There is little that can be squeezed into those unusually tiny pockets that can be found on every pair of jeans. Aside from some Chapstick and maybe a few neatly folded twenties, the space is practically useless. It wasn’t always useless, though. Back in the 1800s, pocket watches were all the rage. They would usually be kept in a man’s waistcoat pocket and attached to a button by a small chain. This design, however, wasn’t practical for the blue-collar workers of the nineteenth century.
Originally called waist overalls, Levis started producing their jeans with this tiny pocket, creating the perfect spot for the working man to put their pocket watch. Not only were jeans more practical than a waistcoat, but they offered more protection for the watch. While it was first called a watch pocket, it has had several names over the decades, including the frontier pocket, coin pocket, match pocket, and ticket pocket.
Can Openers
Can openers are good for… well, opening cans. But that's not their only purpose. Throughout the years, hardware companies have been trying to create an ideal solution for opening that ridiculously stubborn plastic packaging that comes with chargers and other toys. You know, the one that even your toughest pair of scissors can't cut through?
Well, there have been a few attempts with different tools that were made specifically to open that thick plastic packaging, but you may like to know that the solution was sitting right there in your kitchen drawer the entire time. That's right, you can use your can opener to open the edges of the plastic package, and you'll have that brand new electronic or toy in your hand in no time!
The Compass App
Each iPhone update brings with it new secret ways to use it, play with it, enjoy it, and ultimately get your mobile phone to be as useful as it possibly can be. We must admit, some of these are absolutely genius and rule out the need for pretty much anything else in our lives, short of food and clothing. However, one of the best-kept secrets of the iPhone actually came with the original.
Have you ever used the compass app on your iPhone? We may not need a compass very often but if you tap into the app and swipe to the left, you'll be surprised to find that your iPhone comes with a built-in level.
Hole in the Elevator Doors
Ever notice the tiny hole in elevator doors? While it looks like a peephole that you’d find on most front doors, it actually serves an entirely different purpose. It’s actually a keyhole that can only be opened by those in possession of a special kind of key. This includes elevator technicians, inspectors, and emergency response teams.
The key is able to open the doors, even if the actual elevator is sitting on another floor. This comes in handy when repairs need to be made or when people get stuck inside. For safety reasons, it’s often illegal for unauthorized individuals to own this kind of key.
Bumps On Keyboards
On average, people will spend roughly 11 hours a day in front of a screen. While most of that time is spent on cell phones, there’s a good chance that you’re spending a decent portion of your day in front of a computer as well. During this time, you may have noticed the small bumps on both the “f” and “j” keys. If you have no idea what purpose they serve, you’re not alone!
Most people have no idea that the bumps on these keys are there to help you position your hands when typing. If you use the two-finger typing technique, then these bumps are basically useless to you. However, those who are properly trained to use a keyboard know that the “f” and “j” keys are located in the “home row.” The bumps allow you to navigate the keyboard with ease. You can find the home row with your pointer fingers, and ultimately put your hands in the optimal typing position.