: Homemade mosquito/fly deterrent. The light reflecting off the water and pennies is supposed to scare off pesky bugs.

8. “What’s this plastic thing with narrow gaps on my drying rack?”

Answer: For towels.

9. “What is this yellow mound of fluff that randomly appeared in our window sill?”

Answer: Cotton from a cotton tree.

If you have these trees in your area, check your outside condenser for your air conditioning. If it’s built up around the sides it could be the reason your ac is struggling to keep up in the house. Get it off by spraying water on the coils from the inside out and your unit will thank you greatly.

10. “6 inch long utensil found in with silverware. Oneida Community Par Plate stamped on back.”

Answer: Butter pick for picking up butter curls.

11. “What are these things? Flap-like yellow ‘walls’ in the middle of a country road. Sorry for the bad picture.”

Answer: Reflectors.

Temporary. They don’t last long and are usually used during a construction or resurfacing phase. At least in California.

12. “I found this metal object. No text or numbers. Can retract to be the size of a bracelet.”

Answer: It’s the top (closure part) of a purse or small handbag.

13. “A massive wrench I inherited. Weighs 30+ pounds. Novelty or functional?”

Answer: At the California State Railroad Museum there are several large wrenches like these and larger on display. The wrenches were used in the maintenance and construction of steam locomotives. Perhaps diesel also. As many pointed out the tool could be used in any large industrial equipment facility or plant.

14. “I found in forest in Sweden, about 1 m from ground, roughly 20 cm in size. Hard to the touch, but drips liquid when knocked.”

Answer: It looks like a polypore fungus that is exuding excess moisture, called guttation.

15. “What is this green basket thing?”

Answer: Garden Grabber for picking up leaves.

16. “We found this on the beach in Whidbey Island. Any ideas what it is?”

Answer: Underside of a chiton (molluscs).

The allure of the unknown, the thrill of untangling clues, and the prospect of unearthing stories long buried create a sense of anticipation that propels us on a quest for answers. The journey to decipher these mysteries becomes a testament to human curiosity and the insatiable need to explore the depths of our world, uncovering the hidden truths that lie just beyond our grasp.