10 functions of everyday things you didn't know about

About a strap on a coat, a hook on a tape measure, rivets on jeans and more.

In everyday life, we use many different objects, without thinking why they are of exactly this shape or size. However, everything has its own explanation, and sometimes even the simplest details in everyday things have a hidden purpose. On a number of such secret functions told Bored Panda portal.

1. Fields in a notebook

It is customary to use the fields in a notebook for notes or assessments, however, according to one version, this element was invented for a different purpose. In the old days, it served to protect records from rats and micethat could simply gnaw your notebook. And since they usually gnaw from the edges, the margins just created a safe border to the text. Plus they protected the notes from the general wear and tear of the notebook.

2. Tie on coat

Today, the strap, or half-belt, on coats and jackets has an exclusively decorative function, but it was originally created to adjust the girth of a military overcoat. They fastened the part to make the shape more fitted, and unfasten it for using the overcoat as a blanket or when saddling a horse. Also, the half-belt made it possible to tuck in the floors (the lower edges of the clothes in the front) so that they did not get in the way while running.

3. Brass door handles

Many doorknobs, especially antique ones, are made of brass. After all, this metal has an oligodynamic effectOligodynamic effect - the ability to destroy microbes. Brass handles disinfect themselves in about 8 hours, while stainless and aluminum cannot boast of such a property.

4. Screwdriver handle

Not everyone knows that a screwdriver handle can be designed to increase torque when used in tandem with a wrench. We are talking about faceted options or products with a circular section with a hexagonal drive (area in front of the shank).

5. Jeans rivets

Tiny rivets on jeans, usually made of copper, are, in fact, the basis of strength. They are placed in places that can break under heavy load. Most often these are areas where several thick pieces of fabric are sewn together. Levi Strauss (founder of the Levi’s brand) began using rivets on an industrial scale, who aimed to make the most durable trousers for miners and gold prospectors. However, the idea did not belong to him, but to a tailor from Nevada, Jacob Davis.Davis, Jacob, who used rivets on clothing to attach a horse harness.

6. Additional eyelets on shoes

Some high boots have additional eyelets, which many mistake for ventilation holes. In fact, they also serve for lacing and are used to grip the ankle more tightly. By tightening the laces with their help, you exclude the movement of the foot in the boot when going up or down. This can be very useful when hiking.

7. Small hole in padlocks

Small holes at the bottom of the hinged castle can be designed to drain moisture so that the mechanism does not rust over time. It is sometimes also used as a lubricant if the valve starts to jam or creak.

8. Wooden coat hanger

Wooden hangers are not just a sleeker alternative to plastic solutions. They were originally made from cedar, which repels insects (including moths). In addition, the wood of this species smells good and is durable. These hangers are ideal for coats and jackets, especially those made of wool.

9. Gasoline indicator in the car

Many cars have a small triangular arrow on the dashboard next to the low gasoline indicator. You may not know, but it indicates on which side of your car the gas tank and filler neck are located. For drivers without experience, this designation can be very useful at a gas station.

10. Roulette hook

Almost every tape measure has a metal riveted tip. It is always slightly loose (loose) and has a hole or notches. All this has its own purpose. So, the backlash is designed to compensate for the thickness of the hook itself when measuring when you apply the tip of the tape measure to some object. And this same backlash allows you to get an accurate reading when you calculate the distance from an object.

The hole in the hook allows you to hang the end of the tape from the nail when measuring the height, and the notches, if any, will help you mark the wooden surface if you don't have a pencil at hand.