The Paper Clip: A Minimalist Marvel
If you’re reading this at a desk, chances are there’s a paper clip within arm’s reach. But have you ever stopped to wonder: why does this tiny twist of metal still exist in the age of cloud storage, Google Docs, and wireless everything?
Despite the digital revolution, paper clips are produced in mass quantities.
Why Paper Clips Work (and Never Changed)
There’s a reason the paper clip has barely evolved since its 1899 patent by John Valeer in Germany:
Simple mechanics: It uses tension and friction—no adhesive, no locking parts.
Reusable and silent: Unlike staples, no tearing. Unlike folders, no bulk.
Universally understood: A paper clip means “these belong together.”
And bonus: they make excellent emergency SIM card ejectors.
Google Trends: Is Anyone Searching for Paper Clips?
We checked Google Trends to see whether anyone actually types “paper clips” into the search bar.
Top Related Queries:
“large paper clips”
“paper clip chain craft”
“how to open a SIM card with a paper clip”
Other Uses for Paper Clips (That Have Nothing to Do with Paper)
Resetting electronics (modems, routers, watches)
Unlocking CD drives
Bookmarking
Improvised zipper pulls
Tiny chip bag clips in a pinch
DIY lock picking (you didn’t hear it from us)
Are Paper Clips Still Relevant?
Yes — because they just work.
They’re cheap, tactile, and instantly useful in ways no app has replaced.
In a world of digital noise, there’s something satisfying about physically binding paper together with a tiny loop of steel.
References
Bellis, Mary. (2025, May 1). The History and Invention of the Paperclip. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/history-of-the-paper-clip-4072863
Read the article at The History and Invention of the Paperclip