These Common Household Items Have Mind-Blowing Hidden Functions

Every day we use so many different objects and become accustomed to the particular way we believed they should be used. Without even realizing it, we all have been using many of the items on this list incorrectly or inefficiently. When utilized in the correct way, these common household objects can help you solve many small issues in your everyday life.
Most of these common everyday items have hidden features or secondary functions that you might not have known about. Get ready, because we’re going to expose all the things you didn’t know about these common items you use and see everyday.

1. A Potato Can Help Unscrew a Broken Lightbulb

Have you ever found yourself in this predicament? A lightbulb has broken, but it’s still in the socket and the sharp edges are sticking out.

To get the lightbulb unscrewed safely, stick half of a potato onto it so that the pointy parts of the broken bulb are well covered. Then simply turn the potato gently until the bulb comes out.

2. Use a Takeout Box as a Plate

One of the perks of ordering takeout is not having to heat the stove up to cook. But what if you wanted to avoid doing dishes too?

If your meal comes in one of those iconic folded paper boxes, you can actually unfold them and use them as your dishware. Easiest. Dinner. Ever!

3. Stop Foil from Rolling Away

Isn’t it frustrating when you go to cover your leftovers, and suddenly the whole roll of aluminum wrap comes flying out? Turns out, the box has a built-in solution just for that.

Go to your kitchen, grab your foil, and look at the end. See those little perforated tabs? Push them in, and the roll will stay snugly inside the box.

4. Use a Dustpan to Fill a Bucket

If you’ve never struggled to fill a bucket with water from a sink without a hose extension, count yourself lucky. It’s a major pain.

There is a solution, though, and it’s something everyone already has. Just take your trusty dustpan and use it as a spout. Voila! Full bucket, no struggle.

5. Use Plastic Cups to Measure

If you’ve ever been to a barbecue or a house party, you know these brightly colored cups well. They’re so famous, there’s even a song about them! Despite the fact that everyone has used one at some point, many still don’t know that you can use the lines on the cups to measure liquids!

These lines are supposed to be used as measurements for wine, beer, and liquor. That way you would know how much you should pour in a cup so you don’t over-serve yourself or others.

6. Use a Spoon to Stop a Pot from Boiling Over

Grandmas and Nanas everywhere will know this one, but if yours never told you about this little trick, we’ll let you in on it now.

To prevent your pot from boiling over and making your stovetop a mess, lay a wooden spoon on top. It keeps the bubbles in the pot and under control!

7. Remove Strawberry Tops with a Straw

Mmm…fresh, ripe strawberries are a delicious treat. If only they weren’t such a pain to prepare. Cutting the green bits off every single berry is tedious!

Don’t fret, there is an easy solution. Just slide a straw through the berry starting from the bottom and the tops will come right off.

8. Prevent Peanut Butter from Separating

Peanut butter lovers know the frustration of reaching for the jar of deliciousness just to find that the oil has completely separated! There’s an easy way to solve that problem…

Just let gravity do the work for you! It’s easy – store the jar upside down, and you’ll never have this issue again.

9. Your Spaghetti Spoon is Designed to Measure Proportions

How much spaghetti should you serve one person? That depends on the appetite of the person, but it’s rare that you’ll get this one right. Either you have a heap of leftovers you’re too full to eat or you’re going back for more and hoping it’s not all gone.

Who knew that the hole in the center of your spaghetti spoon is the solution? It’s not there to drain liquid but rather to guide your portioning decisions.

10. Arrow on Your Gas Gauge that You May Not Have Even Noticed

Most vehicles that have been manufactured since 2010 have an arrow next to the gas gauge that either points to the right or to the left. The purpose of this arrow is to indicate to the driver which side of the vehicle the gas tank is on.

For example, if the arrow is pointing to the right, that means that the gas tank is on the right side of the car. Most people do not even notice this arrow because they instinctively know the side of their car the gas tank is located. However, if you are driving a rental or new car, this arrow becomes very handy.

11. Don't Use the Wrong Plunger

We all try to ignore our plungers until we actually need them, but you might want to pay a little more attention to this humble tool.

The key is having the right item for the job. A cup-style plunger is better for a sink, while you should use one with a narrower end to clear toilets.

12. Pom-pom Hats Had an Unusual Function in the Past

Pom-pom hats are extremely stylish and look very cute today. They are very popular accessories and can be found in almost any wardrobe. However, in the past, they had a very specific function that you may not know about.

