The amount of survival uses for paperclips will surprise you, it can be used as compass, a screwdriver, a lockpick and many more things.

Something as simple as a paper clip has many survival uses.

Having the knowledge that an everyday object, like a paper clip can perform so many amazing things, is great to know.

Paper clips can be found practically everywhere and you may think that a paperclip is only good for one thing – holding paper together. But, it is very much, the opposite. The tips I will be talking about are for survival uses and everyday uses.

Without further ado, let’s cover 19 survival uses for paper clips.

1. Lockpick

As the first survival uses for paper clips tip, we have to lockpick.

For this to work, you will need two paper clips and practice.

For the first paper clip, bend it at a straight 45° and the other paper clip, completely unfolded and at a straight 180° angle, folded in half.

Next, put 1cm(10mm) of the loop into the bottom, or the second section of the lock and bend it at a 90° angle to get your tensioning tool.

Next, slide the tension tool to the very bottom, and with the other paper clip, do a raking action by stuffing the whole thing down and pushing up continuously for about a minute. Finally, twist the tension tool, still at the very bottom, and you have just pick locked with a paper clip.  

2. Clothing Hook

A can also use a paper clip as a clothing hook. Ideally, you would want a larger paper clip.

Simply, fashion the paper clip into an S shape, and you can use it to hang shirts, pants, scarves, belts, hats, purses, and keys.

3. Unclog Bottles

Paper clips have sharp, small ends, which is great for unclogging elmo glue bottles, aerosol spray bottles, and pump spray cans. 

Begin by straightening out the paperclip. You can do this by using your fingers to bend the paperclip until it is straight. 

Once the paperclip is straightened out, you can use it to try to push down the clog. Gently insert the paperclip into the opening of the bottle and use it to push down the clog. Be careful not to push too hard, as this could cause the paperclip to break.

Here are the survival uses for duct tape.

4. Compass

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RAXymmaptHw

For this you will need a couple extra materials.

You will need a paper clip, a container(cup, plate, bowl) that is not steel or iron, a leaf or paper, water, a magnet, and a knife.

First, you want to unfold your paper clip into the straightest line you can. If you are using a cup or bowl and it doesn’t fit, simply cut it, it doesn’t need to be the full length. Now fill your container halfway with water.

Next, you want to get your leaf, paper, or something that floats and place it on the water.

With your magnet, rub it in the same direction 5-10 times and place it on your floating object. If you don’t have a magnet, use a knife and strike it 50-100 times in the same direction. 

Sometimes this requires a little spin, because the initial magnetic pull may not be strong enough. Finally, you have yourself a compass. 

Now, if you don’t know how to read an actual compass, here is how to read a compass properly.

5. Screwdriver

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lVqruxps_JU

Paper clips can be used as two different types of screwdrivers, a mini screwdriver and a full-size flathead screwdriver.

A mini screwdriver, to repair small things, like glasses, can be done with a paper clip. Simply, make the end wider by hitting it will a rock or hammer. It should be bent at the end. You can use the tip as a mini screwdriver and use the unmodified portion of the paper clip as the handle.

A flathead screwdriver, the one you will use in most situations and it is easier than the miniscrew. Simply, place one end into the screw slot and twist.

6. Blow Darts

You will need 16 inches of string and paper clip(s).Paper clips can be a replacement for blow darts, if a blow dark gun is something you own. 

First straighten the paperclip completely. 

Then, find paper and cut it out into a cone shape. Roll it around the paperclip and secure the edge of the paper in with any type of glue. Remove the paper clip and place a drop of glue onto the tip of the cone.

Put the paper clip back into the cone, about one inch. After the glue dries, use a sewing thread to secure the joint between the cone and paper clip. Add a drop of glue to the thread. After the glue dries, try the darts.

7. Zipper Pull

Using a paperclip as a zipper pull is a great way to save money when your zipper pull breaks off of your clothing. It is also a great way to add a unique touch to your clothing. With just a few simple steps, you can easily make a paperclip into a zipper pull.

The first step to creating a paperclip zipper pull is to gather the necessary materials. You will need a paperclip, a pair of pliers, and a lighter. To begin, you will need to straighten out the paperclip. Using the pliers, bend the paperclip into a straight line. Make sure that the paperclip is straight and does not have any bends or curves in it.

The second step is to create a loop in the paperclip. This is done by using the pliers to bend the paperclip in the center, creating an oval shape. Make sure that the loop is large enough so that it can fit over the zipper pull.

The third step is to form the loop into a more secure shape. To do this, move the pliers up the paperclip, but only until they are 1/2 inch away from the end of the paperclip. Then, use the pliers to press the ends of the paperclip together.

The fourth step is to heat up the paperclip. Use the lighter to heat up the paperclip until it is soft and malleable. Then, use the pliers to press the ends of the paperclip together once more. This will help to secure the paperclip into its new shape.

The fifth and final step is to attach the paperclip to the zipper pull. To do this, slip the paperclip onto the zipper pull and then use the pliers to press the paperclip into place. Make sure that the paperclip is firmly attached to the zipper pull.

Below is another method to fix a zipper pull.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_m2Uf7BvSHM

8.Toothpick

This should be a last resort, because you can easily cut yourself, but if you have to, it is sharp and long, so it will be a suitable tooth pick.

Be sure to use caution while using the paperclip as a toothpick, as the metal can cause damage to your gums if not used properly.

9. Fingernail Cleaner

Being hygenic is one of the most important things in survival. Having dirt and grime in your fingernails can lead to more serious consequences than you may think. 

