this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2025
67 points (100.0% liked)

What is this thing?

6323 readers
4 users here now

Let us help you identify that mysterious object you’ve found.

Currently in CHALLENGE mode: If you've got something obscure knocking about, post a picture, and let's see how we do. Please prefix such posts with "CHALLENGE:" so we know we've got a fighting chance.

founded 2 years ago
MODERATORS
 

I haven't seen one of these in a few days, so I thought I'd toss in one of my own.

It's meant for via ferrata to reduce the impact of falling on static gear. You loop a short rope through the holes and it absorbs the forces of the fall by friction of the rope slipping through. This is the Kong Kisa.

top 21 comments
sorted by: hot top controversial new old
[–] [email protected] 33 points 1 month ago* (last edited 1 month ago) (1 children)

It's an energy/impact/shock absorber used when climbing with ropes.

A Kong Kisa?

[–] [email protected] 23 points 1 month ago

This is the one. It's meant for via ferrata to reduce the impact of falling on static gear. You loop a short rope through the holes and it absorbs the forces of the fall by friction of the rope slipping through.

[–] [email protected] 18 points 1 month ago (1 children)

When you have 6 dogs and they all need a walk

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Probably could be used that way, but not its designed purpose.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago (1 children)

I just read the dog walking theory on the internet, so it's true.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Is it for abseiling, you feed the rope through the small holes down on one side and then through the big role at the bottom, around the outside back through the big hole then up through the small holes on the other side. The added friction of using this over a "figure 8" would allow you to descend slower.
Possibly used in caving.

[–] [email protected] 11 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Very close, it's a shock absorber for via ferrata.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

Ooh, so close.

[–] [email protected] 12 points 1 month ago

Definitely ambidextrous brass knuckles for characters from The Simpsons.

[–] [email protected] 9 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Looks like a device used for climbing with ropes.

[–] [email protected] 5 points 1 month ago (1 children)
[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Some sort of boat rigging?

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago

Peice of metal with seven holes in it.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Haven't seen one exactly like this, but looks like a lock out tag out deal.

[–] [email protected] 3 points 1 month ago

It is not, but I can see the resemblance

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

Some sort of pool cue stand?

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Like a cue bridge? Nope

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago (1 children)

You run your shoestrings through it so you don't have to tie em

[–] [email protected] 2 points 1 month ago (1 children)

There was a scale with it, but it gave a pretty big hint as to its use, so I cut it out.

It's about 5 or 6 inches long, so you would need some thick laces to use it that way.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 1 month ago

Oh, yeah. I was imagining it much smaller