People are just now discovering the purpose of the tiny hole on nail clippers.
Not sure what I mean?
Grab your clippers and take a closer look. You’ll notice a small round hole at the end, and it’s not just for decoration – it’s a clever design feature that has been unnoticed for years.
So, how did this topic come up?
A Facebook user sparked the discussion when they shared, “My mother-in-law couldn’t stop laughing when she realized I had no idea what the tiny hole in a nail clipper is for. Now I wonder … am I the only one who never knew?”
In the comments, people shared their theories, but it soon became clear everyone was equally as confused.
One joked, “Is it to keep your toenail clippings?”
Another suggested, “Maybe it’s a place to store dental floss”.
The truth is, the small hole is mainly meant for attaching the nail clipper to other items.
It allows the tool to be connected to a keychain, toiletry kit, or travel pouch using a ring, string, or hook.
Considering how easy it is to lose nail clippers, this small but important feature makes it easier to keep track of them, especially when travelling.
Some even come with tiny beaded chains for quick attachment.
Once people learned the purpose, they were shocked.
One said, “I’ll never look at my nail clippers the same way,” and another added, “Time to attach them to my keys!”
A brief history of nail clippers
Modern versions date back to 1875 when Valentine Fogerty patented the first lever-style model in the US.
Before that, many used small knives for nail care – think peeling an apple with a paring knife instead of clipping.
By 1881, Eugene Heim and Celestin Matz refined the clamp design we recognize today, including the small hole.
The metal part on scissors
Some lesser-known features of other household items have also surprised people recently.
For example, last year, many didn’t know the purpose of the metal part on scissor handles.
On Reddit, a post titled ‘Does Anyone Know’ showed a photo of kitchen scissors and asked, “Does anyone know what this part of the scissors is for?”
Within minutes, hundreds responded, explaining they’re called ‘kitchen shears’ used for cracking nuts, opening bottle tops, or removing bones.
One user shared, “I always thought they were nutcrackers,” while another explained they’re used for opening stubborn jar lids by squeezing around the cap to get leverage.
Some called it a ‘bone-notch’ or ‘serration grip,’ used for breaking meat bones or removing corks from wine bottles.
A chef added that they’re meant for removing bones from meat by placing the bone between the metal teeth, twisting, and pulling.
People also use these scissors for cutting string, cracking lobster shells, or removing the tops of boiled eggs and cutting foil.
Others said they are handy for de-stemming herbs, which is a tedious job.
