20+ Mysterious Objects That The Internet Managed To Figure Out

The Internet's an odd thing: while all the world's information lies just a click away, some queries are so specific that finding a needle in a haystack would be easier. But instead of hopelessly googling for hours on end, forums like Reddit provide the perfect place for online users to answer each other's questions in real time. When these 20 people came across strange objects they just couldn't quite place, the Internet swooped in to reveal what these unusual discoveries really were.


TO DO: After going over the source and this story, decide on a title that actually makes sense and is compelling. Read through the list. Make sure many of our entries work with the "weird things found inside other things" angle. Make sure the images are compliant. Make sure the copy is long enough (60+). Don't forget to check the winning images to see what works.

1. Baffling Briefcase

This open briefcase was discovered on a wooded path with a hammock set up just a few feet away. Internet users were quick to point out that the case was used by a hunter to store a scope and night vision goggles. The hammock was likely also used by the same hunter.

2. Metal Mystery

If you were rummaging through an old tool box and came across this small bag of metallic squares with a honeycomb pattern, chances are you wouldn't know what to do with them. Well, when this Reddit user threw a photo of the odd items up on the web, they learned they were just unique-looking brackets for picture frames.

3. What's He Doing?

When someone saw this gentlemen rolling a bizarre contraption around a field by their home, they had to know what it was — and they knew someone on the Internet would have the answer. It turned out the cart was holding a magnetometer, which is used to conduct magnetic surveys of land.

4. Click!

This unusual instrument was found outside of an apartment. The person who found it said, "It was obviously a tool but I couldn't for the life of me imagine what it was for." After uploading this photo online, someone informed them it was used to test emergency lights, so it was likely dropped by a building inspector.

5. Spread Eagle

Well hello there, my spread-eagle friend! While this looked like something out of a Victorian-Era adult gift store at first, the Internet assured the person who uploaded the photo that it was a perfectly normal kitchen item. Known as a "Toby Jug," these ceramic canteens were used as teapots or to serve cream.

6. Golf Ball-Esque

The indents in this sphere give the impression it belongs somewhere on a golf range, but why would it have that odd connecting piece at the top? As it turned out, this strange item actually belonged to the lawn game Ladder Ball — it was one of the two tethered balls you toss to score points.

7. Dangling Objects

This bizarre-looking structure was spotted in a parking lot, but the person who took the picture was totally stumped as to what it was. Were they odd lights? Maybe security cameras? In reality, it was neither; it was a Wi-Fi antenna!

8. Unknown Tool

This item looks like a simple pair of pliers at first, but what's with that rectangular handle on one end? Well, the Internet jumped at the chance to solve this riddle, and one person was kind enough to offer the answer: this tool is used to prevent your hands from burning when pulling hot trays from ovens.

9. Tupperware Conundrum

These four orange magnets were discovered attached to the bottom of this plastic container. The owner had no idea why a Tupperware bowl would include magnets, but they soon learned they're used to attach the bowl to microwave ceilings when not covering food.

10. Strange Cross

At first, this might appear to be some sort of religious relic based on the cross shape — however, that couldn't be farther from the truth. It's actually a scope that was once attached to a bow. The original owner must have had a passion for archery.

11. New Home Wonders

This photo was taken by a new homeowner who discovered this odd metal structure bolted to their kitchen wall. They had no idea what it was, so they posted it online for an answer. Someone quickly swooped in and informed them that it was an old-school broom and dustpan holder.

12. Puzzling Plastic

The person who snapped this photo needed help figuring out what the heck this plastic piece they found underneath their kitchen sink was. Well, it makes sense that it was found there, because it's used to tighten sink drains.

13. What's With This Engine?

While this Volkswagen Golf 7 engine was undergoing inspection, the mechanic noticed this odd orange cord wrapped around it. Not knowing what it was at first, they were concerned it would hinder the engine's effectiveness. Fortunately, they eventually discovered it was a contraption used to repel small animals that might crawl inside the car.

14. They're Watching You...

The person who took this photo was concerned this television-like structure in their new apartment was some kind of security camera used to monitor them. They were assured by the landlord that it was for the alarm system, and the Internet backed up the claim. It was simply the alarm system's motion sensor.

15. Roadside Riddle

This odd metal object was found on the side of a highway, and the person who discovered it was too curious not to uncover its origins. After posting this photo online, they were informed by several motorcycle enthusiasts that the strange item was a broken bike peddle.

16. Cobbled Mound

Why on earth would anyone build an area of bricks that looks like it was draped over a pyramid? Well, the uploader of this photo discovered the unusual hump had two different purposes: to cover old, rotted tree stumps, or to prevent people from parking cars in the area.

