If you’ve ever explored your grandparents’ house, you’ve probably found some strange items that left you puzzled.

Recently, someone online shared a photo of some metal tools that, if it weren’t for the nut-shaped bowl they’re in, could be mistaken for tiny weapons.

People online quickly started guessing what these odd tools were for, with one person even joking that they might be used to “find cavities.” Curious to know more about this mysterious tool? Keep reading!

Most of us have heard of a nutcracker—not the ballet with the Sugar Plum Fairy, but the metal tool used to crack open nuts.

A nutcracker looks like pliers and usually has two metal arms with a hinge at the top. The arms are often serrated to grip the nut better. You place the nut in the jaws of the nutcracker, squeeze the arms together, and the shell cracks open, revealing the nut inside.

Nutcrackers come in all sorts of designs and sizes, from simple handheld ones to fancy, decorative pieces.

Some are made for specific types of nuts, while others can handle a variety of nuts and even shellfish like lobster or crab.

Getting the nut out of its hard shell isn’t always easy. After cracking the shell, you still have to deal with the meat sticking to the tough walls inside.

That’s where a nut pick comes in, which is the tool that’s confusing people online.

A nut pick is a small, pointed tool used after you crack the shell. It helps you dig out the nut meat from the shell without breaking it. The pointed end can slip into the cracks of the shell to pull out the nut inside.

Nut picks come in different styles and materials, like metal, wood, or plastic. Some even have fancy handles or are designed to be comfortable to use.

They’re useful for enjoying all kinds of nuts, such as walnuts, pecans, and almonds, where you need to get the edible part out of the shell.

People online have been sharing their experiences with these versatile tools.

One person remembered the hard work of cracking nuts in the past, saying, “We used them for walnuts. Back then, you didn’t buy pre-cracked walnuts for baking; you had to crack them open yourself.”

Another user shared, “We used them for walnuts, pecans, and more. They came with the nutcracker and were also great for getting lobster out of those tiny legs.”

Someone else mentioned, “They’re crab and lobster meat picks. I’m lucky to still have my family’s set. Growing up near Maine, we had lots of chances to use them!”

Another person added that she’s found multiple uses for the pick, saying, “I’ve used them for their intended purpose, but as an artist, I’ve also found other ways to use them.”

Others had different ideas. One user said, “They’re called olive picks, but you can use them for other things, so your hands don’t touch the food.” Another joked, “Mostly used to pick your teeth after a big dinner… also handy for finding cavities!”

What are your favorite memories of using nutcrackers and picks?

Share your thoughts in the comments and spread the word so we can hear from others too!