unilad homepage
unilad homepage
    • News
      • UK News
      • US News
      • World News
      • Crime
      • Health
      • Money
      • Sport
      • Travel
    • Music
    • Technology
    • Film and TV
      • News
      • DC Comics
      • Disney
      • Marvel
      • Netflix
    • Celebrity
    • Politics
    • Advertise
    • Terms
    • Privacy & Cookies
    • LADbible Group
    • LADbible
    • SPORTbible
    • GAMINGbible
    • Tyla
    • UNILAD Tech
    • FOODbible
    • License Our Content
    • About Us & Contact
    • Jobs
    • Latest
    • Archive
    • Topics A-Z
    • Authors
    Facebook
    Instagram
    X
    Threads
    TikTok
    YouTube
    Submit Your Content
    People are only just learning what the tiny hole in nail clippers is actually for

    Home> Community> Life

    Published 13:35 4 Feb 2026 GMT

    People are only just learning what the tiny hole in nail clippers is actually for

    We all have them but clearly we don't know everything about them

    Niamh Shackleton

    Niamh Shackleton

    google discoverFollow us on Google Discover

    They say you learn something new everyday, and that seems to be the case with people learning about the purpose of the small hole in nail clippers.

    Of course, the main purpose of nail clippers is, per its name, to clip your nails because not everybody wants Cynthia Ervio worthy claws.

    In fact, experts have actually warned that having long nails can prove to be unhealthy, so if you don't have a pair of clippers already then it might be time to invest in some.

    Speaking to USA Today back in 2022, Jeffrey Kaplan, a biology professor at American University, said: "The longer the nail, the more surface area there is for microorganisms to adhere.

    Advert

    "Studies have found 32 different bacteria and 28 different fungi underneath fingernails."

    Healthcare professionals have warned about the downsides of long nails (Getty Stock)
    Healthcare professionals have warned about the downsides of long nails (Getty Stock)

    And it doesn't matter if your nails are natural or false as there is an increased probability of carrying microorganisms, which makes it hard to clean with handwashing or scrubbing.

    Kaplan further warner that the bacteria can be transferred to your system 'by scratching, nail-biting, nose-picking and finger-sucking' and can go on to cause an infection.

    Away from explaining why we should cut our nails, there's a little known fact about clippers themselves that's still leaving people scratching their heads to this day — that mystery being the small hole on clippers.

    Many (myself included) have long ignored this design feature, presuming that it's not really for anything, but it turns out that the hole is there so that the clippers can be connected to things like keychains, toiletry kits, and so on.

    A lot of people didn't know what the hole was for (Getty Stock)
    A lot of people didn't know what the hole was for (Getty Stock)

    A post on Facebook has gone viral of late sharing one man's story about how he came to learn about the purpose of the hole.

    The post reads: "My mother-in-law couldn’t stop laughing when she realized I had no idea what the tiny hole in a nail clipper is for. Now I wonder... am I the only one who never knew?

    "I was so embarrassed — I'd literally never thought about it before."

    Stars like Cynthia Erivo are known for their super long fingernails (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)
    Stars like Cynthia Erivo are known for their super long fingernails (Gareth Cattermole/Getty Images)

    While you'd possibly presume that people with ridiculously long nails are inviting gross bacteria into their lives, Kayla Newman, a nail tech based in North Carolina, insists that in years of working her clients have never had 'nasty nails'.

    "Generally people who have long nails know how to maneuver with them and keep them clean," she said.

    "If you're spending upwards of $60 to get your nails done and you don't keep them clean, that doesn't make sense."

    I mean, she has a point.

    Featured Image Credit: Getty Stock Image

    Topics: Health, News, Viral, Facebook, Community, Life

    Niamh Shackleton
    Niamh Shackleton

    Niamh Shackleton is an experienced journalist for UNILAD, specialising in topics including mental health and showbiz, as well as anything Henry Cavill and cat related. She has previously worked for OK! Magazine, Caters and Kennedy.

    X

    @niamhshackleton

    Advert

    Advert

    Advert

    Choose your content:

    11 days ago
    13 days ago
    22 days ago
    24 days ago
    • Facebook
      11 days ago

      Healthy woman explained why she chose to end her life by euthanasia

      Wendy Duffy died by suicide on Friday

      Community
    • EMMANUEL DUNAND/AFP via Getty Images
      13 days ago

      Bizarre 'Scientology run' challenge explained as 'raid' trend sees teens storm church's buildings

      Users are divided on the trial, with some asking how they can 'sign up' to take part

      Community
    • ITV
      22 days ago

      Woman marrying convicted murderer on death row opens up about their relationship

      Tiana Krasniqi is set to wed James Broadnax, who was convicted of a double murder in 2009

      Community
    • Getty Stock
      24 days ago

      Hiring managers are sharing the worst interview experiences that make them reject people instantly

      Hiring the right person for the job can be extremely difficult, especially in a world of artificial intelligence and Zoom interviews

      Community
    • Doctor reveals clear sign in your fingernails that could tell you how long you have left to live
    • People are only just realizing what paprika is actually made from
    • People are just learning what CVS actually stands for and it's blown their minds
    • Drivers are only just realizing what the button on their seatbelt is actually for