Nail clippers are a perfect example of everyday design done right. They are compact, durable, easy to use, and almost universally recognizable. Their basic shape has barely changed over decades, not because designers lacked creativity, but because the form works. Each part has a role, including that small circular hole that many people never question. Understanding why it exists reveals how even the simplest objects are shaped by thoughtful engineering and real-world habits.
The most straightforward purpose of the hole is portability. Nail clippers are small enough to get lost easily. They slip between couch cushions, disappear into cluttered drawers, or vanish into the depths of handbags and backpacks. By adding a small hole, manufacturers made it possible to attach the clipper to a keychain, lanyard, or metal ring. This turns an easy-to-lose object into something that can stay securely attached to items people already keep track of, like keys or travel kits.
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