In the 19th century, most French sailors were wearing pom-pom hats. However, the intention was not to look adorable and stylish. Pom-poms on their hats were protecting their heads from bumping into the ship ceiling. Many ships had smaller doorways than expected, and the pom-poms absorbed the blow when heads collided with the door frames.

13. Wooden Hangers Are More Useful Than You Thought

Is your closet full of plastic or wooden hangers? Hangers can say a lot about the personality of their owner. But did you know why wooden hangers were created?

They were made to keep creatures such as moths away from a wardrobe because they can damage clothes, especially if they are made of wool. Usually, wooden hangers are made of cedar that is known for its ability to retract moths and other insects.

14. Fill Wall Holes with Crayon

If you have kids in your home. You’re probably no stranger to damage to your walls. Luckily, you most likely already have the item that will fix it too.

Just grab one of the kids’ white crayons and use it to fill those unsightly holes. Fun and functional!

15. That Hole on Your Padlock Wasn’t Designed to Make it Easier to Pick Open

Have you ever shoved a bobby pin or other small object into the hole on the bottom of a padlock? If you’ve ever locked yourself out of something valuable, this was probably a method you used.

However, those holes are designed to prevent moisture from collecting inside the lock. It serves as a preventative measure against rust. The hole also can help if your lock gets jammed. If you pour WD-40 or oil in this small hole, that should fix things.

16. Use Cooking Spray on Squeaky Hinges

Every kitchen has a can of this stuff around. It’s so much easier to use, and much easier to portion than just pouring oil from the bottle.

It has more uses than greasing a pan, however. You can also use it to grease hinges! It works great when you’re in a pinch and don’t have WD-40 around.

17. The Blue Part of an Eraser is the Source of Many Myths

You probably noticed that there are erasers that are different colors. Many people think that two colors look more appealing to kids. There are even rumors among school children that the blue part of the eraser is able to erase ink. However, neither of these is true.

The difference between the blue and the red part is that the blue part can be used on the thicker and tougher types of paper, while the red one should be used on either notebook or loose-leaf paper.

18. You're Using Bobby Pins Upside Down

People with thick hair, this one is for you. If you know the pain of perfecting a hairstyle just to have it fall apart in minutes, you might be using bobby pins wrong.

Most people put the flat side against their scalp, but it actually works much better if you use the bumpy side down! This is how they were intended to work, anyways.

19. Make Sticky Notes Lay Flat

Post-it notes seem as simple as can be, right? Write, peel, stick. However, if you’re peeling from the bottom, you’re doing it wrong!

Peel from the side to help the note lay flat against the surface and avoid the edges curling up. Who knew there was a “right way” to use sticky notes?!

20. The Other Side of the Pill Bottle Cap

This hack kinda blew our minds. Pill bottles with the safety lids can be hard to open, right? This is especially true for elderly people or those with limited dexterity in their hands.

However, the other side can also be used to seal the bottle! Just make sure to close them with the secure side if you have kiddos around.

21. Fast Food Meal Container Hack

While it’s unclear if the design of these fast food meal containers were intended to be used this way, it absolutely can make your life easier. After all, fast food was meant to be consumed on the go.

If you slide your soft drink straw through the middle of your meal container, your fries and nuggets or burger can rest perfectly, supported by the lid of your drink. This way, your entire meal can fit sturdily inside your cup holder should you find yourself eating in the car.

22. Matching Piece of Fabric You Get with New Clothes

It is common to get an extra button with your new clothes. The reason for an extra button is pretty obvious – if a button falls off, you have got an extra one to replace it with. But what about a piece of fabric that often accompanies the button? Many people think that it is used for patching up a rip in their clothing.

However, it is too small for that. The real purpose is so you can test cleaning products on this small piece of fabric in order to make sure that a certain cleaning product does not ruin the material before you wash the real thing.

23. The "57" Ketchup Trick

Glass ketchup bottles are rarer these days, which means you might not know how to get the condiment onto your plate when it refuses to come out.

Find the little “57” that’s raised on the side of the bottle, angle the opening toward your fries, and tap that spot with the heel of your hand. It really works!

24. Open Bananas from the Bottom

We know what you’re thinking…”How could I be using bananas wrong?” It’s not that you’re wrong, per se, it’s just that there’s a better way to open them!

Opening bananas from the top causes bruising and can be frustrating. Flip ‘em around and squeeze the bottom. Ta-da! Your snack is ready.

