What’s the Purpose of That Tiny Hole in a Safety Pin?

Without this design detail, safety pins would pop open far more easily.

Helps Control the Spring Tension

During manufacturing, the hole allows the metal wire to:

• Bend and twist without breaking
• Hold its shape after repeated use

This ensures the pin stays strong and functional even after being opened and closed many times.

Prevents Accidental Slipping

When the sharp end locks into the clasp, the hole provides a precise resting point. This keeps the tip from sliding out and protects fingers and fabric from accidental pricks.

In short, the hole helps make the pin safe—which is exactly what it was designed to do.

A Design That’s Stood the Test of Time

Safety pins were invented in the 1800s, and their design has changed very little since then. That’s because every small detail—including the tiny hole—serves a purpose.

It’s a great example of how simple objects often hide clever engineering.

Why We Still Use Safety Pins Today

Despite modern fasteners, safety pins remain popular because they are:

• Reliable
• Reusable
• Inexpensive
• Easy to carry

And much of that reliability comes down to small design choices like that tiny hole.