17. Tiny Capsule

When a mother approached her son after discovering this capsule in the laundry, he told her it was "an Advil container from the gas station." Concerned he was lying, she took to the Internet for an answer. Thankfully, it wasn't an illegal drug, but it did contain an ingredient similar to Viagra, which was probably why he didn't give her the hard truth.

18. Traffic Light Grids

Curiosity got the best of one Reddit user who posted this photo with the question, "What do the vertical lines do in the light?" They're actually known as "fins," and they help prevent the lights from being seen from the sides at intersections that aren't set at ninety degrees.

19. Slotted Spoons

The person who discovered these four tiny spoons in their kitchen couldn't understand the point of the slots in them. How could they hold anything? As it turned out, these spoons were actually used for butter. Called "butterers," they made it easy to butter up things like corn on the cob without all the mess.

20. Cryptic Carvings

These symbols were found carved inside of a clock case, but instead of being some kind of cryptic Masonic message, one Internet user versed in Freemasonry revealed they were put there by the clock maker to indicate where the piece originated. But mysterious messages aren't always the strangest things you'll find inside everyday objects.

21. Soda Can

Can you imagine buying a can of soda only to pop the top and realize there was another can inside? Maybe after they break into the second can, they'll find a third can beneath that one, just like a soda-can Russian nesting doll!

22. Table

You might think the desks and tables you're putting your things on are made out of sturdy wood so they won't collapse. This person, however, came to the startling realization that their table was made actually made out of simple cardboard!

23. Grape

Talk about getting your money's worth when you go shopping! This person bit into a grape, and they found a second, smaller grape inside. That's what people call a twofer, and hopefully they're all like this one.

24. Camera Case

This leather-bound case appears to fit a camera, but underneath the leather exterior is the most interesting part. Whoever made this actually reinforced the material with old toothpaste boxes. It might sound strange, but apparently it works!

25. Billiard Ball

Some pool shark broke the rack a little too hard and cracked the cue ball. Upon further inspection, however, it looks as though a striped red pool ball had been masquerading around as the cue ball the entire time!

26. Ceramic Statue

This discovery was pretty cool. This ceramic frog was accidentally dropped onto the ground, where it shattered. Inside, however, were two miniature statues of snowmen! This person lost their summer decoration but gained two winter ones!

27. Dog Toy

Take a look at this dog toy that was destroyed. The doll on the left was the original toy, and it was full of smiles and good vibes. Underneath it, however, was a sad plush toy who probably didn't want to come out and play.

28. Bra

This bra certainly has an interesting and—let's be honest—slightly creepy design on the inside of its cups. It makes you wonder if it feels like your bust is being held by a strangers' hands while you wear it! Let's hope not.

29. Odor Spray

Whoever bought this product simply wanted a spray to get the odor out of their shoes. They didn't intend on buying women's deodorant spray instead! The good thing is that it probably works just the same.

30. Kit-Kat Bar

This might be a Kit-Kat, but someone needs to give a break to whichever employee allowed this slip-up to sneak through the cracks. The wafers are supposed to run horizontally, not vertically!

31. Laptop

This person purchased a laptop not knowing there was a hidden bonus inside: a ruler! Unless they're measuring anything over two inches, however, they might want to think about using a different tool for the job.

32. Tree

Check out the inside of this tree that someone chopped down. It actually had another thinner tree running down the middle of the trunk! It's almost like the smaller tree was wearing a jacket made of bark.

33. Screwdriver

This black screwdriver actually had another miniature screwdriver resting right inside the handle. This person must have been doing some serious screwing to break this tool in half, but once he did, he was treated to a surprise.

34. Stuffed Animal

This person bought their pooch a stuffed Cookie Monster plush doll to play with. The dog ripped the toy apart, naturally, but in the process, the owner found a small heart that was actually inside the doll.

35. Rope

A lot of people use clotheslines to hang their wet clothing out to dry, and one would assume that the rope used for the line is made of, well...rope! This person tore open their rope, however, and found none other than Mickey Mouse.

36. Chocolate Display

You've probably walked though department stores around the holidays and seen those decorative chocolate truffle trees standing festively on countertops. If you've ever been tempted to snap a couple pieces off them, don't. The truffles are actually just Styrofoam balls in fancy wrapping.

37. Lighter

The process by which fire is made from a handheld lighter may have mystified us in the past, but now we have pulled back the curtain. To be honest, it's actually pretty straightforward.

38. Bocce Ball

It stands to reason that not every bocce ball has a bunch of billiard balls inside, but this one that accidentally broke open certainly did. Maybe there are ping pong balls inside those pool balls, too.

39. Slap Bracelet

This iconic '90s fashion statement has always been an incredible feat of engineering. How did they develop such a precise snap without harm to the wearer? Apparently with piece of a tape measure!

40. Coffee Pod

These delightful pods of caffeine have changed the coffee game forever, but we never knew what was actually going on inside. It's basically a mini filter with coffee in it!