It’s part of a set that comes with one of these…
Key for opening certain types of toilet paper dispensers.
Seen 'em a million times, I install them often.
Interesting, searching your answer, I think they’re called van drehle keys? I see similar but no exact matches.
I think its part of a mechanism, like in a lock or something that a cam rides against and moves up or down, in or out, etc.
Yeah, like the light switch key, those contain a hole so you could put them on your key ring. The OP’s does not have a hole. It’s that upside down T-shaped base below the prongs that is interesting to me. I can’t find anything like that, without a hole, for any of the guesses given in this thread so far.
Is that a different name for zinc dichromate plated steel?
Anyway, that’s the stuff that I always associate with the metal innards of anything large that I took apart as a kid in the 1970s. For example, that plating showed up inside record players.
I see it inside old computers as well.
It’s driving me nuts. I’m inclined to believe the 3rd reply, that it’s some kind of key to unlatch/unlock an electric light or something. Looking at it closely, the narrower tip end seems like it has indications of wear.
They certainly look similar.
The object in the OP doesn’t have a hole, though. If it were some kind of key, I would expect a hole.
The keys for light switches tend to have a plastic/rubber/etc cap, both for insulation and comfort.
It’s too small to be a tool/wrench, besides, there are very few fasteners that have a square profile as such where a small, throwaway tool would be provided.
The current project I am working on will be a long time before bathroom hardware will be installed, hopefully I can snag a picture before this thread goes The Walking Dead.
I do not know the name, the material, or any details. I can say with certainty they come fibre taped to stainless steel toilet paper dispensers (and other similar products - sanitary napkin receptacles, and the like.)
I am sure there are many other applications, where minimal “security” is needed.
Forgive me - it’s been a long day and the rye went down quickly - I wish I could be more SDMB eloquent
Definitely a one-time-use thing, like others said, no way to hang it.
It looks like something to remove a large spring or C clip from a consumer device. Like some kind of curtain rod or lamp.