8 Best Alternative Uses for a Metal Nail File

My friend Earl grew up during the Depression. So, he holds onto everything, and I do mean everything. There's no such thing as "junk" to him. Everything is valuable. Most recently, he gifted me a metal nail file. Since I don't use one on my nails, I wondered what I'd do with it. Read this informative article and find out 8 best alternative uses for a metal nail file!

Ever since Earl gave me file, I've found many uses for it. It's so handy that I keep it in the side pocket of my bag so I can easily reach it.

Use #1- Pop Off the Back Of a Wrist Watch
I ran into the drug store one day to buy a replacement battery for my watch. When it comes to watch batteries, there are a zillion different numbers to choose from. I couldn't remember what number I needed. So, I used my metal nail file to pop the back off my wrist watch so I could find out. I even used the pointed end to carefully remove the existing battery.

Use #2- Use a Metal Nail File as a Letter or Box Opener
Being that metal nail files are so thin, the edges are pretty sharp. I've used it to quickly open up letters. The point even works great opening mailed boxes that are taped shut. Just stick the point into the tape, then pull the metal nail file through it.

Use #3- Easily Get Into Hard-to-Open Purchased Items
I used to sigh everytime I'd get ready to open an item I'd purchased. I don't know why companies seal up CDs so tightly, or why there are 42,000 plastic tags holding an item to its cardboard box. I found out that a metal nail file easily cuts right through plastic wrap. It cuts right through all those plastic tags too, quickly and easily, without harming the product.

Use #4- Open Up the Paper Seals On Bottled Vitamins and Pills Easily
Have you ever poked your finger through the paper seal on a bottle of vitamins? Then, you have to spend time picking the paper off to reach the contents. It's a hassle. Next time, poke the inner edge of the seal with the pointed end of a metal nail file. Then, run the file around the paper as you hold it. Voila´! The paper will be cut clean. The file works well for digging the cotton out too.

Use #5- Loosen a Stubborn Plastic Bottle Cap Easily
Have you ever struggled to open a plastic bottle of soda, or even water? Sometimes those plastic tabs just won't break loose. Another alternative use for a metal nail file I've discovered is, if you run the edge over the tabs and cut them, you'll be able to easily loosen the cap.

Use #6- Tighten and Loosen Tiny Screws
I have a set of tiny screwdrivers at home in a drawer. They come in handy to tighten and loosen screws on sunglasses, small battery covers, and more. Trouble is, when I'm away from home, those screwdrivers don't do me much good. But, the pointy end of a metal nail file, I've found, works great!

Use #7- Use a Metal Nail File to Remove Staples From Papers
I also have at least one staple remover in my office. Trouble is, I can't always find it. Either I misplace it, or it grows legs and walks away, if you know what I mean. I found out that you can slide the pointy end of a metal nail file under the bent ends of a paper clip to remove it.

Use #8- Use a Metal Nail File as a Weapon to Protect Yourself
According to highbeam.com, a 1997 article in The Washington Post reported that a 5-year-old had been suspended from kindergarten. Why? Because she had taken a metal nail file to school. The file violated the school's "zero-tolerance policy" about items that likened weapons.

That article reminded me, that, while a metal nail file shouldn't be in the hands of a child, it can actually save the life of an adult. I remember reading about using your car keys to stab at, or gouge, a would-be attacker as a way to defend yourself. As pointy and as sharp as metal nail files are, I'm sure they can do some harm as well.

Resources
http://www.highbeam.com/The+Washington+Post/publications.aspx