Fascinating Facts You Probably Didn’t Know About The Humble Paper Clip

The paper clip might seem like an ordinary object in your stationery drawer, but its simplicity hides a surprisingly rich history and wide range of uses. Designed to hold sheets of paper together, this small tool has silently powered offices, classrooms, and homes for over a century. Beyond its primary purpose, the paper clip has served in wartime resistance, symbolised solidarity, and even inspired creative hacks. In this article, we’ll uncover ten intriguing things that prove there’s more to the paper clip than meets the eye.

1. The Paper Clip Wasn’t Patented by the Rightful Inventor

Most people assume the familiar double-loop paper clip design was patented by its creator. However, Johan Vaaler, a Norwegian inventor, designed a similar version in the early 1900s but did not invent the widely used “Gem” design. That design was never officially patented but became the global standard. Ironically, Vaaler is often credited in Norway as the inventor of the paper clip, and a monument even stands in his honour.

2. It Became a Symbol of Resistance in World War II

During Nazi occupation in World War II, Norwegians wore paper clips on their clothing as a symbol of resistance and national unity. Because they were prohibited from openly showing loyalty to the monarchy or country, the simple act of wearing a paper clip became a quiet but powerful gesture of solidarity and defiance.

3. Paper Clips Can Be Used to Pick Locks

Though not advisable or legal in many contexts, it’s a well-known trick among hobbyists that a paper clip can be used to pick basic locks. Its flexibility and ability to bend into shapes make it a go-to tool in emergency situations where a key is lost—though only for ethical use.

4. They're Made Without Glue or Heat

The production of paper clips involves no adhesive, welding, or heat-based bonding. They are formed entirely by bending galvanised steel wire into the familiar double-loop shape. This makes the design both elegant and efficient, requiring minimal material and manufacturing complexity.

5. Paper Clips Are Incredibly Durable

Despite their small size and thin metal frame, paper clips are surprisingly strong. A standard paper clip can typically hold 10 or more sheets of paper securely without bending. Their tensile strength comes from the type of steel wire used, which allows repeated use without snapping or losing shape.

6. They Have Been to Space

Believe it or not, paper clips have travelled beyond Earth. NASA astronauts have occasionally used paper clips aboard space missions for impromptu fixes or makeshift solutions. Their lightweight and versatile design make them useful in unexpected ways, even in zero gravity.

7. There Are Dozens of Paper Clip Variations

While the “Gem” design is the most common, there are over 50 documented variations of paper clips. These include triangular, oval, and wave designs, as well as jumbo and mini sizes. Some are designed specifically for thick documents, while others offer aesthetic appeal in bright colours or coated finishes.

8. Paper Clips Have Inspired Artwork and Sculptures

Many artists have embraced the paper clip as a symbol of creativity. From miniature paper clip models to large-scale sculptures, this humble item has been transformed into intricate works of art. In fact, several contemporary installations use thousands of paper clips to represent themes like connection, history, or the passage of time.

9. A Paper Clip Was Traded for a House

In one of the internet’s most talked-about stories, Canadian Kyle MacDonald started with a single red paper clip and traded it for increasingly valuable items over time. After 14 trades, he eventually acquired a house. His journey demonstrated the power of bartering and the curious value we assign to objects.

10. They're a Popular Metaphor for Simplicity

In tech and design circles, the paper clip often represents elegant functionality—doing more with less. Its minimal design, which hasn’t changed in over 100 years, is often cited in product design classes and business talks as an example of efficient innovation that doesn't need improvement.

More Than Just a Stationery Item

The paper clip may seem like a minor detail in our daily lives, but its story is surprisingly rich, clever, and inspiring. From resistance symbols to household hacks and even space missions, this little loop of wire has done far more than its job description implies. It reminds us that even the simplest tools can carry weighty meaning, spark creativity, and adapt to challenges far beyond the desktop.

Whether you use one to bind papers or to improvise a tool, the paper clip proves that sometimes, the most ordinary objects have the most extraordinary stories.