25. Colored Squares at the Bottom of a Toothpaste Tube

If you look at the bottom of your toothpaste tube, you will notice a colored square – blue, red, black, or green. Many people mistakenly believe that each color reveals the ingredients of toothpaste: red for natural and chemical, green for all natural, blue for natural plus medicine, etc.

The truth is that these squares have nothing to do with your toothpaste’s formulation. It is just a mark for light beam sensors during the manufacturing process to indicate to the machines where one tube ends and the next begins.

26. A Built-in Spoon Rest

Here’s another tip for the kitchen. When you’re short on counter space and don’t have room for a spoon rest, you can use the hole at the end of your pan handle!

Just make sure the burners are off so you don’t solve one problem and cause a much bigger one. Trust us.

27. The Headrests of Your Car Seats Have a Secret Function

The most obvious feature of the headrests is to provide comfort to passengers and drivers while driving and keep all passengers safe in the event of an accident. However, there is another hidden feature at work here. You probably have noticed that the headrests are detachable and have metal bars.

If you are ever trapped in a vehicle and need to get out as quickly as possible, the headrests can be used to smash your car windows. It is a rare situation, but you never know what may happen and when you’ll need to know this helpful tip.

28. Use a Pop Can Tab to Hold a Straw

Ever wonder why a soda can tab has that hole in it? We’re not sure, either but we do know it has a surprising use you may not have heard of.

Instead of struggling trying to get that next sweet sip, just stick a (biodegradable) straw through the hole! Genius.

29. Flip the Side of the Yogurt Cup

We felt a little silly for not knowing this one, but we had to share in case you didn’t know either! Ever enjoyed one of those yogurt cups with the topping sidecar?

Well, they actually bend at the perfect angle to dump the berries or granola right on top. Maybe these things should come with instructions!

30. Seal a Screw with Nail Polish

Loose screws can be such a pain. If only there were a magic substance you already have in your cabinet that could help prevent this…

Oh wait, you totally do! Clear nail polish has a number of uses. You can paint it over the sides of a screw to keep it tightly in place.

31. Use Painter's Tape for Perfect Caulking

Caulking is one of those tasks that nobody wants to do; it can be a huge mess, and it’s hard to get the perfect edge.

An experienced handyman once told us that you can use painter’s masking tape to get a crisp clean line. Just make sure to remove the tape before the caulk dries fully.

32. Quickly Delete Entries in the Calculator App

If you’re one of the world’s 900 million-plus iPhone uses, you may find this hack to be a handy one.

Save yourself some grief next time you need to do some quick math. When using the built-in calculator app, you can simply swipe right to delete the last number you entered.

33. Silica Gel Found in Shoe Boxes

Many people mistakenly believe those little bags that are found in shoe boxes are air fresheners. However, they actually are silica gel packets, which serve the purpose of absorbing moisture.

The packets of this gel also have different uses, including drying out a wet smartphone that you dropped in water or helping your clothes smell fresh. Therefore, next time you find these items in a shoe box, do not throw them away.

34. Little Discs Under Plastic Bottle Caps

You probably thought that these discs are useless because if you pry them out, the bottle will still close fine. However, they have a purpose. They are under the lid in order to keep everything in the bottle, including both liquid and carbonation.

Therefore, without these little discs, soda in bottles would go flat very quickly.

35. Use Your Dishwasher to Sanitize Items Like Toys

Your dishwasher isn’t just for dirty cups and bowls! You can actually wash and sanitize a variety of other options using this handy home appliance. Toss in children’s toys or pet food bowls for a deep clean. Plastic office supplies, bathroom containers, and even small trash cans can all be cleaned in your dishwasher.

Not only is this more efficient than you can do by hand, it saves you a ton of water. You can also use the rinse-only cycle to wash vegetables, the steam setting to cook salmon, and much more.

36. Holes in Converse Shoes Have Two Purposes

It may be surprising to you, but two extra holes in the side of your Converse shoes actually have two purposes. That’s right – it is not just a specific Converse design. The first purpose is providing ventilation to your feet. The holes allow the air to circulate inside a shoe to help prevent your feet from sweating too much.

The second purpose is to let you be creative with laces. Yes, you do not have to choose traditional lacing techniques all the time – there are other more creative ways to lace your shoes by using these two holes.

