Gallon paint can thumb hook - photo

[Paul Alciatore]

Could someone please explain how and just WHY this is used? I have used many a gallon of paint and can see absolutely no reason behind it.

[mklotz]

Could someone please explain how and just WHY this is used? I have used many a gallon of paint and can see absolutely no reason behind it.

Ah, Paul, but you are probably one of those enlightened souls who doesn't hold the gallon paint can in his left hand as he applies paint with his right (or vv for southpaws).

You probably learned long ago to set the paint can down on the table/ladder shelf/roof/etc. because it's heavy and hand-holding can lead to messy spills. Millennials haven't learned this because it isn't taught in their social ecology classes.