Most of us think of nail clippers as single-purpose tools: trim, file, done. But that small round hole at the end isn’t just decoration. It’s there for attachment and handling, and it enables a few handy, everyday uses when you’re careful.

What the hole is actually for (the main purpose)

• Attachment / carry: The hole is designed so you can attach the clipper to a key ring, lanyard, travel pouch, or toiletry kit. That keeps a small tool from getting lost and makes it easy to find in a bag. You’ll even see premium makers advertise the “lanyard hole” as a feature. (Victorinox product page; Times of India explainer). (Victorinox; Times of India)

• Design intent in patents: U.S. design filings explicitly describe nail clippers with a key-chain hole placed so it’s easy to access, even with the lever installed — confirming the attachment purpose. (US patent application). (US Patent)

FYI: The clipper itself is a compound-lever device; the hole isn’t part of the cutting mechanics. (Wikipedia—Compound lever; Wikipedia—Nail clipper). (Compound lever—Wikipedia; Nail clipper—Wikipedia)

Everyday ways people use that hole (and the built-in file) — with safety notes

1. Key-chain / bag hanger
   Attach the clipper via the hole to a ring or cord so it’s always with your keys or anchored in a toiletry kit. That’s precisely what the hole is made for. (Victorinox; Times of India)

2. Better control when you flip the lever
   If your clippers are on a small ring, the ring gives you something to hold while you rotate the lever into cutting position. It doesn’t change the mechanics, but many users find it steadies the grip. (Nail clipper—Wikipedia)

3. Gentle wire-bending guide (only for soft hobby wire, not electrical work!)
   You can pass thin, soft wire through the hole and use it as a round former to make small curves for crafts. This is an improvised use; do not force hard wire, use the clipper as a pry bar, or attempt electrical tasks. General hand-tool safety guidance warns against using tools for jobs they weren’t designed for. (OSHA hand-tool safety; IADC hand-tool safety). (OSHA; IADC)

4. “Emergency screwdriver” using the pointed nail file (use sparingly)
   Many clippers include a pointed nail file. In a pinch it can turn a tiny, loose screw, but it’s easy to strip screw heads or damage the file. Treat this as a last-resort hack; purpose-built screwdrivers are safer. (Nail file—Wikipedia; hand-tool safety cautions). (Nail file—Wikipedia; IADC)

5. Mosquito-coil stand (only outdoors and with fire safety)
   Some people balance a spiral coil on an open clipper or wedge a short coil segment in the jaws. If you try this, follow label directions and use outdoors in a ventilated space away from flammables; research notes coils can emit pollutants and should not be burned in closed rooms. (U.S. EPA coil labels; University of Sydney public-health note; Orkin guidance; NIH/PMC review). (EPA label; University of Sydney; Orkin; NIH/PMC)

Good hygiene for clippers (don’t skip this)

Whatever you use your clippers for, keep them clean and disinfected to reduce the risk of skin infections or fungus transfer:

• Wash off debris with soap and water, dry thoroughly, then disinfect metal clippers (e.g., soak in ≥70% rubbing alcohol or boil in water; dry fully to prevent rust). (Byrdie expert guide; salon hygiene guidance). (Byrdie; Salons Direct)

Quick primer: what’s inside a nail clipper?

Clippers are typically stainless steel and use a compound lever to multiply force; many include a mini nail file and sometimes a catcher for trimmings. Heads may be concave (better for fingernails) or convex (toenails). (Nail clipper—Wikipedia). (Nail clipper—Wikipedia)

Safety do’s & don’ts (fast list)

• Do attach via the hole to a key ring or lanyard for loss prevention. (Victorinox; Times of India)

• Do clean and disinfect regularly if multiple people use the tool. (Byrdie; Salons Direct)

• Don’t misuse the clipper/file as a pry bar or heavy screwdriver. (OSHA; IADC)

• Don’t burn mosquito coils indoors or near flammables if you’re using the clipper as a makeshift stand. Follow label directions. (EPA label; University of Sydney; NIH/PMC)