Here’s What the Hole in a Safety Pin Is Really For

If you’ve ever found a small safety pin tucked away in your sewing kit, backpack, or first aid box, you’ve likely overlooked one very specific feature: the tiny hole near the spring. While this little metal tool is a common household item, most people never question its design.

That small hole, often located at the coiled end of the safety pin, has a vital role—and once you understand its purpose, you’ll never look at a safety pin the same way again.


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Why Is There a Hole in a Safety Pin?

The safety pin works thanks to a clever tension mechanism. At one end, it has a sharp point; at the other end, a clasp that locks the point securely in place. But the real magic lies in the spring coil—the tightly wound portion of metal, often holding a small hole in its center.

That tiny hole is not decorative. It plays a functional role in how the pin opens and closes. Specifically, it:

Anchors the spring mechanism by providing a firm grip for the bent wire to hook into itself.

Provides structural stability to the coiled area, allowing the metal wire to maintain proper tension.

Enables flexibility by distributing the pressure evenly when the pin is opened or closed.


Without that hole, the safety pin would lose its ability to snap back into a locked position. It’s the kind of design element that engineers love—simple, elegant, and essential.


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A Brief History of the Safety Pin

The safety pin was invented in 1849 by an American mechanic named Walter Hunt, who needed to pay off a $15 debt. Using just a piece of brass wire, Hunt twisted it into the shape of a spring with a clasp to keep it from opening accidentally.

He patented the invention and sold the rights for a mere $400, never knowing it would go on to become a global essential.

Today, the basic design of the safety pin has remained unchanged for over 170 years—proving how genius simplicity can outlast time.


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Types of Safety Pins You Probably Didn’t Know About

Not all safety pins are created equal. Over the years, this tiny invention has evolved into various shapes and sizes, each designed for a unique purpose. According to Larry Schwartz, president of Wholesale Safety Pins, they manufacture millions of pins for industries ranging from fashion to healthcare.

Here are some of the most popular types:

1. Traditional Safety Pins:

Standard three-size pins found in most homes.

Used for clothing fixes and quick repairs.



2. Black-Coated Pins:

Used in fashion shoots and movies.

Designed to be less visible under stage lights or cameras.



3. Coilless Pins:

Lacking the spring coil section.

Ideal for delicate fabrics like lace or thin silk that can snag on coils.



4. Pear-Shaped Pins:

Rounded for smoother application.

Often used in retail for attaching product tags.



5. Kilt Pins:

Heavier and more decorative.

Designed for kilts and punk-style fashion.



6. Laundry/Net Bag Pins:

Larger, reinforced pins.

Used in hospitals and hotels to secure laundry bags.



7. Retail Tag Pins:

Found on new clothing.

Used to attach price tags and labels.




Each variation has subtle changes in its spring mechanism, coating, or clasp type—but almost all retain the small coil hole that ensures they function reliably.


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Everyday and Creative Uses for Safety Pins

This tiny object is one of the most versatile tools in your drawer. Here’s how safety pins are commonly used:

Emergency clothing repairs (broken zippers, torn straps)

First aid (making slings or securing bandages)

Crafts and DIY jewelry

Sewing and quilting

Baby diapers (before disposable ones took over)

Fixing backpack straps or curtains


And of course, fashion—from punk rock styles to royal kilts, the safety pin has become a design statement.


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Conclusion: It’s More Than Just a Pin

Next time you hold a safety pin, don’t take it for granted. That tiny hole in the coil might look insignificant, but it’s the reason the pin holds tight, stays locked, and doesn’t snap open in your pocket. It’s a reminder that even the smallest inventions often hold the cleverest ideas.

One small hole. One giant function.