Many everyday objects contain hidden functional features designed for specific purposes, such as the antenna lines on phones that allow electromagnetic waves to pass through metal cases, the dimples on golf balls that reduce aerodynamic drag, and the tabs on plastic wrap boxes that hold the roll in place; these design elements often serve practical functions that people overlook, demonstrating how everyday items incorporate engineering solutions to common problems.
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Billions Don’t Know This Secret Use! — Mix These Two and Watch the MagicAdded:
Think you're ready to see the world in a whole new way? I hope so, because I'm about to blow your mind. Have you ever noticed those plastic lines along the side of your [music] phone? They're the oddly spaced stripes that seem to have no purpose. In reality, though, they're probably your phone's most important feature, because without them, your device would be little more than a smart paperweight. They are antenna lines, allowing your phone to remain wireless.
Electromagnetic [music] waves carrying phone, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi signals cannot pass through metal, which makes up most of [music] the phone's outer case. And the glass panel up front also slows those waves down. It's like there's a bouncer at the [music] door, refusing to let most signals in or out of the phone. Hey, I've been to that nightclub. Anyway, that means no phone calls, no text, and no late-night delivery when you have nothing in the fridge except one egg and something that might have once been lasagna.
Those little strips of plastic allow the same electromagnetic waves to come and go [music] as they please. This is why you can call a friend, order a ride, or play an online matching game until 3:00 in the morning. Hey, don't you have to get up early for work?
When you do finally stumble out of bed, make sure you're using this next item correctly to avoid a potentially upsetting situation. The zipper, originally patented as the clasp locker in 1851, didn't become widely used until the 1930s. Now, they're on everything, from bags to jackets to jeans, and they're not perfect. [music] They get stuck. They pinch the skin. And we all know what happens if the zipper on our pants refuses to stay up. Well, luckily, this can [music] be avoided. Most zippers have a locking mechanism built right in. When the zip is facing down and flat against [music] the teeth, the lock is engaged and the zipper remains closed. If only I had known that [music] back in school.
What about those metal rivets most jeans have? They're more than a design choice.
They were added to protect areas that experience the most strain, such as pocket corners and the base of the fly.
The rivets [music] hold the fabric together, even when it's being stretched and pulled during work. And since we're talking about clothing, have you ever wondered about that tiny fifth pocket at the front of your jeans? Well, first of all, it isn't really a fifth pocket.
Originally, jeans were made with four pockets, including that little one in front. The fifth pocket is actually the one on the back left, which was only added to jeans in 1901.
The little pocket, though, was important a long time ago. Cowboys needed to keep their pocket watches safe while riding out on the range. Yeehaw! That pocket kept the watches protected, but also handy.
>> [music] >> And then, people became so used to it that jeans just look weird without one.
Another strange holdout from a bygone day is that stitched V on the front of some sweatshirts. What if I told you that those exact stitches hold the whole shirt together? Well, then I would be lying, and I never do that.
But, back in the 1940s, this V was very useful. First, the V stitch was initially used to add a patch of stretchy rib fabric to the shirt, so that it could fit over our big heads more easily. Secondly, these [music] shirts were specifically designed for sports. So, the V included an additional piece of fabric [music] to absorb the sweat that would build up during a game or a workout. As stretchy fabric [music] became readily available and better at handling perspiration, the V lost its traditional value. But, like the tiny jean pocket, it has continued as a decorative feature, a reminder of our big-headed ancestors who apparently only sweated just below the chin.
But, moving on.
One place you won't find many people sweating is the golf course. [music] You will see quite a few fashion disasters, sure, but sweat? Mm, not so much.
[music] Golf was invented around the 16th century in Scotland. Back then, the ball was perfectly round and smooth. Over time, the ball would become dented from use, and at some point, golfers discovered that these imperfections actually helped the ball fly farther.
Dimples were added on purpose in the 1900s, when it was found out that they reduced the aerodynamic drag that slowed down a smoother ball. And the dimples made the balls easier to control.
And no, not all golf balls are created equal. The number of dimples can range from 300 to 500, with one company producing a ball [music] with over a thousand little dents. Wow, a little overboard, eh?
Need a quick, refreshing drink after a round of golf? Juice boxes, created back in 1963, are [music] very convenient.
But, why do they have these large triangular flaps on top?
