Nail clippers are a bathroom essential—but did you know that little round hole near the hinge isn’t just decorative? Far from it. This clever design feature has several surprisingly practical uses that go way beyond trimming nails or snipping stray threads. Whether you’re organizing your keys, fixing a loose screw, or opening a package, your humble nail clipper might just be the multitool you never knew you had.
Here are four smart ways to put that small round hole—and the rest of your clipper—to work:
1. Turn It Into a Keychain Companion
That tiny hole is perfectly sized for threading a keyring. Simply loop your keychain through it, and your nail clipper will stay securely attached—no more digging through your bag or losing it in your pocket.
Some clippers even come with a short chain pre-attached to the hole, but those can easily detach. For a more reliable hold, skip the chain and thread the keyring directly through the hole. It’s sturdy, compact, and always within reach when you need a quick trim.
2. Bend or Shape Wire with Ease
Need to bend a stiff wire—like a paperclip, twist tie, or craft wire—but don’t want to hurt your fingers? Insert the wire into the round hole, then use the clipper as a lever. The metal frame gives you leverage and control, so you can shape the wire with minimal effort—without risking cuts or sore fingertips.
This trick is especially handy for DIY projects, jewelry making, or even straightening bent earring posts.
3. Use the Metal Tab as a Mini Screwdriver
Many nail clippers include a small, flat metal file or blade attached near the hinge. While it’s often used to clean under nails, its rigid, narrow edge also works as an impromptu flathead screwdriver for tiny screws—like those in eyeglass frames, electronics, or small household fixtures.
Just press the edge into the screw head and gently turn. It won’t replace a full toolkit, but in a pinch, it can save you from frustration (and a trip to the hardware store).
4. Slice Through Packing Tape in Seconds
That same built-in nail file? Its sharp tip is perfect for piercing and cutting shipping tape. No more fumbling with scissors or tearing cardboard with your hands. Just press the pointed end into the tape seam and slide it along to open boxes cleanly and safely.
Your nail clipper is more than a grooming tool—it’s a pocket-sized problem-solver. From keeping your essentials organized to tackling minor repairs and unboxing deliveries, that “small round hole” and its accompanying features prove that great design often hides in plain sight.
So next time you reach for your clipper, remember: you’re not just trimming nails—you’re wielding a miniature multitool.
