30 Hidden Features Of Common Things Most Of The People Don’t Know About

When people started developing tools to make life easier, every little detail during manufacture had a specific purpose. Nothing was made by accident or added simply for flare. Even what was meant to be artwork had a specific purpose that had to do with either religious beliefs or daily routines; nothing was abstract.

Fast forward to the 21st century, the things we use in everyday life have become such intrinsic parts of our routine that we stopped wondering why they were designed the way they were. We use tools Sometimes even without fully understanding them.

From fluffy pompom on caps to seams and tape measuring machines, there are tiny details in the design that may at first seem purely aesthetic but that actually serves a very useful purpose. Sometimes their purpose may even seem blatantly obvious, but in reality, the product’s intended purpose is something you never thought of

#1. Brass Doorknobs

Did you know that a lot of doorknobs are made out of brass because it destroys bacteria. These types of doorknobs are Perfect in a household with lots of kids because they are essentially germ-proof.

#2 Notebook margins

Did you know that margins in notebooks weren’t invented as a guide for how many sentences one could/should fit onto one page? Rather, it began as culture that dates back centuries of book manufacturing as a way of protecting written work.

Earlier on in history, rats were common in human residential places and one of their favorite snacks happened to be paper, among many other things they could Chew on.

Applying wide margins to paper safeguarded against losing important work by leaving blank spaces around the edges for the rats to chew through first, whilst also protecting the writing on the outer edges from general wear and tear.

#3 Holes In Pen Caps

The holes in pen caps aren’t just a mundane addition. Some people can’t help but chew the caps of their pens. However, it’s a potential health hazard and it’s discouraged because you might swallow it and choke. Incase of such an incident, the holes in the caps come in handy allowing the victim to breathe in.

#4 Fluffy Pompom On Hats

The pom-poms on beanies and other hats. They might look cute and fluffy now but they had an actual function before. French sailors used to wear hats with pom-poms to cushion their heads against the ceilings of the ship during storms.

#5 The Stylish Halfbelts In Coats

The half-belt on coats and jackets is just style nowadays but this was not the their original function.

Halfbelts began as an accessory to the oversized military jackets that doubled as blankets. It was essential in gathering the extra materials to allow soldiers walk without sumbling.

#6 The fabric swatch

The fabric swatch. You’ve probably wondered about those tiny squares of fabric with buttons in small Ziploc bags that come with new clothes. Sure, you can use the piece of fabric to patch up a hole. But the main purpose of the fabric swatch is for you to test out different cleaning products on it so you won’t ruin your clothes.

#7 Extra Eyelet In Boots

The extra eyelets on shoes aren’t just for decoration. They are meant to improv the stability of the shoe during streignous movements and exercises.

Looping your laces through them allows you to tighten the shoe around your ankle and prevent the shoe from moving around. This is handy especially during jogging and hiking

#8 Ridges In Coin edges

The ridges on the edges of some coins. The Ridge patterns on coins are a relic of the past when precious metal coins would be as valuable as their weight.

The ridges were added as a foolproof deterrent to some sneaky rogues who tried to cheat the system by shaving the edges of coins and using the metal to mint new coins. They spent the shaved coins as if they didn’t weigh less.

Ridges would make it easier to spot a shaved coin and avoid getting duped.

#9 Little Arrow-Like Symbol Near The Gas Gauge

Every dashboard has a little arrow-like or triangular symbol placed near the gas gauge. It indicates precisely that which most motorists forget: which side your gas tank is on.

If the arrow is pointing left, look for the filler cap there. If it points to the right, same thing.

#10 Screwdrivers Can Be Used As Wrenches Too

A lot of screwdrivers are designed to easily slide through a wrench and come in handy when more torque is needed.

This feature is especially helpful at complicated heights and angles.

#11 The Little Weird Hole In Lollipop Sticks

The hole at the top of a lollipop stick. The weird little hole at the top of a lollipop Stick after you finish a candy isn’t a whistle afterall. Despite how much we tried blowing it, it just never worked.