>> [music] >> Their lifted flaps act as handgrips.
This stops you from accidentally squeezing a full box and spilling juice all over the place, like onto your favorite T-shirt or the new couch.
Now, when you're done golfing, >> [music] >> grab your backpack with that leather diamond patch with two vertical openings. It's commonly referred to as a lash tab, but I much prefer its other name, pig snout. I mean, it certainly looks like one.
You typically find these pig snouts on patch used by hikers and climbers. The diamond is a place to tie any extra gear that they need to carry, like boots, cooking equipment, or sleeping bags.
But, these lash tabs are also becoming more common on smaller backpacks.
They're a nod to the past, but just as [music] useful. Attach your running shoes to one next time you head to the gym, keeping those stinky things [music] away from the rest of your clothes.
Now, I'm sure you're a great driver, >> [music] >> but for years, you've probably been neglecting an important safety feature right in front of your eyes. That rearview mirror has a small tab located at the bottom center. It's high time you started using it. When this is flipped forward, [music] the mirror is in day mode, providing a strong reflection of everything behind the car. Flipping the tab [music] backward changes the whole situation to night mode. This reduces the brightness of the headlights behind you, resulting in a safer drive.
Another cool car tip? If you're borrowing from a friend, using a rental, or have the memory of a houseplant, cars feature a handy indicator to let you know which side the gas tank is [music] on. It's a tiny arrow next to the pump icon that points either left or right.
Where the arrow points, that's where the gas tank can be found, [music] and that's one less thing you have to remember.
Okay, off to the grocery store. A regular shopping cart has a useful [music] feature you might have been overlooking. Carts usually include loops in the metal [music] frame, often behind the child seat. As you bag your groceries, hang the ones with fragile or squishable items, like eggs or bread, on these loops. Now, they're out of harm's way when you toss that giant watermelon into the cart.
Later, when you're unloading [music] your groceries, do yourself a favor and grab that box of plastic wrap. You know, the one that is impossible to unroll without the whole tube [music] coming out while the plastic wrap sticks to itself?
Check out either end of the box, and you'll see small tabs that you are supposed [music] to push in. This helps to hold the roll in place, so you can easily pull the plastic wrap out without all the fuss. Aluminum foil boxes also have these tabs.
Now that you can finally use that plastic wrap, try this appealing hack.
Separate that bunch of bananas and cover [music] each stem in some plastic wrap.
The stem releases a gas called ethylene.
[music] When it reaches the rest of the banana, it encourages the fruit to ripen and turn black. [music] If you wrap the stems, your bananas will last longer.
And since you're in your kitchen, you might [music] as well warm up that coffee from this morning. Just remove the gross skin that has formed on top.
Don't eat it. Of course, as you [music] open the microwave, you'll notice that the glass in the door has a strange black mesh inside. This mesh is designed to stop [music] any radiation from passing through the glass. Like the electromagnetic waves we discussed earlier, radiation can't pass through metal. That mesh keeps it all safely inside to help you heat up your food.
Thank you, science.
Oh, and about that cup of coffee? Did you know that the handle size can help you determine how much the mug actually holds? Let your fingers guide you. If you can fit two fingers into the handle, then the mug holds 8 oz or one measuring cup of liquid. Three fingers, [music] 10 oz or one and a quarter cups. Four fingers, 12 oz or one and a half cups.
Pretty cool, huh?
The cylinder on the end of a [music] cable is sitting there, useless as it might seem. In fact, this is a ferrite [music] bead that assists with many electrical wires to reduce electromagnetic [music] interference.
Electrical wires act like unintentional antennas, broadcasting the EMI.
>> [music] >> There's a reason why the spinning wheel inside the microwave is circular. A circular object will evenly [music] distribute the heat as opposed to a rectangular and square one.
When you place [music] containers of these shapes inside, the energy is focused on the corners, >> [music] >> rather than spread evenly like in a round container.
The temperature [music] gauge on a toaster is commonly used to determine how crisp you like your toast. But, the other, more specific use for the gauge was for the different [music] types of bread.
White and sweet types of bread heat up much faster as opposed to heavier brown and [music] rye ones.
The older bread is, the more time it will need in the toaster to ensure the golden brown result you're looking for.
Most ovens >> [music] >> give you the option of leaving the door ajar when broiling a dish inside.
