Many people use nail clippers without ever noticing the little round hole on one of the handles. It seems decorative, maybe even unnecessary, but that tiny feature actually serves a very practical purpose. It’s one of those small design choices that transforms a simple grooming tool into something far more convenient than we realize.
The main reason the hole exists is to make the clipper easy to attach to a keychain, lanyard, or small metal ring. This keeps the tool accessible and prevents it from disappearing into bathroom drawers, travel bags, or cluttered cabinets. With a quick attachment to your keys or a hook, your nail clipper is always right where you need it.
Over time, people have discovered additional uses for the hole. Some slip a finger through it for better control, especially when trimming hard-to-reach nails. Others hang their clippers on bathroom organizers or connect two sets together—one for fingernails and one for toenails—so they never get mixed up. It’s a simple feature that adds both stability and convenience.
Interestingly, this design isn’t new. Early clippers from the late 1800s included the very same hole so people could carry grooming tools long before modern bathrooms became common. The idea worked so well that it’s still part of the design today. A tiny detail with a big purpose—proof that even everyday items can hide thoughtful engineering.