Odd nut-gathering device has the internet divided
Old drawers, kitchen cabinets, and sewing boxes often hold tools that once served an everyday purpose but now leave younger generations puzzled.
These forgotten items can look strange, intimidating, or even vaguely dangerous—especially when their original context has been lost over time.
At first glance, they looked more like medieval weapons or medical instruments than kitchen utensils. The internet did what it does best: speculated wildly.
Some commenters guessed they were dental tools. Others suggested they were used to locate cavities. A few joked that they were for picking teeth after a large meal.
But the truth behind these peculiar tools is far more ordinary—and far more nostalgic. They are nut picks, companions to the classic nutcracker, and once a staple in many households, especially during holidays and family gatherings.
Understanding what they are and how they were used offers a small but meaningful window into how everyday life used to look before convenience foods and pre-packaged snacks became the norm.
The Classic Nutcracker: Not Just a Ballet Reference
When people hear the word “nutcracker,” many think first of the famous ballet, complete with toy soldiers and the Sugar Plum Fairy.
But long before the ballet became a holiday tradition, the nutcracker was already an essential household tool.
A traditional nutcracker is a simple mechanical device designed to break the hard shells of nuts. Most commonly, it resembles a pair of pliers made of metal, though wooden and decorative versions have also been popular throughout history.
To use a nutcracker, a nut—such as a walnut, pecan, or hazelnut—is placed between the jaws. Pressure is applied by squeezing the handles together, cracking the shell without completely crushing the nut inside.
With practice, users learn how much force to apply to split the shell cleanly while keeping the nut meat intact.
Nutcrackers come in many designs. Some are small and handheld, while others are larger tabletop models with levers for added strength.
Decorative nutcrackers, often shaped like soldiers or figures, became popular as holiday décor, especially in Europe and later in the United States. Despite their ornamental appearance, many of these were still functional tools.
Cracking Nuts Was Once a Family Activity
Today, it is easy to buy bags of shelled nuts at any grocery store. Walnuts, pecans, almonds, and even specialty nuts come ready to use, saving time and effort. But this convenience is relatively modern.
In the past, if a family wanted nuts for baking, cooking, or snacking, they usually purchased them whole, still inside their shells.
One online commenter recalled this tradition vividly, explaining that years ago, cracked walnuts were not sold in bags.
If you wanted walnuts for a recipe, you bought a bag of whole walnuts and cracked them yourself. The process was slower, but it was also more social and hands-on.
However, cracking the shell was only half the job. Once the shell was broken, the edible part of the nut often remained stuck inside, clinging stubbornly to the inner walls. This is where nut picks came into play.
Nut Picks: Small Tools With a Big Purpose
A nut pick is a small, slender tool designed to extract nut meat from cracked shells. Typically made of metal, it features a pointed or slightly curved tip that can reach into narrow crevices.
Some picks have decorative handles, while others are purely utilitarian.
After cracking a nut, the shell often breaks into uneven pieces, leaving the nut meat lodged inside. Using fingers alone can be difficult and messy, especially with smaller nuts or tightly packed shells.
A nut pick allows the user to gently loosen and remove the nut meat without crushing it.
Nut picks were commonly sold as part of a set, along with a nutcracker and sometimes a small bowl for shells.
These sets were often kept in dining rooms or brought out during special occasions. In some households, they were considered formal serving tools, especially when nuts were offered to guests as part of a dessert spread.
Nut picks came in various materials, including metal, wood, and plastic. Metal versions were the most durable and easiest to clean, making them a popular choice.
Some were designed with ergonomic handles for comfort, while others featured ornate designs meant to complement fine tableware.
More Than Just Nuts: Unexpected Uses
Over time, people discovered that nut picks were useful for more than just nuts. Their slim, pointed design made them surprisingly versatile.
Several online users noted that nut picks worked well for extracting meat from shellfish, particularly lobster and crab.
The narrow legs and joints of these crustaceans can be difficult to access, and nut picks provide just the right amount of precision. Continue reading…