[music] You probably think the The here is to help cool down the oven after use.
[music] In reality, its purpose is to focus on cooking the top of the dish and to ensure a crusty layer.
Controlling [music] the buildup of heat and steam by releasing it through the slightly ajar door gives you the desired [music] result without cooking the entire dish to a crispy end.
You probably noticed [music] that your dishwasher has specific areas for different types of cutleries and dishware.
But all [music] the dishware pieces should be facing towards the center and not all in one direction. What types [music] of foods were on the plates will also determine where they should be located in the racks.
As the middle of the machine gets the strongest [music] spray, carb-based stains from tomatoes and potatoes should be [music] placed there.
The detergent is more focused on the outside during the clean.
Creating a waterfall-like plant. [music] That's why protein-based stains, like from eggs for example, should be stacked [music] there.
Ceiling fans push cool air down on a hot day, circulating the room. But they can serve you during the winter just as effectively if you flick [music] that switch on the side or use the pulley.
So if you want to save some money on heating and try to quickly [music] warm up your room on a cold day, turn the fan on. It will push the air up and spread the warm air around, more effectively [music] warming the room up.
Do you still use sticky notes instead of those fancy [music] new apps on all possible gadgets? Welcome to the club.
Regardless of what [music] you use them for, they can annoyingly curl up. If you've had this issue, [music] it's because you've peeled them from the bottom upwards. Doing it this way causes the curling. Peeling them [music] from the side will ensure they remain flat, ready to remind you of your daily tasks.
Did you know that can openers [music] weren't invented until 50 years after preservation cans had been readily available? So how would it be possible to open a can?
There are [music] a couple of alternative methods just in case you've misplaced your trusty opener.
All you [music] need is a metal spoon.
Set the can down on the counter, hold on to it firmly, [music] and grasp the head of the spoon tightly.
Apply pressure and vigorously rub the [music] edge of the can's top over a small area.
It takes time, but as you continuously rub, a small indentation [music] soon opens a hole. Once the hole is wide enough for the spoon's tip, pry the lid upwards and keep [music] going along the edges until you can finally access the hard-earned meal within.
Most toilets [music] rely on water pressure and gravity to function, so a power outage will [music] not affect them.
But if yours does need electricity to function, you must be worried about using it when the power is out.
The good news is [music] the power is only used to fill the toilet and not to flush it. As the flushing mechanism will still work, open [music] the toilet tank and pour in a couple of gallons, and you're free to flush away whatever you need to.
>> [music] >> Blockages in shower drains occur over a long period of time. It's inevitable. We lose 50 [music] to 100 hairs a day, and many of them will endeavor to reside within our shower drains.
Hair [music] only forms the foundations of the blockage, and this attracts the buildup of various other things. A great life hack is to use your vacuum cleaner and put the nozzle in the hole once removing the plug.
Apply a wet cloth around the nozzle, ensuring air cannot escape. The vacuum will suck up the blockages a lot easier.
This will help avoid any extra cost from plumbers, as they themselves use this technique.
To make your [music] candles last longer, trim their wicks multiple times and keep them as far away from water and [music] moist as possible.
It will guarantee that your candle's wax stays firm and steady [music] and continues to burn slower for a longer period of time.
The empty space between [music] the panes of the oven door is there for a reason. You can stick a brush in there to clean the oven door glass.
It's easy to access [music] this space through the bottom of the door, open the lower shelf, then push the brush through the hole.
While you're parking in a garage, you might find it difficult [music] to determine how close to it you need to be.
Not all cars have sensors ensuring [music] you keep the right distance before the bumper makes an indentation on the wall.
Applying a rope with a tennis ball from the ceiling at the right distance [music] will help you learn the best distance to park from the wall.
We've all been told to loosen [music] a lock with WD-40 or lubricant. Yes, we all know we should have these around the house. But in case you [music] don't, a great alternative is drawing with a gray lead pencil along the edges of the key and then putting it into the lock.
Continue doing this until [music] the keyhole has been adequately lubricated and the key functions smoothly.
Pliers [music] are prone to damage when you use them to adjust faucets and showerheads and are also difficult [music] to grip.
Take a couple of pieces from the end of an old garden hose and attach them [music] to the jaws of the pliers.
You'll find a huge improvement with grip and will avoid [music] wear and tear.
