Nail clippers

Of the Nail clippers was invented in 1896 and is used for foot and hand care. The clipper or also ClipAs it is sometimes called, it is constructed in the shape of a pincer. This should make it possible to easily trim the fingernails and toenails.

What is a nail clipper?

A nail clipper refers to a pair of pliers-like devices that can be used to trim fingernails and toenails. The advantage of the pliers, which usually consist of two curved cutting edges, is that relatively little force is required to trim the nails.

The reason is the leverage that the nail clipper makes use of. This not only makes pedicures and manicures easier, but also benefits the nail. Because every cut can damage the nail substance - but only in the affected area.

Shapes, types & types

A nail clipper always consists of two curved cut edges that are made of metal and lie on top of one another. Depending on the type and type of clipper, the entire clip is made of metal or the body is made of plastic, ceramic or hardened special glass. Sometimes the body of the clipper is also sheathed, which can benefit the design and handling.

Nail clips can also differ from one another in their shape. On the one hand, they are available in different sizes, which means that they can be adapted very well to the nail size. On the other hand, there are also clippers where the cut edges are not at the end of the pliers, as is usually the case, but where they are to the side.

Due to their popularity, nail clippers are now available in a wide variety of designs and price ranges. Only very few clippers differ from one another at first glance. The differences can often be found in the workmanship and the quality of the material.

Structure & functionality

Unlike nail scissors or a nail file, the nail clipper is used to cut the nails by pressing a small lever, which is usually located on the top of the clipper. Today, this process is often referred to as "clipping".

Since nail clips are now available in a wide variety of sizes and thus also with cut surfaces in different dimensions, the nails can be cut quickly and easily in one piece. The cut surfaces of the clips are usually slightly arched, so that a natural and well-groomed curve is created right after the first use.

The disadvantage of nail clippers, however, is that they cannot be guided as finely as nail scissors. In addition, the edges on the freshly cut edge of the nail are sometimes sharp-edged or frayed, depending on the quality and sharpness of the clip. Therefore, they often have to be refined a bit. For this reason, some clippers are equipped with a small file that can be folded out.

A big advantage of a nail clipper is that it can easily be rotated 360 °. This enables the desired leverage effect to be achieved from every cutting position. If the clipper is not used, the pliers arm can be turned to a rest position. Then the clipper is immobile, smaller and can be stowed away safely.

Medical & health benefits

In addition to utensils such as nail scissors, a nail file or nail nippers, the nail clipper is part of nail care. Its purpose is to shorten the nails of the feet and hands quickly and easily - while keeping the risk of injury as low as possible.

First and foremost, shortening the nails serves to protect them. If they are too long, they can easily bend, break or tear, which can cause severe pain and inflammation. The longer they are, the longer the tips of the nails lose their stability and can even impair the grip. In addition, significantly more dirt can collect under long nails, which can harbor bacteria or germs. Because of this, nail care is an important part of personal hygiene.

The special thing about a clipper or clip is that its shape ensures that it can be brought very close to the finger or toe. Most of the time, the cut edges are placed on the nail so that it can be neatly separated from the outer nail edges in a slight curve - with just one hand movement. This makes the nail clipper quite easy to use. Nail scissors and nail nippers, for example, have to be used several times until the nail has been completely trimmed. This could result in a more uneven result. Compared with nail scissors, however, the cut edges of a clipper are not always clean and may need to be reworked with a file.

Another advantage of a nail clipper, however, is the leverage effect. Thanks to this, even very hard nails can be cut to size with the clippers, which otherwise can only be shortened with pliers and with greater effort. In this case, the harder and thicker the nail, the larger the clipper's arm should be. Because this determines the leverage and the force that the clippers can exert on the nail. For smaller or softer nails, on the other hand, a clipper with less force and thus with a shorter plier arm should be used. This also protects the nail substance and ensures that the cut edges are finer and cleaner.