Turns out, it’s not there as an err either. During candy manufacture hot, molten caramel is poured into the mold, some of it seeps into this hole and hardens. It allows the candy to stay on the stick and not to fall off.

#12 The Tiny Buttons On Your Jeans

These buttons are known as rivets and they’re crucial in making your pants last longer. They’re placed in the areas that are most likely to tear from movement or strain and help hold the fabric together.

#13 The small holes on locks

No, they were not designed to aid in picking locks. The holes help drain water from locks which stop it from rusting and clogging up with gunk.

You can also use the hole to oil the lock’s inner mechanism and keep it in working shape.

#14 Double-colored erasers

The different-colored sides are used to erase marks made by different pencils on different types of paper.

The soft pinkish-orange side is used for light grades of paper and lighter pencil marks, the blue side is meant for grainier, tougher paper and darker marks.

#15 Wooden Coat Hangers, A Fancy Alternative?

wooden coat hangers are not a fancier version of the ones made from plastic or wire; but actually serve a unique purpose to them.

These closet hangers aren’t just made from any wood. They’re specifically made from cedarwood, which is known to repel bugs and moths. Not to mention its refreshing scent and durability.

#16 That Drawer Under The oven

For most people this is a convenient place to keep the kitchen gear that doesn’t belong anywhere else. However, manufacturers had a different use for the design.

The drawer was originally made for keeping food warm until you were ready to serve it.

#17 The Number “57” On A Heinz Bottle

Apparently, the embossed number “57” on Heinz’s bottle is more than just a logo but soft spot.

As the company’s spokes person explains “All you need to do is apply a firm tap where the bottle narrows, and the ketchup will come out easier.” No need to punch that bottle too much!

#18 Ridges On The “F” And “J” Keys On The Keyboard.

They help your fingers find their location on the keyboard. This way your typing gets much easier as you glance down less often.

#19 The Holes In The Handles Of Utensils

Sure, they come in handy when you want to hang your pan on a wall but they’re also perfect for holding spoons and ladles while cooking. That way, you avoid messing your kitchen counter with soup

#20 why women’s shirts have buttons on the left.

Considering that most people are right-handed, its perplexing why manufatures decided to reverse the button side in Ladies’ shirts.

Turns out, putting the buttons on the left of clothes is an old tradition carried over from a time when buttons represented one’s social and financial status. Those privileged enough to own buttons, probably also meant they were being dressed by a chambermaid. Thefore buttons on your shirt’s left meant they were on her right when dressing you.

#21 Long bottle-necks

Turns out the long bottleneck shape of a beer or a soda bottle had a purpose. According to “Interesting Engineering,” such a design allowed packers to seal off the top with a small bottle cap, reducing the size of the seal and thus saving money. A small seal is also considered stronger and more reliable than one which covers a larger area.

#22 Why keyboard letters Arranged The Way They Are

The first keyboard ever invented belonged to the typewriter. Originally, keys were arranged in alphabetical order but typists got so good at their job that they would end up typing too fast and the keys would get cross-wired and stuck.

keyboard manufacturers randomized the order of keys to intentionally slow down typists and to keep the machine running smooth. It’s not been changed since.

#23. The Tiny Hole In Your Airplane Window

This tiny hole actually serves two purposes: first, it allows airflow through to keep from too much pressure building in the plane and busting the window as it rises in altitude, and second, it keeps the windows from fogging up with the warm breath of the passengers.

#24 little Slot At The End Of Measuring Tape

Most measuring tapes come with a metal stub with a small slot on the end. This feature comes in handy when your hands are full. Hang the slot on a nail for measurement.

#25 Triple-Action Toothpaste

Cleaning the mouth to keep it healthy wasn’t enough for people in the 1970’s. They demanded a toothpaste brand that freshens the breath too.

Aquafresh answered the call by adding in a blue stripe to their paste to indicate that it could do both. Next was the 3rd red stripe indicating that their paste now had triple action; cleaning, freshening, and plaque control.

Despite solid white toothpaste offering the same benefits, companies continue to add stripes to their paste because the idea sells.