You can find a good use for discarded rubber for different things around [music] the house. When fed up with tightening or loosening with a screwdriver, try using [music] a simple rubber band.
Place part of it into the screw grip, and the screwdriver will have far greater traction.
Oh. Moving cement blocks isn't safe for your lower back. Even with a wheelbarrow, it can be a risky process to place the cement onto the ground [music] without causing damage.
Three simple cylinder pipes can make a world of difference, regardless of the size of the block.
Try lifting the edge [music] onto the first pipe with a pry bar, then pushing and maneuvering as you gradually direct the three pipes towards the desired location. [music] Just make sure you're not doing this on a slope.
That first strike [music] on a nail can be a great success or will result in a throbbing thumb.
A bobby pin [music] is perfectly shaped to hold a nail in place, allowing for your hand to be clear out of harm's way >> [music] >> and free to strike the nail without fear.
Use a crayon [music] instead of a pen or pencil while working with a wet saw to ensure the markings are not removed. They will also [music] be easier to see under the murky water.
Checking the drains [music] on the roof and determining when they need to be cleaned can take a lot of time.
Using duct tape, attach a mirror on the end of a long [music] broom and review whether the drains need to be cleaned.
To further assist [music] with your balance as you check on the gutters, attach a pair of old trainers to the [music] end of the ladder. The spread of the shoe and its grip will ensure a further level of safety.
Liquid caulk normally comes in huge tubes, so you can never use [music] it all at once.
The hardened tips of liquid caulk create blockages. Grab a used cork [music] and drill through it to make a perfect lid, concealing the liquid caulk. Now it's ready to [music] be used again with no blockages.
Now here's a trick. Instead of putting the box greater vertically on top of a plate, put it horizontally with no plate underneath, of course. This way you won't risk scraping your knuckles because only your fingertips will eventually touch the greater [music] when you reach the end of the process.
Also, it gives the greater more stability. When otherwise, you'd have to balance the greater or even hold it in the air with the other hand. When you're done or when there's just too much grated stuff on the bottom wall of the greater, simply turn it on its side to pour the contents into the bowl or plate.
Flowers in a vase would stay fresher for longer if not for the bacteria that breed in the water. Since copper has some antibacterial properties, dropping a penny into the water will help keep the microbes at bay and let you enjoy your flowers for that little bit longer.
An easy way to check if your bed linen has dried completely is to put a small mirror in between the layers for about 5 minutes. If the mirror has steamed up when you pick it up, it means the sheets are still a bit damp. Let them dry until the mirror stops getting cloudy. A damp bed is a lovely breeding ground for fungi and bacteria. Okay, I'm in.
If you have a not very healthy habit of eating in front of your computer, [music] you'll be surprised at how much crumbs and grime there is inside your keyboard.
Now, you can just turn it over and shake it vigorously, of course, [music] but that's not very good for any piece of tech, you know. So instead, take a posted [music] note and run its sticky part over the keyboard. It will collect the little pieces of trash like magic.
Even a better way to do it, though, is to take a slime and stick it to the keyboard, then take it away, squeeze it, and stick again in another part. The slime will fill the entire space between the keys, and its sticky properties will let it gather every little bit of garbage.
Separating egg yolks from whites is easier using a plastic bottle. Break the necessary number of eggs into a bowl and then take an empty plastic bottle and squeeze it. Hold the bottle over the yolk and release. It'll pull in air and the yolk together, leaving the white in the bowl. Repeat with the rest of the yolks and you're done. And that's no yolk.
If you're tired of spitting out the stones when eating cherries or want to make a cherry pie, push the stones out with a straw. Also, many garlic presses have a special tool on their handle that can be used exactly for that.
Cleaning a blender can be a nuisance if you do it manually. Instead, fill it with hot water and add some liquid soap or detergent, then run it for about 10 seconds. Rinse it afterwards hand it's clean.
Plaster walls can crumble, flake, and spread dust all over the floor when you hammer nails into it. Cut a strip of masking tape and stick it to the place you want to hammer a nail in. The tape won't let the plaster crack and crumble, leaving the hole neat and clean.
Small scratches and dents on wooden furniture can be removed with some toothpaste or a walnut. For toothpaste, rub a pea-sized amount of it into the scratch until it's gone. Then wipe the leftovers with a damp cloth. For a walnut, take a half of that brain-shaped nut and rub it into the dent. Then rub the area with your fingers and buff it with a soft cloth. This will help the wood absorb the oil from the nut, making the scratch sealed and gone.
