4 Common Tools With a Hidden Second Function Most People Never Use

Pliers Have Built-In Wire Cutters for Small Repairs

Some pliers have built-in wire cutters near the hinge, just behind the gripping jaws. These can trim soft wire without needing a separate pair of cutters. Not every pair has this feature, though. It’s also worth checking whether the tool has wire strippers, which remove insulation without cutting through the wire itself.

Wire Strippers Can Also Cut Screws to Length

Some wire strippers have small, threaded holes near the handles that allow users to shorten machine screws. The screw goes into the appropriately sized hole, and squeezing the handles cuts it to length. This feature can come in handy when installing electrical fixtures or other hardware that requires shorter screws.

Manual Can Openers May Have Built-In Bottle Openers

Some manual can openers have a bottle opener built into the handle or near the cutting mechanism. Depending on the design, it may look like a small notch or hook in the metal. Other models have magnets that help lift cut lids from cans without touching the sharp edges.

Nail Clippers Often Have Built-In Nail Files

Many nail clippers have a small metal file that folds out from beneath the lever or sits along the body. It helps smooth rough edges after trimming. Some models also have a pointed tip for cleaning beneath nails, although the design and placement of these extra features vary.

Sources

• Channellock, “528 8-inch Slip Joint Pliers“
• Klein Tools, “Klein-Kurve Wire Stripper/Cutter, 8-20 AWG“
• Milwaukee Tool, “FASTBACK 6-in-1 Folding Utility Knife“
• OXO, “Steel Can Opener“
• Zwilling, “Classic Manicure Pedicure Nail Clipper Set“

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