What the little round hole on nail clippers is designed for

This design detail can be traced back to grooming tools from the late 1800s, when hygiene items were built to last and were meant to be maintained rather than replaced. That this feature has survived every design trend since then says a lot. It works. It needs no explanation. It adds function without adding bulk or cost.

In a world filled with overengineered products, the tiny hole in the nail clipper stands as proof that thoughtful simplicity endures. It shows how an almost invisible decision can improve daily routines in subtle but meaningful ways. Most people never stop to think about it, but they rely on it anyway. It’s the hallmark of good design.