37. The Small Dot on the Back of Your Smartphone

There is a small hole in the back of your phone between the flash and the camera. Many people may not know this, but it is actually a microphone. Its purpose is to reduce the amount of external noise when you talk.

In addition, it helps improve the quality when you are on the phone or when you are using a virtual assistant.

38. Toothpaste with Three Colored Stripes

Aquafresh is one of the most famous toothpastes in the world. It is sold in 127 countries around the globe and is used by over 260 million people. Its white, red, and blue stripes make the toothpaste quite distinctive. You may think that the combination of these three colors is simply a marketing hook.

However, in fact, each color is known for its unique purposes and ingredients. The white color contains substances to remove plaque and whiten teeth. Blue is known for breath-freshening and antimicrobial effects, and red contains the special elements helping to keep your gums healthy.

39. Little Bumps on "F" and "J" Keys on Your Keyboard

If you are a trained typist, you definitely know what are the purposes of these two bumps. If you practice 10-finger typing, you can use “F” and “J” keys as the home keys, on which your index fingers rest.

They help you find the way back to the home position without the need to look down at the keyboard. Moreover, these bumps also help blind people with typing.

40. Easily Clean a Pan

What’s your least favorite chore? For us, it’s doing the dishes. Standing in front of a soapy sink with a sponge and a dirty pan is just not fun.

Save yourself the hassle next time and boil a little water in the pan before you clean. Add some vinegar too if it’s nonstick. The results are magic!

41. Holes in Ballpoint Pens Caps

Most of us used ballpoint pens throughout our school years. Did you ever wonder why there was a tiny hole in the cap? Believe it or not, this hole has a very specific purpose – it is placed there by the company for if someone were to swallow the cap.

The hole in the cap will help the air flow continue through the cap. This means that with the help of the cap, the person who swallowed it will be able to breathe. While you absolutely shouldn’t be swallowing pen caps, it may help save an innocent child’s life who didn’t know any better.

42. Little Pockets on Your Jeans Have a Secret Function

This tiny pocket is so small that it is hard to believe that you can use it for storing something. In reality, this pocket that sits inside a real pocket has a long history.

It appeared on the jeans of cowboys in the 19th century, and its primary purpose was for keeping their watches safe. It has also served many other functions, such as a coin pocket, ticket pocket, key pocket, or even a match pocket.

43. Ridges on the Edge of Coins

One of the most common questions people ask about their coins is why quarters and dimes have ridges along the edges. The answer to this question goes back to the 18th century when quarters and half-dollars were made from gold, and other coins were made from copper and silver.

This actually was a security feature that helped prevent the casual fraud from scraping off tiny bits of gold and silver. Nickels and pennies were never made of valuable and expensive materials, so there was no need to add ridges to them.

44. Holes at the Top of Your Running Shoes

If you have ever had a pair of good running shoes, you may have noticed that there are extra holes near the tops with the same appearance as the regular shoelace holes. Many people find them awkward and unnecessary because they simply do not know their real function and have no idea how to properly utilize them.

These holes were created so that runners can lace their running shoes in many ways by getting the customized support they need while they run. Looping your laces through the top holes will hold the shoe tighter to your foot while also stopping the shoes from rubbing against your skin if you aren’t wearing socks.

45. Women's Shirt Buttons Used To Tell Social Status

You may not know it, but the position of the buttons on a women’s shirt and blouse is symbolic and has a special meaning. Back in the day, buttons placed on the left indicated that a woman belonged to the upper class and is probably dressed by her servants.

In contrast, if the buttons are on the right, it told the world that most likely you were a farmer or commoner, and you were probably dressed by yourself.

46. Metal Rivets on Your Jeans Have a Purpose

It may be surprising, but all of those metal rivets in your jeans have a function. They do not exist for a fashion statement only. They are strategically placed on certain areas where jeans used to fall apart. Jeans have a long history.

In the past, they became really popular among the working class, such as farmers, laborers, miners, ranchers, and other workers with very physical jobs. They all wore jeans, and the metal rivets on them helped to keep their jeans from ripping apart at the seams during their work.

47. The Unique Design of the Toblerone Chocolate Bar

Toblerone was created by Theodor Tobler and Emil Baumann in Switzerland in 1908. It is well known for its distinctive triangular shape and packaging. Most people mistakenly assume that this triangular shape is a shout out to the magnificent Swiss Alps. However, the design of this chocolate bar is more functional and practical than for aesthetics.

