# Things that disappear other than socks **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [May 18, 2024, 3:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738 "2024-05-18T15:26:51Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 3
**Author:** ![enipla](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/54ee81/32.png) [@enipla](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/enipla)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/41 "2024-05-20T13:38:19Z")
> [@Stratocaster](#): > > And sunglasses. Purchase expensive sunglasses, and ‘croakies’ I’ve never lost a pair. Two reasons you’re not going to lose them. I do wear them every day. Ya just do at elevation. ---
**Author:** ![BobLibDem](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/boblibdem/32/3149_2.png) [@BobLibDem](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BobLibDem)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 1:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/42 "2024-05-20T13:40:58Z")
Tire fittings for air compressor hoses. I can have my tire fitting on for months and then have to blow up a toy or something for the grandkids. Take off the fitting, blow up the toy, and damned if the fitting doesn’t always grow legs and walk away. ---
**Author:** ![Die\_Capacitrix](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/die_capacitrix/32/9_2.png) [@Die\_Capacitrix](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Die_Capacitrix)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 1:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/43 "2024-05-20T13:43:45Z")
Door/window stoppers. There should be one for every door and one for every window pair. They are currently having a conference somewhere, but we don’t know where. ---
**Author:** ![Quondam\_Mechanic](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quondam_mechanic/32/3404_2.png) [@Quondam\_Mechanic](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Quondam_Mechanic)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 1:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/44 "2024-05-20T13:51:38Z")
Over the years, forks. Not other utensils. I’m guessing that they accidentally go in the trash with scraps from the plate – but why just forks, and why it isn’t obvious the next day, I have no clue. OTOH, I don’t lose socks… ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 2:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/45 "2024-05-20T14:21:01Z")
> [@FairyChatMom](#): > > This year, it was my garden trowels. Naturally, once I bought one, the other two materialized. Oh yes. That’s by far the easiest way to find something. > [@BobLibDem](#): > > Tire fittings for air compressor hoses. I can have my tire fitting on for months and then have to blow up a toy or something for the grandkids. Take off the fitting, blow up the toy, and damned if the fitting doesn’t always grow legs and walk away. I tie red or orange flagging tape around mine. It’s not a guarantee; but it helps. ---
**Author:** ![SuntanLotion](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/suntanlotion/32/16165_2.png) [@SuntanLotion](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/SuntanLotion)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 2:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/46 "2024-05-20T14:35:54Z")
If you put a fork in a sock, it will likely go missing. ---
**Author:** ![Thudlow\_Boink](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thudlow_boink/32/320_2.png) [@Thudlow\_Boink](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Thudlow_Boink)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 2:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/47 "2024-05-20T14:44:53Z")
On this board at least, things that disappear other than socks would include spammers. ---
**Author:** ![Stratocaster](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/stratocaster/32/16393_2.png) [@Stratocaster](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Stratocaster)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 7:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/48 "2024-05-20T19:04:55Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > I do wear them every day. Ya just do at elevation. That’s the problem, I don’t wear them every day. Stuff that are on me daily, most of the day—phone, wallet, etc.—I’m more mindful of. More likely to pat my pockets to make sure I have ‘em. Sunglasses, OTOH, I go months without wearing. Much more likely to set them down and later walk away without thinking about them. I think buying pricier shades would only make me more pissed after I lost them. ---
**Author:** ![Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/q.q.switcheroo/32/5713_2.png) [@Q.Q.Switcheroo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Q.Q.Switcheroo)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 7:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/49 "2024-05-20T19:11:13Z")
> [@enipla](#): > > Purchase expensive sunglasses, and ‘croakies’ I’ve never lost a pair. Two reasons you’re not going to lose them. “I bought a seven-dollar pen because I always lose pens and I got sick of not caring.” —Mitch Hedberg ---
**Author:** ![Treppenwitz](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/treppenwitz/32/3445_2.png) [@Treppenwitz](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Treppenwitz)\ **Post date:** [May 20, 2024, 7:13pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/50 "2024-05-20T19:13:21Z")
> [@Spice\_Weasel](#): > > I’m definitely gonna try this. Yay! Gonna report back? j ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [May 21, 2024, 12:40am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/51 "2024-05-21T00:40:03Z")
> [@Beckdawrek](#): > > At the moment it seems a particular cat-nip mouse is missing. It’s under the dryer. LOL! I lived in a house in Burke, VA which had a particular quantum hole the shape and size of a comb. I took to buying them by the dozen from the dollar store, but within a few weeks they would all be gone again. I was certain that when we moved out of that house I would find them all. I even went around and looked inside all the floor vents thinking maybe Celtling had been sliding them in between the slats, but no, nothing. We are talking, here, about well over two gross of plastic combs. If nothing else, one might think the sheer mass of them would have eventually blocked whatever void they were falling into. But they just kept sliding into nothingness, and I never did solve that mystery. ---
