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.