Nail clippers are one of those small tools almost everyone has at home, yet most of us don’t realize just how versatile they can be. Typically, we use them to trim our nails or snip loose threads, and they do those jobs well. But did you ever take a close look at your nail clipper and notice the tiny round hole at the end? It might seem like a simple design feature, but it actually has a clever purpose—several purposes, in fact. Many people, including my friends, had no idea what that little hole was for. I only discovered its true function recently, and I couldn’t believe how practical it really is. Once you learn about it, you might find yourself using your nail clippers in ways you never imagined before.

One of the most helpful uses for that small round hole is attaching your nail clippers to a keychain. It may sound unusual at first, but it’s actually a great way to keep your nail clippers handy and ensure you never lose them. You can easily loop your keychain through that hole, securing the clippers alongside your keys. That way, unless you lose your entire set of keys, your clippers will always be with you. Some nail clippers even come with a tiny metal chain already attached, intended for that little hole. However, those small chains aren’t very strong and can snap off pretty easily. That’s why it’s much better to connect the clipper directly to your keychain using a sturdy key ring. This creates a firm hold that won’t break or loosen easily. It’s a smart little life hack, especially if you travel a lot or want to keep grooming tools accessible at all times.

But that’s just the beginning. The hole at the end of a nail clipper can also help you bend wires without much effort. If you’ve ever had to shape wire for a DIY project, you know how tricky it can be, especially if you don’t have the right tools. By inserting the wire into the small round hole and using the clipper as leverage, you can bend it with greater control and less force. It saves your fingers from unnecessary strain or scratches, which often happen when we try to bend wire by hand. Plus, the nail clipper provides a solid grip, letting you manipulate the wire safely and more precisely. It’s especially useful when you’re working with thin craft wire, jewelry wire, or other flexible materials. Who would’ve thought such a small grooming tool could double as a wire-bending helper?

Another surprising function of a nail clipper is that it can serve as a mini screwdriver. That small metal piece that folds over and locks into the round hole isn’t just there to help you clean under your nails—it can actually be used to turn small screws. We’ve all had those moments when we need to remove a tiny screw, perhaps from a battery compartment or an eyeglass hinge, and realize we don’t have the right tool on hand. That little metal file attached to your nail clipper can save the day. Just line it up with the screw, turn it gently, and it works remarkably well for loosening or tightening tiny screws. While it might not replace a full set of precision screwdrivers, it’s more than capable of handling quick fixes. It’s especially handy when you’re traveling or in a pinch and don’t have access to your usual tools.

And if that wasn’t impressive enough, your nail clipper can also help with opening packages—yes, really! These days, many of us receive online orders packed in cardboard boxes sealed tightly with strong tape. When you don’t have scissors or a box cutter nearby, the nail file portion of your clippers can be used to slice through the tape with ease. Just unfold the metal file, which usually has a pointed or sharpened edge at the tip, and run it along the seam of the box. It cuts through packing tape surprisingly well. This trick is especially useful when you’re unpacking deliveries in the car or at your desk, and you want to avoid using your keys or fingernails to pry open stubborn boxes. It’s another example of how nail clippers can come in handy far beyond their typical use.

When you think about it, nail clippers are much more than a basic grooming tool. They’re compact, portable, and durable, and with a bit of creativity, they can become a surprisingly useful part of your everyday toolkit. Whether you’re attaching them to a keychain for easy access, using them to bend wires for a quick project, turning tiny screws, or slicing open shipping boxes, they’ve proven themselves to be more versatile than most people realize. It’s amazing how such a simple household item can serve so many purposes if we just take the time to notice the small details—like that tiny round hole at the end.

So next time you look at your nail clipper, don’t just see it as something for trimming nails. Think of it as a multitool in disguise. It may be small, but it’s packed with potential. Try out these tips the next time you’re in a situation where you don’t have the right tools nearby. You might be surprised by how often your nail clipper can save the day. Sometimes, the most overlooked items in our homes can become the most valuable, once we understand their hidden features. Give it a try—you’ll never look at your nail clippers the same way again.