It can be used for many things, hoods, trunks, household appliances and other things that just need support. I've used it a lot and it's so nice to keep the trunk open to a certain height while you change a lightbulb. I also recommend not removing the large colorful label. I know it sounds silly, but if you work on expensive cars like me, it's worth saving thousands of dollars in accidental damage to a fragile mechanism. I ALMOST tried to close the top without removing the clip, but then a green tab caught my attention. VERY THANKFUL FOR THIS! Well done too, Lyle can always be counted on.