Pathogens(bacteria, virus, disease) can be stuck there, and you’ll be surprised how fast pathogens can travel when eating food.

You should always wash your hands, and cleaning your fingernails is a progressive step to better hygiene.

Here are the survival uses for floss.

10. Fishing Hook and Lure

In addition to the clothing hook, a paper clip can also serve as a fishing hook. Bend the last bit of the paper clip at a 45°, then you have yourself a decent fishing hook.

If you want a better fishing hook you will have to do a little more work; you first want to straighten it, and then, with a tiny cylinder,  then bend the end into a half circle. From there, cut the end, so that the hook is approximately 1 inch.

The hook will also pose as a lure, as it will create a shine with the refelction.

11. Cell Phone or Tablet Stand

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4dgBlLMrJ1M

Ideally, you would want a larger paper clip. Bend the middle of the paper clip up to a 90°. After that, bend one of the sides end slightly up. Finally, make both sides bigger.

12. Keyboard Cleaner

Using a paperclip as a keyboard cleaner is a great way to keep your keyboard clean and functional.

A paperclip is an inexpensive and effective tool that can be used to clean between the keys of your keyboard and remove any dust, dirt, and debris that may accumulate over time.

Before you begin, make sure that your keyboard is unplugged and turned off. If you have a laptop, make sure to remove the battery before beginning.

Next, take a paperclip and straighten it out so that it is flat and easy to maneuver between the keys. You may want to use a pair of pliers to help straighten out the paperclip if necessary. Once the paperclip is straightened out, you can begin to clean your keyboard.

Start by using the flat end of the paperclip to gently scrape along the tops of each key. This will help to remove any dust and debris that has built up over time.

Be sure to keep the paperclip flat to avoid scratching or damaging the keys. Once you have scraped the top of each key, use the curved end of the paperclip to get into the crevices between the keys.

Gently insert the curved end of the paperclip and move it around in circles to help loosen any debris that may have become stuck in between the keys.

13. Keyring

Using a paperclip as a keyring is a great way to keep your keys organized and easily accessible.

First, gather the materials that you will need: a paperclip, a pair of scissors, a needle and thread, and a keychain attachment. You may also want to have a ruler or tape measure handy to measure the paperclip if needed.

Next, straighten out the paperclip. This will make it easier to work with and help ensure that the keyring is even and secure. 

Use the scissors to cut the paperclip in half. Then, take one of the halves and bend it into a loop. Make sure that the loop is large enough to fit all the keys that you will be attaching.

Then, thread the needle with the thread of your choice. Make sure that the thread is long enough to go around the paperclip loop twice. 

Begin by inserting the needle at the top of the loop and going around the paperclip twice. When you get back to the top, knot the thread securely and trim the excess thread.

Finally, attach the keychain attachment to the paperclip loop. You can do this by looping the keychain attachment through the paperclip loop, or by tying the keychain attachment to the paperclip loop. 

The keychain attachment will allow you to easily attach and remove the keys from the keyring.

14. Finger Splint Structure

If you sprain or break your finger, you should of course seek immediate medical attention. If break your finger and you cannot receive medical attention, or cannot receive it fast, this is for you. This is also great if you sprain your finger.

You first want to get tape, a wrap, or a bandage, then, with 1 or 2 paper clips, and wrap it around. This should prevent your finger from moving.

15. Box & Letter Opener

Using a paperclip as an envelope opener is simple. Start by folding the paperclip into a “U” shape. Next, insert the paperclip into the edge of the envelope or box, and then slide it along the seam. 

The paperclip will cut through the adhesive or tape that is sealing the envelope, allowing you to open it easily. You will be opening letters fast in no time.

16. Bag Clip

If you have a bag of tools or even a chip bag, a paper clip can prevent most of the air from seeping in.

17. Safety Pin

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=InsdutPyiAo

A paper clip can be fashioned into a safety pin. You will need pliers and a paper clip.

First make an umbrella handle shape with your paper clip. Next, Lay the paper clip flat and use the pliers to make a 45° upward bend in the end of the curled side, 1/8 inch from the tip.

After that, grip the clip with the pliers just below the grasp bend and make a 90° upward angle. After that, bend to the long part of the clip.

Then, squeeze the bend downward in order to meet with the long part. 

Then,  clutch the long, straight part of the paper clip in the center with the pliers, and then wrap the wire twice around the tip of the pliers to make a circular shape. 

Finally, Tuck the long, straight end of the paper clip(needle) under the clasp. You now have yourself a safety pin.

Here are the survival uses for vaseline.

18. Bookmark

A bookmark is a useful thing, and it you want a bookmark that won’t easily fall out or move too much, then this is a great pick. You can tape colors for multiple bookmarks, to mark important area in a book.

19. Sewing/ Stitching Needle

The final survival use for paperclips is sewing and stitching. You never know when you may need to stitch someone, and if you are in a school or work environment with a paper clip(and initial disinfectant), or perhaps you want to repair clothing, it is your time to shine.

Flatten one end with a heavy object and sharpen the other with a sharp object. Then, drill a hole into the flattened end, and you have yourself a sewing needle.

Conclusion

If you don’t yet have paper clips, you can get 1,000 for $3 on this affiliate link.

Thank you for reading. I hope you have learned something here, and perhaps you will use one of these tips soon. If you like this article, you will probably also like 11 Common Wild Plants That are Healthy. You may also want to learn more about paper clips themselves here.

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