There are also times when some things are so difficult to identify that the Internet even has a hard time. Such was the case with some of the following 15 hidden gems that truly took someone by surprise.<\/p>\n
It\u2019s not just a matter of understanding why these items are no longer in use, it\u2019s understanding what they were used for in the first place. You will appreciate this as much as we did.<\/p>\n
1. \u201cI found this plugged into the wall at my Airbnb. My host claims it\u2019s a night light. Can I get some confirmation?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/1-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: I googled square nightlights, and it looks just like that.
\nAnswer 2: If you zoom in, you can see that it\u2019s a photosensor. They have a distinctive look.<\/p>\n
2. \u201cMy mother-in-law bought this house built in the early 1900s. On the first floor, there are these two doors. They are very small, about the height of a soda can.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/2-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a cat door. Plenty big enough for many cats to slink through.<\/p>\n
3. \u201cWhat is this small plastic pouch with red gel and a metal disc inside?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/3-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a hand warmer. You can \u2019click\u2019 the metal piece, and it will start a chemical reaction to heat the pad.<\/p>\n
4. \u201cWhat\u2019s this hollow metal box with sharp grooved edges?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/4-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s an attachment for an oscillating saw for cutting holes for electrical boxes.<\/p>\n
5. \u201cWhat are these small waxy minty sticks \u2014 they look like hot glue sticks.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/5-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s wax for braces\/dental work.<\/p>\n
6. \u201cWhat\u2019s this 4-inch all-metal cylinder tool with looped ends?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/6-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a blackhead\/pimple remover.<\/p>\n
7. \u201cWhat is this red glass light I found while metal detecting?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/7-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a navigation light off of a boat. They are red on one side and green on the other side of the boat.<\/p>\n
8. \u201cWhat is this small vintage ceramic container with a cork? I believe it\u2019s from the 1940s.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/8-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: I believe it\u2019s a soy sauce container. Could be a good collector item!<\/p>\n
9. \u201cWhat\u2019s this aluminum cube with circles featuring additional cubes with circles?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/9-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a Turner\u2019s Cube.<\/p>\n
10. \u201cWhat is this diamond-esque shaped glass object? It\u2019s a little bigger than the size of my palm.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/10-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: A paperweight.<\/p>\n
11. \u201cIt is the size of my hand, the white top screws on and off, and the red bag part expands and is pretty thick. What is it?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/11-1.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a mini refillable hot\/cold pack for headaches or injuries.<\/p>\n
12. \u201cWhat is this phone charm thing? It comes apart and looks like a macaroon when put together.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/12.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s a screen cleaner.<\/p>\n
13. \u201cWhat is the red pointy plastic used for?\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/13.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: It\u2019s for opening old-style push-tab cans, so you don\u2019t cut your finger.<\/p>\n
14. \u201cWe received this in a goodie bag but have no idea what it\u2019s supposed to be used for.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/14.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: A hook to hang your handbag from a table so it doesn\u2019t have to sit on the floor.<\/p>\n
15. \u201cMy father-in-law gave this to me as a gift.\u201d<\/p>\n
![\"\"](\"https:\/\/innerstrength.zone\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/04\/15.webp\")
<\/p>\n
Answer: I\u2019m interested to know the context of receiving this gift because it\u2019s a Mason mouth gag, historically used to keep a patient\u2019s mouth open during surgery to prevent suffocation.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
There may be times when we come across something in our home, perhaps in a drawer or in a box in the attic and we have no idea what it is. When we see these things, we sometimes turn to the Internet for the answers we need. There are also times when some things are…<\/p>\n