Compact and convenient, nail clippers are a familiar tool in every household. Besides trimming nails, 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. They help you maintain neat and tidy nails, keeping them from growing too long and reducing the risk of nail and surrounding skin issues. Well-groomed nails not only boost your confidence but also lower the chances of bacterial or fungal infections.

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 threads or fishing lines with precision and ease. Especially when you need to trim a thread after sewing or cut a fishing line without a dedicated tool, the nail clippers you carry can come in very handy. Thanks to their small and sharp blades, 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 remove stickers and adhesive labels from product surfaces. The pointed tip can easily get under the edges of stickers and lift them, allowing for quick removal 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 have a built-in nail file that can be used as a makeshift screwdriver. You can use the pointed tip of the file to turn small screws, just like you would with a regular 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 warm weather comes the nuisance of mosquitoes, and mosquito coils become a necessity in many households. 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 unexpected use. Place the clippers flat on a surface, prop up the built-in file, secure the mosquito coil at the tip of the file, and place it on a plate. 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 piece 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 hassle. Some people use a lighter to burn the outer insulation and then pull it off, but this method produces a foul smell and can be hot to the touch. Others might use scissors to cut through the outer insulation and then pull it off, but this risks cutting into the inner wiring if not done carefully. A safer and more effective way is to use your nail clippers. Disassemble the clippers and use the cutting edges to strip the insulation from the wire gently. This way, you can remove the insulation without damaging the inner wiring.

Opening Packages

The sharp tip of the built-in nail file on your clippers can be used to cut through the tape sealing boxes and packages. No more searching for scissors or knives to open your online orders!

Mini Knife Substitute

In an emergency, nail clippers can serve as a mini knife to cut through thin materials like paper, nylon, or lightweight fabrics. While they can’t replace a real knife, they can be a temporary solution when you need to cut small items and don’t have a dedicated tool at hand.

Handy Tool for Travelers and Campers

The versatility of nail clippers also shines when you’re traveling or camping. Besides keeping your nails neat and trim, you can use them for various tasks like cutting strings, opening lids, removing stickers, and other small jobs. They take up minimal space yet provide multiple benefits during your adventures.

According to VTC News

Frequently asked questions

Despite being a habit that is often frowned upon, nail biting offers some surprising health benefits. It has been linked to improved stress relief, enhanced creativity, and even a stronger immune system. Biting your nails may also indicate a perfectionist personality trait and a higher level of intelligence.

Nail biting can be a self-soothing behavior that provides a physical outlet for emotional or mental stress. The repetitive action of biting and chewing can help to release tension and improve mood by stimulating the brain to produce feel-good chemicals like dopamine.

Yes, nail biting is often associated with perfectionist tendencies. People who bite their nails may be seeking a sense of control or trying to achieve a sense of perfection in their appearance or behavior.

While nail biting has some surprising benefits, it can also have negative consequences for your health. It can increase the risk of spreading germs and bacteria into your mouth and body, potentially leading to infections. Additionally, frequent nail biting can damage the teeth and gums, and even affect jaw alignment over time.

Breaking any habit takes time and commitment. To stop biting your nails, try identifying the triggers that lead you to bite them and find alternative behaviors to replace the habit. Keep your hands busy with a stress ball or fidget toy, or try painting your nails with a bitter-tasting polish as a reminder.
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