6 Unusual Uses for Paper Clips that Will Boggle Your Mind!

Ever since inventor William D. Middlebrook received a patent for paper clips (the ones we use now) in 1899, they have become a household word. There were other ideas for bent metal fasteners, but Middlebrook's invention was the one that held on. Other than fastening papers together or making great thin metal chains, here are 6 unusual uses for paper clips that will boggle your mind!

1. Unbreakable Bag Closers
I used to buy those plastic "Snack Saver" clips to close up potato chip bags, cereal bags and other food containers. "Snack Savers" are cheap- you can buy 3 on a card for a buck. Unfortunately, I found that "you get what you pay for" because the cheap plastic closers were always breaking. Once I got bright and started using paper clips instead, no more problems! Not only that, but paper clips actually work better for closing bags because they hold them shut tighter!

2. Zipper Pull Replacement
Here's another use for paper clips that will boggle your mind. When the zipper pull broke off of my favorite winter parka while I was out doing errands, I took it to a local cleaner to have it repaired. The lady behind the counter said she could easily replace the pull in just a few minutes for seven bucks. I thanked her for her time and left. Once I arrived home, I slid the end of a paper clip into the zipper pull and it's worked fine ever since. If you really want to be fancy, you can find a paper clip that matches the color of your coat, but I think silver goes with everything.

3. Cherry Pit Remover
I've heard of a plunger-type cherry pit remover, but I've never owned one. I find the task much easier to do if you just use a paper clip. You'll need to grab the clip and "unfold" it so it looks like a square "S." Then, push it down into the middle of the cherry until you feel it hit the pit. Hook the curve of the paper clip under the pit, then pull it up and out.

4. Bathroom Door Key
If you have one of those bathroom door locks that has a small hole in the knob and little kids in the house, then you've probably already found yourself banging on the door begging them to come out. Instead of yelling until you're hoarse, grab a large paper clip, spread it out until it's fairly straight, then stick it into the hole in the knob. The lock will release and you can then get into the bathroom.

5. Christmas Tree Ornament Hooks
Every year when we take down the Christmas tree and store it all away, I carefully put the ornament hooks back into their small cardboard box. Come next year, do you think I could find that box again? Another unusual use for paper clips is to use them as ornament hooks on your Christmas tree. They're actually stronger than ornament hooks you buy, and I can always find them in my desk!

6. Reach Electronic Reset Buttons
I think the manufacturers of electronic devices and the makers of paper clips are in cahoots. Why? Have you ever noticed how tiny the holes are on electronic devices where the reset button is located? The instructions tell you to hit the button with a ballpoint pen. I have yet to find one that has a point that reaches in far enough. So, another unusual use for paper clips is to use them to reach the reset buttons on all of your electronic devices.