**Author:** ![Omar\_Little](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/omar_little/32/269_2.png) [@Omar\_Little](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Omar_Little)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 8:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/52 "2024-06-04T20:02:10Z")
> [@Dallas\_Jones](#): > > As every mechanic knows, the 10mm socket. [![](https://i.etsystatic.com/21336212/r/il/db5aee/4591844545/il_794xN.4591844545_1h5t.jpg) ](https://i.etsystatic.com/21336212/r/il/db5aee/4591844545/il_794xN.4591844545_1h5t.jpg) Car engine compartments just eat these things. And for that reason amazon will sell you a 100 pack. > **[Amazon.com: BRAZEN 10mm Socket 100 Pack (3/8" Drive, 6pt, Shallow) : Automotive](https://www.amazon.com/BRAZEN-10mm-Socket-Drive-Shallow/dp/B08YD1SRCL)** > > Buy BRAZEN 10mm Socket 100 Pack (3/8" Drive, 6pt, Shallow): Tool Sets - Amazon.com ✓ FREE DELIVERY possible on eligible purchases ---
**Author:** ![DPRK](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/4491bb/32.png) [@DPRK](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DPRK)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 8:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/53 "2024-06-04T20:28:46Z")
(Important) tiny little screws, springs, etc. ---
**Author:** ![Mangetout](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mangetout/32/19_2.png) [@Mangetout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mangetout)\ **Post date:** [June 4, 2024, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/54 "2024-06-04T20:40:05Z")
Pens, especially. I have a large mug filled with pens on the windowsill next to the front door (notionally next to the landline phone, but I can’t remember the last time that rang and it wasn’t a scammer). Over time, the contents of the container transforms into other items that are not pens, but are vaguely the same shape. This keeps happening and periodically, I empty it out and stock it with brand new pens. About 18 months ago, It started out with maybe 25 ballpoint pens in it - last I looked, it now contains: About 10 pens 2 pencils (broken points) Several emery boards A miniature screwdriver A wooden coffee stirrer A solid cylindrical plastic rod about the same size as a bic pen, but just solid plastic with blunt ends A short length of grey plastic tube One single-use wooden chopstick A small screwdriver A plastic teaspoon A pair of surgical scissors A small bamboo swanee whistle I didn’t add these items to the pot - neither, so she claims, did my wife. It must have been the dog. ---
**Author:** ![kayaker](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/kayaker/32/441_2.png) [@kayaker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/kayaker)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 11:54am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/55 "2024-06-05T11:54:20Z")
> [@Mangetout](#): > > One single-use wooden chopstick A very useful gardening tool! ---
**Author:** ![Orville\_mogul](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/o/aeb1de/32.png) [@Orville\_mogul](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Orville_mogul)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 1:30pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/56 "2024-06-05T13:30:37Z")
mosquito repellent plug-ins. We buy four sets in May, use them until September, put them away for the cold months. Rinse and repeat each year. No idea where they go. Maybe the mosquitos are joining forces and carrying them away? And speaking of socks, I have a pair of van Gogh fun socks, with Starry Night on one sock and his self-portrait on the other. The cleaning ladies just don’t understand that they are a pair, and return them to me each week as two singletons right next to the neatly attached matching pairs. I truly wonder what they must think of me… ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 1:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/57 "2024-06-05T13:57:46Z")
Looks like the dog is replacing your pens with useful items. ---
**Author:** ![Yllaria](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/yllaria/32/3452_2.png) [@Yllaria](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Yllaria)\ **Post date:** [June 5, 2024, 11:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/58 "2024-06-05T23:44:25Z")
Once, when we moved, we ended up with piles of: - Pens - Plastic Hangers - Extension Cords - Hairbrushes/Combs - Give-Away Fast Food Plastic Cups. ---
**Author:** ![Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/son_of_a_rich/32/5439_2.png) [@Son\_of\_a\_Rich](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Son_of_a_Rich)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2024, 12:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/59 "2024-06-14T12:11:18Z")
This is a recent one, and it’s starting to freak me out. I recently bought a Dynavap vaporizer, and I kept it on a table to the left of my recliner. I heard a thud and looked and the vaporizer was gone, presumably on the floor. I found the cap in front of my recliner. The rest is gone. I turned the chair upside down a bunch of times, shaking it and probing it’s innards. I’ve lifted and looked behind everything in the living room. It gets worse. To check every nook and cranny I was using a flashlight and at one point I took a break from searching and, this is no shit, the fucking flashlight is gone! I know I didn’t hide it, or put it somewhere inconvenient. The vaporizer could easily hide, but the flashlight should be noticeable, wherever it is. I wish I could blame any of this on the pot. ---
**Author:** ![colinfred](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/colinfred/32/21338_2.png) [@colinfred](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/colinfred)\ **Post date:** [June 14, 2024, 12:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738/60 "2024-06-14T12:24:37Z")
Heavy duty disposable plastic spoons. I buy them by the 100 and don’t just use them once. When they break I throw them away but otherwise I wash them. I don’t know why I need to buy more spoons as I’ve broken at most 20 of the last 100 I bought. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738.md?page=2) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/things-that-disappear-other-than-socks/1001738.md?page=4)