The sticky residue on jars left after you remove the stickers won't be easily removed by water and detergent. So, take some vegetable oil instead. Soak a cotton pad in it and wipe the sticky surface. Let it sit for a while and then wash the oil away together with the residue.
If you can't comfortably reach the wick of a candle with a lighter, hey, take a stick of spaghetti. Light up its end and you'll get a burning stick that's easy to use for hard-to-reach places.
Now, next time your razor blade is getting dull, try rubbing it backwards on a pair of jeans for regular upkeep.
Not while you're wearing them, of course. Make sure you keep the blades dry, too, or even kept in mineral oil.
That will stop them from rusting.
Keep all those jelly, ketchup, peanut butter, and mayo fresher for longer in your fridge by turning the contents upside down.
>> [music] >> This creates a partial vacuum inside the container, helping prevent mold growth.
Storing ice cream upside down will prevent freezer burn, too.
To bring your permanent marker back to life, simply put a few drops of rubbing alcohol into the felt material inside and shake. Once the felt absorbs the rubbing alcohol for a couple of minutes, the marker will be almost as good as new.
Now, don't keep throwing away lettuce that goes black too quickly. Covering it with a dry paper towel and then placing it in an airtight container will help it keep fresher for much longer. This goes for any leafy greens you've got leftovers of.
That sharpish bit sticking out of the cap of your favorite cream is there for a reason.
>> [music] >> These tubes are usually sealed with foil, so unless you love breaking your nails trying to open them, just flip the cap over and push.
Your bobby pins might not stay in place if the grooves aren't facing the right way. They should always be on the bottom, close to your head. Still coming loose? Well, put a squeeze of hairspray right onto the bobby pin before you put it in your hair.
Now, your cotton rounds pack has those strings on it, so you can hang it on a handy hook in the bathroom. But there's no need to loosen and tighten it back up every time. Check out the bottom of the pack. It has a perforated line. Tear it open carefully and you're good to go.
Two zips too much? Maybe, but they come in handy as a clever anti-theft device.
Just lock them together. Now, no one can open your backpack. Don't have a lock on you? You can also tie them together with some string or even just a paper clip.
Anything to slow those pickpockets down.
That tiny little button on the back of a shirt collar is used to hold your tie in place. Hey, you don't want your tie trying to escape back there.
Shoe manufacturers care about their customers, so most running shoes now have a special anti-blister system pre-installed. Sounds intense, but it's basically just that extra hole on top of your sneakers.
Make a loop with the extra hole, inserting the lace backward. Cross your laces and put them through the loops.
Now, pull the laces down to lock your foot in place. Now, run. Yeah, go ahead.
Car headrests are all about comfort and detachable headrests are all about safety. If you pull the headrest out, you'll see two sturdy metal bars. If you ever get locked or trapped in your car, you can use the bars to smash the window and get out.
If you've got some pesky parsley stuck in your teeth, try this tip. It can be hard to get it out with loose floss. You need more tension, so just tie it in a knot.
It's not an accident that soy sauce bottles have two spouts. The sauce is liquid and it flows out of the bottle pretty easily once you turn it over.
Most Asian food lovers have spilled it at least once in a lifetime. That's why nowadays restaurants prefer serving soy sauce in special bottles that have two spouts. This design allows you to control when and how much sauce will come out. Just put your finger on one spout when you pour the sauce through another. If you press your finger tightly to the spout, the sauce will stop flowing and if you remove your finger, it'll flow again. And don't forget to ask your server, "Hey, wasabi." All right.
A hair straightener is an excellent tool, not only for treating your natural curls, but also for fixing crumpled money or documents. You can also use a regular iron for this purpose. Just make sure you don't turn on steaming mode, otherwise there's a risk of damaging the paper.
Hairbands are good not only for getting your hair done, but also to open a glass jar with canned food. Your hands might slip on the tightly closed lid and if you don't open the can from the first attempt, your palms tend to get sweaty, making the task virtually impossible.
So, put a hairband on the lid to fix your hand and make your grasp stronger.
A simple rubber band will do as well.
Now, it's time to take my sweaty palms and go.
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