this post was submitted on 08 Mar 2026
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What is this thing?

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Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

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[–] Transform2942@lemmy.ml 7 points 4 days ago (1 children)

OP, is that metal or some sort of plastic? I can't tell for sure from the picture

[–] Steve@startrek.website 17 points 4 days ago (2 children)

Its plastic. It feels hard but shaves off easily with a knife, and the shavings melt.

[–] gibmiser@lemmy.world 44 points 4 days ago (4 children)

I hope this isn't your approach to every object you can't identify...

[–] GreenCrunch@piefed.blahaj.zone 39 points 4 days ago

"When cut, it did emit some red fluid, and the object moved and made a lot of noise - perhaps some sort of hydraulic mechanism? The shavings don't melt, so it's probably not plastic."

[–] like47ninjas@lemmy.world 7 points 4 days ago

Bahaha - reading this and taking a drink - bad combo, almost out the nose.

[–] kryptonianCodeMonkey@lemmy.world 2 points 3 days ago* (last edited 3 days ago)

"What is this thing? It's made of flesh and bone. It feels soft and shaves off easily with a knife, until you get to the middle and then it is much harder and cutting it requires a hacksaw. And the shavings don't melt, but taste similar to pork. It keeps screaming its name is "Sharon McMillan". Can anyone ID?"

"Oops, found its Drivers License. Turns out its name was in fact "Sharon McMillan." I feel silly now, but mystery solved!"

[–] happysplinter@lemmy.world 2 points 4 days ago

This comment got me good 😂

[–] Transform2942@lemmy.ml 5 points 4 days ago

My best guess is some sort of "pin" for holding some other components in place or in alignment. It has those fins along the side that are chamfered in both directions and that notch at the end...

I almost thought it was like a "key" for turning something but I don't think the handle is big enough and I don't think plastic would be strong enough

Maybe some sort of packaging?