Nail clippers are a household essential. Most of us use them only for trimming nails or snipping loose threads, but there’s a small detail many people overlook: the tiny round hole at the end of some nail clippers. That little feature isn’t decorative—it’s surprisingly useful. Here are several clever and practical ways to make better use of it.
Turn Your Nail Clippers Into a Keychain Tool
The small round hole is designed to let you attach nail clippers directly to a keychain. By threading your key ring through the hole, the clippers stay securely attached and are always within reach. This is especially useful when traveling or keeping a compact grooming tool with you at all times.
Some nail clippers come with a thin chain already attached, but those chains can break or slip off over time. Using the key ring itself instead makes the connection much stronger and reduces the chance of losing the clippers.
Bend or Grip Wire Safely
That round hole can also help when working with thin wire. Simply insert the wire into the hole and use the clippers as leverage to bend it into shape. This method requires much less force than using your fingers and helps prevent cuts or scratches.
If you’ve ever tried snapping or twisting wire by hand, you know how easy it is to hurt your fingers. Nail clippers give you better control and protect your hands while getting the job done.
Use Nail Clippers as a Mini Screwdriver
Most nail clippers include a small metal file or cleaning tool attached near the hole. While it’s meant for cleaning under nails, it can also double as a makeshift screwdriver.
For small screws—like those on toys, eyeglasses, or battery compartments—this flat metal piece can work surprisingly well. When you don’t have a proper screwdriver nearby, a nail clipper can be a quick and convenient substitute.
Open Shipping Boxes Easily
The pointed end of the attached nail file is also handy for cutting through tape on shipping boxes. Instead of searching for scissors or risking tearing the box with a knife, you can use the nail clipper to slice the tape cleanly and safely.
