/r/whatisthisthing
For the identification of mysterious objects
A place to find out what that odd-looking thing that you stumbled across actually is.
Guidelines
GOOGLE your item's description and keywords and do an image search BEFORE POSTING HERE.
Then check FREQUENTLY ASKED THINGS. You may not be aware you have a common item.
THEN READ THIS GUIDE on what to include in your post before posting.
Also, check out our WIKI.
Rules apply to ALL comments, not just top level replies.
Be civil. Being otherwise will get you banned. Reddiquette
Be helpful / No Jokes Jokes and other unhelpful comments, even after the item has been identified, are bannable offenses, even on first offense. If your comment doesn't help, don't comment.
Try to include a link to a source of some sort when posting an answer. Everyone's got an opinion, facts help.
When what you're looking for is found, reply "Solved!" to the earliest comment with the answer.
DO NOT DELETE YOUR POST after an attempt has been made to answer, or if you intend to repost to get visibility. This will result in at least a temporary ban.
Be detailed with your post title as well as the information therein, in order to help those trying to help you. This will help to eliminate vague posts.
Do not post AI generated answers. AI rarely offers anything of value and never provides sources to its claims. By all means use AI to assist, but please investigate its answers and provide your own proof of its claims. Straight copy/paste answers will be removed and the user banned.
Do not use URL shorteners or affiliate links in the body of posts or replies ( anything with lots of parameters after a '?') - they will be automatically removed.
Check the F.A.T. Check the Frequently Asked Things before posting.
Posts must adhere to submission guidelines All posts must adhere to the submission guidelines.
New Open Cases View Solved CasesGallery View
NOTE: To mark your submissions solved reply "Solved!" Click here for more info.
Other Helpful Subreddits
Your submission is likely to be removed if it better fits one of these:
/r/HelpMeFind if you know what it is and want to find where you can get one or find more information on it
/r/tipofmytongue if you know of a movie, game, song, etc. - but cannot recall the name.
/r/translator for translation of writing
/r/AskDocs for health/medical related things
/r/AskVet for animal health/medical related things
/r/whatsthisbug for weird bug identification (& nests/eggs)
/r/whatsthisbird for bird identification
/r/whatsthisplant for plant identification
/r/whatsthisrock for rock identification (or, dammit Marie, minerals!)
/r/whatisthispainting for paintings, artists signatures
/r/whatsthisworth if you know what it is, and want to find out what it's worth
/r/whereisthis if you have a picture of a location but don't know where it is
/r/whatisthisthing
2,867,377 Subscribers
Metal object I found in new apartment. I think it is suppose to stand like this.
I found this object in my new kitchen after moving in. I dont know what it is.
18:53 UTC
Metallic, Circular Device with Button Covered by Cap
I came across this thing screwed to the ceiling of one of our closets. There is a twist/lock cap that keeps a black button pressed when it’s locked in place. House was built in the 60s, I believe.
17:36 UTC
Two-part metal and wood objects with c-clamps
15:30 UTC
Small plastic clip next to sash lock on a window
I am missing one of these small plastic clips on another window and I can’t figure out what they’re called in order to find a replacement. The clip pops out, but I don’t even know if “clip” is the right term for this thing. I’ve tried Googling “parts of a window,” “slide lock,” “slide clip,” and anything else I can think of related to what this might be called, but have turned up empty handed so far.
15:20 UTC
Collapsible metal thing that came out of a survivalist advent calendar
15:01 UTC
Brass plaque, clearly Naval but what is the purpose/where exactly is it from (on a boat I’m guessing)? No other info as it’s been used for engraving practice on the other side. 100x 200mm 3mm thick.
10:02 UTC
Found under a desk treadmill randomly. Plastic feeling, sharp edges (check comment)
23:00 UTC
Shiny metal object about 3”x4” with a pushbutton on it. It’s clicking constantly. Has a compartment that could be opened with a screwdriver
Pepsi bottle for scale
21:24 UTC
What is this thing? Rectangle of trim above kitchen counter in 1960s home. Nothing on other side of wall.
20:38 UTC