reactivator

[rabet]

When cleaning out the glovebox in my car I found a device that I do not recognize; neither does my wife so I have no idea where it came from or what it is used for.

It is a rectangular black plastic box measuring approx. 8cm. long, 3cm. across and 1cm. deep. at one end is a small torch bulb and beside it, projecting from the body of the device, a small hollow metal tube which appears to be designed to plug into something (like a tiny jack plug).

Inside are 3 AAA batteries. On one side is the word "reactivator" and a switch that when pressed turns on the light bulb.

Please can anybody tell me what this thing is and what it is used for?

[LeMarchand]

It's probably an emergency charger for a mobile phone. Though if the rod gets hot when you flick the switch it could be a lock de-icer.

[Ethel]

I go with lock de-icer. Not much good in the glove box though. :)



*although it could be a spy tracker, following you wherever you go*

[Ethel]

http://images.google.co.uk/images?svnum=10&um= 1&hl=en&client=firefox-a&rls=org.mozilla%3Aen- GB%3Aofficial&q=lock+de+icer&btnG=Search+Image s

[rabet]

Thanks; it looks similar to the de-icers pictured on the website but the rod is much shorter (1cm.) and it doesn't get hot. I've just noticed another tiny switch marked "on-off". Strangely enough the bulb lights up when you press the button even when this small switch is in the "off" position!

Still puzzled!

[LeMarchand]

I still reckon a phone charger: http://www.alibaba.com/catalog/11165567/Reusab le_Emergency_Nokia_Cell_Charger.html

[rabet]

Spot-on,LM, that's the exact thing.