Compact and convenient, nail clippers are a familiar tool in every household. Besides trimming fingernails and toenails, this handy device has some surprising alternative uses that can come in handy in our daily lives.

The Surprising Uses of Nail Clippers


The nail clipper has many surprising uses. (Image: Reddit)

The primary function of nail clippers is to cut and trim fingernails and toenails. It helps you maintain well-groomed nails, keeping them from growing too long, thereby reducing the risk of nail and surrounding skin infections. Neat and clean nails not only boost your confidence but also prevent infections caused by bacteria or fungal nail issues.

Additionally, you can take advantage of these unexpected uses of nail clippers:

Substitute for Small Scissors

Nail clippers can be used in place of small scissors to cut various types of threads and fishing lines with ease and precision. Especially when you need to cut a thread after sewing or trim a fishing line without a dedicated tool, the nail clippers you always carry with you will come in handy. Thanks to their small and sharp cutting edges, they allow for quick and accurate cuts without damaging or tangling the material.

Removing Stickers and Adhesive Labels

Another surprising use for nail clippers is to help remove stickers and adhesive labels from product surfaces. The pointed tip of the clippers can easily get under the edge of a sticker and lift it, allowing you to peel it off quickly without using your fingernails or other tools. This is especially useful when you need to remove price tags or product labels without leaving any traces.

Turning Screws

Some nail clippers come with a built-in nail file that can be used as a miniature screwdriver. You can use the pointed tip of the file to turn small screws, just like you would with an actual screwdriver. If you need to tighten a screw and don’t have a screwdriver handy, the file on your nail clippers can come to the rescue.

Mosquito Coil Holder

With the warm and sunny weather, mosquitoes are becoming more prevalent, hence the need for mosquito coils in every household. While these coils usually come with a dedicated holder, if you want to burn coils in multiple rooms simultaneously, one holder might not be enough. Here’s where your nail clippers can be of use.

Simply lay the clippers down, prop up the built-in file, secure the mosquito coil at the tip of the file, and place it on a dish. Since nail clippers are typically made of stainless steel, you don’t have to worry about them catching fire.

If the coil breaks into pieces, you can insert the broken segment into the gap of the clippers and burn it as usual, ensuring no part of the coil is wasted.

Stripping Electrical Wires

Stripping electrical wires can be a nuisance. Some people use a lighter to burn the outer insulation and then pull it off with their fingers, which can be quick but leaves a foul plastic smell and causes discomfort. Others might use scissors to cut through the outer insulation and then pull it off, but this method risks cutting into the inner wiring if not done carefully.

You can disassemble your nail clippers to strip electrical wires effortlessly: Place the wire between the cutting edges, then rotate the clippers around the outer insulation and gently pull to remove it without damaging the inner wiring.

Opening Packages

This unexpected use of nail clippers is gaining popularity. You can utilize the pointed tip of the built-in file to cut through the adhesive tape on packages, making it easier to open them without scissors or a dedicated package opener.

Mini Knife Substitute

In emergencies, nail clippers can serve as a miniature knife to cut through thin materials like paper, nylon, or lightweight fabrics. While they can’t replace an actual knife for all purposes, they can be a temporary solution when you need to cut small items and don’t have a specialized tool at hand.

A Handy Tool for Travelers

The versatility of nail clippers also shines when you’re traveling or camping. Besides maintaining well-groomed nails, you can use them for cutting threads, opening lids, removing stickers, or any other small tasks that may arise. They take up minimal space yet provide multiple benefits during your journeys.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Despite being a habit that is often frowned upon, nail-biting can have some surprising health benefits. It has been linked to improved stress relief, enhanced creativity, and even a stronger immune system. Additionally, it can act as a self-soothing mechanism and may indicate a person’s perfectionism or attention to detail.

Nail biting can be a physical outlet for emotional stress and anxiety. The repetitive action of biting and chewing can be calming and help to release tension, similar to how some people fidget or squeeze stress balls.

There is some evidence to suggest that nail biters may have enhanced creativity. The habit often indicates a tendency to be more introspective, and the act of nail biting can stimulate thought processes and help generate new ideas.

Surprisingly, yes. Nail biting can introduce small amounts of bacteria and dirt into the body, which can stimulate the immune system and make it stronger over time. Of course, excessive nail biting can also lead to infections, so moderation is key.

For many people, nail biting is a comforting and relaxing habit. It can provide a sense of control and help reduce feelings of anxiety or restlessness. The habit often starts in childhood and can continue into adulthood as a way to self-soothe and manage stress.

Perfectionists often have higher standards for themselves and others, and they may engage in nail biting as a way to cope with feelings of anxiety or frustration when things don’t meet those standards. It can be a physical manifestation of their desire to ‘perfect’ or improve a situation.

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