This chocolate is not meant to be eaten all at once but savored slowly piece by piece. The pieces of Toblerone are in triangles so that if you push on the end of one piece with your thumb, it will snap off easily and give you a perfect sized serving of delicious chocolate.

48. M&Ms Stands For Mars and Murrie

After wartime, M&Ms were made available to the public. Forrest Mars bought out Murrie’s shares in the company.

Two years after this acquisition, the company decided to print the candies with a black “m” which eventually became the iconic white marking we know and love today. Customers were encouraged to “Look for the M on every piece” to ensure they were getting the real M&M candies.

49. Escalator Brushes Are Not for Polishing Shoes

You may have used the escalator brushes for cleaning your shoes, but they are actually an important safety feature. One of the most common reasons for escalator accidents is due to people getting their bags, clothes, or shoelaces stuck in the escalator from standing too close to the sides.

These nylon brushes do not allow you to stand too close to the sides as they push your feet away from the escalator’s side panels. These brushes have helped prevent thousands of accidents.

50. Don't Be Afraid of the Holes in Airplane Windows

We all freaked out a little bit when we noticed a small hole in the airplane window for the first time. This hole has two purposes. The first purpose is compensation for air pressure.

When the airplane reaches cruising altitude, there is a significant pressure difference between the inside and outside of the aircraft. The hole in the airplane window helps regulate this difference. The other purpose of it is to prevent the window from fogging up.

51. You Were Never Meant to Blow Your Lollipop Like a Whistle

Did you blow into those lollipops with the little hole at the top when you were a kid? Maybe your kids are still doing the same, but that’s not the purpose of those holes.
So why are they there? To save your life!

The hole allows the candy to adhere securely to the stick, ensuring it doesn’t come lose and slip down your throat. It eliminates a choking hazard.

52. Fast Food Lids Have a Second Purpose

Have you noticed that fast food cups sweat a lot of condensation, making a big mess? You can avoid that problem by removing the lid and using it as a coaster.

The little bumps on top of the lids are designed to hold a cup in place when used as a coaster. No, they’re not just there to amuse you for a few minutes while you push in the various buttons.

53. Your Favorite Backpack has a Diamond Shape Design for Historical Purposes

What’s that diamond shape design that you see on many backpacks? It might look stylish, but it’s actually a knockoff from alpine backpacks designed to hold ice picks.

Many bags designed for mountaineers had that little diamond piece to hold essential tools. However, today you’re more likely to use it to hook on your gym shoes or corded headsets.

54. Pockets Found in Women's Underwear

Most women’s underwear have little secret pockets sewn into them. No, they are not used for storing pads, tampons, or anything else fancy in there.

They are called a panty gusset and have a very specific purpose. Usually, the gussets are made of moisture-wicking breathable materials in order to keep the privates properly ventilated and dry.

55. Pack Using the Rolling Method

When packing efficiently for a trip, look to flight attendants and Marie Kondo for advice. Both recommend rolling your clothes instead of folding them.

That way, you’ll have a neater-looking, more organized suitcase. Plus, your items will be less wrinkled and you’ll be able to fit more souvenirs to bring home!

56. Trouser Creases

Have you ever wondered if there was a purpose to those creases you see in fancy trousers? The answer goes back to the 19th century.

Trousers were being made in Europe and then shipped to other countries. Because of how they were folded and the long journey by ship, when they were received by the buyers the crease was not fixable. Because of this, they made it into a fashion statement.

57. Tic Tac Containers

If you have ever found yourself having trouble getting yourself just one Tic Tac, the Tic Tac company actually designed its box to help with that.

The little tab on the opening of the Tic Tac box perfectly fits a single Tic Tac. When you tilt the box at an angle, one Tic Tac will perfectly slide onto the tab!

58. The Punt at the Bottom of a Wine Bottle

You may notice there is a punt at the bottom of each wine bottle. This helps each wine bottle balance and stand upright.

The punt also allows sediment in the wine to settle into a tight space at the bottom of the bottle. This prevents it from being released into the wine as you pour it into a glass.

59. Turn a Sheet of Aluminum Foil Into a Funnel

Need a funnel but don’t have one on hand? Use a sheet of aluminum foil. Simply form the foil into a cone shape and you’ve solved your problem. There is only one instance where you’ll want to double up the foil and that’s with grease.

If you’re trying to drain hot grease off a pan or other cooking vessel, make sure to use two layers. Let the grease sit until it is totally cooled, wad up the foil, and toss it in the trash for a mess-free cleanup.

