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.
Dd you find out what it is?
I'm pretty sure I've had or used one before, but I don't remember where. The top part is for securing a strap or rubber band. As you can see from the wear it's exposed during use, while the bottom is not. The stick has a shape that could be sown into something. My guess is that it is used to close a bag or securing a tarp to a trailer or the hood for a baby pram/stroller. Something to be used outdoors anyway.
A very sturdy IUD.
It looks a bit similar to this?
I'm thinking it's this sort of thing but not specifically. It looks like you insert it into a hole to undo a clip, such as to access the detector you link or to pop open a box to replace the toilet paper in a restaurant toilet or anything where you want something to keep out the kids but don't need full lock security.
Specifically I haven't seen and haven't searched up anything quite like this, but it does have that vibe to it.
I think it's for fixing a tire.
Are you thinking tire lever for a bicycle?
Looks too thick fore that, but does look like a levering tool of some sort.
More like a tool for inserting a tire plug in an automobile tire, maybe, but it's not quite the right shape for that either. (Or at least, if it is that, it's a really cheap one because usually they're made of metal.)
No, it's not that.
Yea, its not that, too thick/square, handle too small, etc. You'd never get a plug in with it (I've done thousands of them - tires are really tough). But I get how it looks like a plug tool.
Looks like some kind of levering tool.
As an aside, check out the screw-type tire plugs available today (basically a plastic #8 screw with glue on it). Way easier than the traditional plugs and work just as well.
tire plug? what are they doing with those pretzels. patch? stem? i am so confused. i need more pretzels
i am growing to hate ai. it's not bringing me enough pretzels
The "pretzels" are the tire plugs. They're actually sticky rubber strips. You poke them into the tire, then pull the tool out quickly so that the plug stays behind:
(Also, I'm aware that you were probably just joking, but I figured somebody reading this might be genuinely curious so I gave a sincere reply anyway.)
Just a note for those still curious, after you insert it and it looks like the pic above, you’re supposed to trim it flush with a razor blade.
That was my first thought, although it's the first time I saw one with more than one opening.
Oh man did I read that title wrong, I had to do a double take
OP, is that metal or some sort of plastic? I can't tell for sure from the picture
Its plastic. It feels hard but shaves off easily with a knife, and the shavings melt.
I hope this isn't your approach to every object you can't identify...
"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."
Bahaha - reading this and taking a drink - bad combo, almost out the nose.
"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!"
This comment got me good 😂
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?
Could be some weird packaging thing. I think I've seen something like this when I bought a pack of ratchet straps.
Might be a landscaping stake