An encyclopedia of once-common things passing us by.

(You can buy the lovely book version too.)

 

 

Last week, I asked you all to guess what this obsolete object is for. Many people said a ratchet screwdriver. Even my dad—and he knows everything! No prizes for any of you. You all fail. YES it is a ratchet screwdriver, but close readers will note that I was asking if you could guess the object’s specific usage. Most ratchet screwdrivers can go in both directions; this one can be pushed down in only one direction and has no switch to make it go in the other direction. In other words, when you close something inside of it, you’re probably never planning to open it again. At least, not with this screwdriver. Another hint: it’s used on an object that you probably do not own. Yet. Any last guesses? No book goes to the winner this time. But I’ll send you an IAmObsolete button if you ask me nicely.

Last week, I asked you all to guess what this obsolete object is for. Many people said a ratchet screwdriver. Even my dad—and he knows everything! No prizes for any of you. You all fail.

YES it is a ratchet screwdriver, but close readers will note that I was asking if you could guess the object’s specific usage. Most ratchet screwdrivers can go in both directions; this one can be pushed down in only one direction and has no switch to make it go in the other direction. In other words, when you close something inside of it, you’re probably never planning to open it again. At least, not with this screwdriver. Another hint: it’s used on an object that you probably do not own. Yet.

Any last guesses? No book goes to the winner this time. But I’ll send you an IAmObsolete button if you ask me nicely.

Notes

  1. obsoletethebook posted this