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 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 various types of threads and fishing lines with ease and precision. Especially when you need to trim a thread after sewing or cut a fishing line without a dedicated tool, the nail clippers you carry with you can come in very 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 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 come with a built-in nail file that can be used as a small 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 warmer 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 used as a makeshift holder.
Simply lay the clippers flat, 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 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 tedious task. Some people use a lighter to burn the outer insulation and then pull it off with their fingers, but this method can be messy and dangerous. Others might use scissors to cut through the outer insulation and then pull it off, but this approach risks cutting into the inner wiring if not done carefully.
Here’s where nail clippers come to the rescue. You can disassemble the clippers and use them to strip electrical wires easily and safely. 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 tape sealing boxes and packages.
Emergency Knife Substitute
In emergency situations, nail clippers can serve as a miniature 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.
A Handy Tool for Travelers and Campers
The versatility of nail clippers also shines when you’re traveling or camping. Besides maintaining well-groomed nails, you can use them for various tasks such as cutting strings, opening lids, removing stickers, and performing other small but necessary tasks. They take up minimal space yet provide multiple benefits during your journeys.
According to VTC News
