You’ve likely seen it a hundred times—a small round hole at the bottom of a safety pin. But have you ever asked yourself what it’s actually for? That tiny hole in a safety pin isn’t decorative. In fact, it plays a crucial role in the mechanism of the pin and offers many practical uses when understood properly.
The hole serves as a functional part of the safety pin’s spring mechanism. During manufacturing, the metal wire is coiled precisely into this hole to create tension. That tension is what allows the pin to open smoothly and close securely.
This means your safety pin remains reliably fastened, preventing accidental pricks or fabric damage. Without the hole, the pin would either be too stiff to use or too loose to stay shut.
The metal wire wraps through the hole to form a spring coil. This allows consistent pressure and flexibility each time you open or close the pin—similar to a spring-loaded pen or binder clip.
Thanks to the hole’s placement, once the pin is closed, the coil keeps it tightly locked. Even when moved or shaken, the pin doesn’t easily open on its own, reducing the risk of injury.
If the pull tab on your zipper breaks, a safety pin can act as a temporary solution. Simply attach it through the hole on the slider and zip as usual.
Insert the safety pin into the end of a hoodie string or sweatpants cord. Then, push it through the waistband channel with ease. It glides through where fingers can’t reach.
In case of a minor injury, you can use a clean safety pin to secure a bandage when tape or gauze isn’t available. Make sure to disinfect the pin before use.
Attach a small safety pin to an inner label or seam to identify clothing by owner, especially useful in households with multiple family members.
Use a safety pin to hold hems, pleats, or layers of fabric in place while sewing. It’s particularly handy when working with thick or slippery materials.
With a bit of creativity, you can turn a safety pin into a custom brooch. Add beads, buttons, or charms to personalize it for your jacket or bag.
Most standard metal safety pins include the hole as part of their tension design. However, some small plastic or novelty pins may skip this feature.
Yes. A rusty pin can damage fabric and introduce bacteria. Always replace damaged or corroded pins to stay safe.
Not without supervision. While safety pins are designed to stay closed, they still pose a risk if misused. Always keep them out of reach of young children.
The hole in a safety pin is far from pointless—it’s the secret behind its strength, flexibility, and safety. With this knowledge, you can get more out of this everyday item, whether for sewing, first aid, or quick fixes.
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