The hole can also serve as an organizing tool. Multiple clippers can be linked together, making it easier to separate fingernail and toenail tools while keeping them in one place. This small difference improves hygiene and consistency without adding complexity. It’s a quiet solution that solves multiple problems at once.
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.