60. Barcode Readers Read the White Parts Not the Black

Have you ever wondered how barcodes work? The scanners emit rays of light onto the barcode of the product that you are scanning. When the light hits the barcode, the dark areas absorb the light whereas the white areas reflect it back.

This generates a waveform that corresponds to the light that was reflected. The waveform is then decoded by the barcode reader in a similar manner to how Morse code dots and dashes are decoded.

61. Combat a Sunburn with Shaving Cream

Accidentally spent too much time in the sun and don’t have any aloe on hand? Shaving cream actually works as a great topical healing cream in a pinch. The menthol in the product offers a cooling effect, while any included shea butter can help moisturize the skin.

However, it is important to keep in mind that there are better products out there for sunburns, so only use this method as a last result. Also, this life hack should never be used for a severe burn, which needs a much stronger product.

62. Reinforcement Stickers with a Secondary Use

You may not know about this unusual use for reinforcement stickers. The stickers, of course, were what we all used in school in order to keep the sheets of paper kept in three ring binders from ripping loose. You can also use these labels for getting a moon or half-moon manicure, known as French or a reverse manicure.

This nail style first appeared in the 1920s and became very popular. With the help of reinforcement stickers, it is easier to create this manicure than you may think. All you need to do is apply a hole-punched reinforcement sticker to the bottom portion of your nails and paint the tops.

63. Add Cheese to Burgers After Cooking

The cheeseburger is a culinary masterpiece, especially when grilled over some hot coals, but you could be making a critical mistake.

We all love melty cheese, but wait until it’s off the fire to add your cheddar. It will still melt, but it won’t coat the grill and make it harder to clean.

64. Keep Houseplants Watered and Happy

If you’re terrible about remembering to water houseplants, here’s a trick to try out. Take a small plastic water bottle and puncture it with a hammer and nail in a few places along the side. Fill with water and secure the lid. Turn it upside down inside the potted plant and bury it slightly under the soil.

This allows the water to leak out slowly, giving the plant a drip drink of water a little at a time without you having to remember it.

65. Whiten Your Teeth for Cheap

There is no longer a need to spend a fortune on professional whitening strips! Let an inexpensive banana peel do the job. Simply rub the inner white side of a peel against your freshly brushed teeth for about 2 minutes every day.

The astringent salicylic acid is plaque-busting. The citric acid in banana peels gently bleaches your teeth, effectively lightening surface stains on your teeth without wearing down the enamel. With this simple trick, you’ll have bright pearly whites within a week!

66. The Drawer Under Your Oven

You may have always wondered what that drawer under your oven should be used for. Is it just for storage or can it really be used as a warming drawer to heat your food? This drawer actually can serve three different functions, but this will depend on the type of oven you own. It’s best to consult your manual to discover its true purpose.

If you have a warming drawer, you should typically see the words “warming drawer” as a button option on your stove. If you have a gas oven with a narrow drawer, that would be a broiler drawer. If your oven doesn’t have a button and the drawer is rather deep, then this type is strictly made for storage and you should not put your food in it.

67. The Design of a Milk Carton

Certain milk carton designs feature a circular imprint within the plastic. This design feature has multiple functions. Primarily this feature is for structural integrity and should help the milk jug from completely breaking or exploding should the milk be banged on a table, hit against a corner, or dropped from low heights.

This inverted circle may also be a way of showing if the milk is expired. When milk is left in the fridge too long, it will spoil. When milk sours, gases build up on the inside, causing the carton to expand. The inverted circle design allows for this natural gas expansion to occur without having your carton explode within your fridge, and it also helps your milk carton expand should you freeze your milk. If the circle ever pops out towards you, this is most likely an indication that your milk has gone bad.

68. Why Do Electrical Plugs Have These Two Holes?

If you have ever looked at the prongs of your electrical plugs on various electronics and appliances you have throughout your home, you may notice that some prongs have holes in them. There are 3 different purposes for these holes.

The first purpose is for stability. Inside the outlet that you plug your electronics into, there are bumps that match up with these holes to create a firm grip. This not only helps the plug from falling out, but also helps for the plug and outlet to have more contact between each other. Another reason for the holes would be for safety. You can slide zip ties with notes or even a small padlock in between the two holes to seal the plug if it shouldn’t be used or if there are special instructions involved. The last reason is for practical monetary reasons as having holes in the prongs means that the manufacturers can use less metal.