Growing up in the 1980s, I watched a lot of "MacGyver." Thanks to Richard Dean Anderson's portrayal of a non-violent secret agent, there is whole generation that thinks they can save the world with a paper clip, a soda can and some duct tape. MacGyver was right -- you can do anything with your trusty paperclip.
Emergency Hem Repair
It might not be the most stylish solution, but it works. When your pants hem comes undone at work, don't panic. Use a paper clip to hold the loose hem in place, as a temporary fix.
Ejector "Button"
Ever get a CD or DVD stuck in your computer, car stereo or DVD player? Don't worry about it. By every disc drive you will find a tiny hole in the plastic. Straighten out your paper clip and push it into that hole. That triggers the release mechanism to pop the CD/DVD out.
Cherry Pitter
Because really, who needs a rarely-needed specialized tool when there are paper clips. Just push the end of the clip (you'll want to use the end with the wider opening) through the top of the cherry, slide around the pit and pull.
Parchment Weight
Did you know that you can use paper clips in the kitchen? You can use them to hold parchment paper together when you are baking things. Don't believe me? This asparagus recipe from the Food Network works thanks to using paperclips. One note of caution; only use the standard metal, uncoated clips for cooking purposes.
Flickr photo by Sebastien Wiertz
Bookmark
Because honestly, I'll never give up hardcovers and paperbacks. For a simple bookmark, slide a paper clip onto the last page read.
Do you have any other great uses for paper clips? Share them in the comments!
To find more ways to use ordinary household items, check out previous installments of "5 Uses For..." in the slideshow, below.
