10 Surprising Uses for Bobby Pins

They do a lot more than just pin back your hair.

If you're anything like us, you’re constantly finding stray bobby pins in between your cushions, at the bottom of your purse, and possibly in your hair. The good thing is they’re a pretty handy tool when you’re in a bind. Don’t believe us? Check out all the things you can do with them below.

1. Step up your nail art game.

We now know lots of beauty hacks using a hair pin. The one we love the most? A dotting tool that helps create a cute manicure.

2. Save unused toothpaste.

It's time to stop struggling with your toothpaste and start using every lost drop. Bismah, the blogger behind Simple Mama At Home, uses her bobby pins to force out leftover toothpaste. Simply slide a bobby pin over the edge of your toothpaste bottle, squeeze tight, and pull the pin toward the mouth. It helps push leftover toothpaste to the opening that you might otherwise have thrown away.

3. Secure the loose end of a belt.

Nothing can ruin an outfit faster than a floppy belt that won't stay put. Grab a large bobby pin and secure the extra leather to your pants or belt, which will help it lies flat and doesn't annoy you.

4. Hem pants in a rush.

If you’re out and about and your pants hem falls out, this is a quick and easy fix. Just slip a few bobby pins over the crease of the old hem to keep your pants in place. This will hold until you can get home and sew it up.

5. Double as a chip clip.

Find one of those left-behind bobby pins in your couch? Slip it on your open bag of chips to keep them fresh. Of course, it's easy to remove, if you want to keep snacking.

6. Hold a small nail in place.

Who isn’t afraid of banging their fingers with a hammer when putting up a picture? Now you can keep your hands safe and sound by holding the nail in place with a bobby pin. Now when you swing down you can use as much force as possible, and you won't have to worry about losing your place.

7. Mark your spot in a book.

Goodbye ugly dog ears! And, hello fast and easy bookmark! When you’re finished reading, slip a bobby pin over the page to save your place.

8. Hold your money together.

Simply fold your bills in half, secure them with a bobby pin, and slip your homemade clip into your pants or purse. If you don’t have pockets, consider pinning your cash to the inside of your bra. Totally genius.

9. Reset your electronics.

Your car clock, watch, and more might require a tiny point for a reset. And sometimes, needles are too pointy. But a bobby pin is the perfect size for fitting in those hard-to-reach places.

10. Save a broken zipper.

If your zipper pull breaks off while you’re on the go, a bobby pin can easily replace it until you can get it fixed.