When we think of survival tools, items like knives, fire starters, and paracord often come to mind. However, one of the most underrated yet incredibly versatile tools is the humble paperclip. Small, lightweight, and easy to carry, paperclips can serve a variety of purposes in a survival situation. Here’s a list of 25 survival life hacks using paperclips that could prove invaluable when you’re in a pinch.

1. Fish Hook

In a survival situation near water, you can bend a paperclip into a fish hook. Attach it to a makeshift fishing line and try to catch your next meal.

2. Lock Pick

A paperclip can be straightened and bent to create a basic lock pick. This can help you access locked areas in an emergency.

3. Zipper Pull

If your zipper breaks while you’re out in the wild or on the move, use a paperclip to replace the missing pull and keep your gear secure.

4. Keyring Substitute

Lost your keyring or need to carry something small and important? Use a paperclip as a temporary key holder or to attach gear to your pack.

5. Fire Tinder

Coated paperclips can burn if needed. Although not ideal for sustained fire, in an emergency, they can help ignite a fire when combined with other tinder.

6. Mini Compass

Magnetize a paperclip by rubbing it with wool or silk, then float it on a small piece of wood in water to point toward magnetic north. It’s not perfect, but it could help you navigate.

7. Survival Sewing Needle

Need to repair torn clothing or gear? Straighten a paperclip, sharpen one end, and you’ve got a makeshift sewing needle to keep things functional.

8. Makeshift Rope Clamp

Use a paperclip to fasten or secure ropes or cords, making them easier to manage when building shelters or setting up makeshift traps.

9. Emergency Fuse

In a dire electrical situation, a paperclip can act as a temporary fuse replacement. Be cautious, though, as this is a short-term fix and could cause overheating.

10. Finger Splint

If you’ve injured or sprained a finger, a straightened paperclip can be used as a mini splint. Tape it to the injured finger for support and protection.

11. Unlock Handcuffs

Some basic handcuffs can be unlocked using a bent paperclip. It’s a useful skill to know in the case of an emergency restraint.

12. Improvised Clothes Hook

Use a bent paperclip to create a simple clothes hook for drying wet clothing or keeping items off the ground.

13. Repair Eyeglasses

If a screw from your eyeglasses goes missing, a small piece of a paperclip can act as a temporary replacement to hold the frames together.

14. Mini Screwdriver

In a pinch, a straightened paperclip can be used as a small screwdriver, especially for tiny screws like those in electronics or glasses.

15. Fishing Line Weight

Bend a paperclip to add weight to your fishing line if you’re trying to fish in deeper waters or stronger currents.

16. Emergency Hairpin

Keep your hair out of the way by bending a paperclip into a makeshift hairpin. Not only is it handy, but it can also keep your vision clear during a survival situation.

17. Safety Pin Substitute

Tear in your clothes? A paperclip can be used to hold together torn fabric or keep bandages secure when you’re out of proper medical supplies.

18. Shelter Peg

If you’re setting up a shelter with a tarp, unbend several paperclips and use them as stakes to secure your tent or tarp into the ground.

19. Fix a Broken Lighter

Sometimes the flint wheel in lighters can get jammed or out of alignment. A paperclip can help you make quick repairs to get your lighter working again.

20. Hold a Bandage in Place

In the absence of medical tape or safety pins, a paperclip can hold gauze or fabric bandages in place on a wound, helping to prevent infection and allowing you to keep moving.

21. Wire Antenna

Boost the reception of a radio or other communication device by attaching a straightened paperclip to the antenna, extending the reach.

22. Unlock a Door

Many simple door locks, such as those on bathroom or bedroom doors, can be unlocked with a bent paperclip, giving you access to locked rooms in an emergency.

23. Hold Small Parts Together

A paperclip can act as a quick way to bind small parts of equipment or gear together temporarily while you fix or transport them.

24. Create a Small Hook

Need to hang lightweight gear like keys or a flashlight? Bend a paperclip into a hook and attach it to a bag, belt loop, or tree branch.

25. Mark a Trail

When venturing into unfamiliar terrain, drop or hang paperclips as markers to ensure you can find your way back. Bright, metallic objects like paperclips can catch the light, making them easy to spot.

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A paperclip may seem insignificant in day-to-day life, but its versatility in survival scenarios makes it an essential item to keep in your pack. Whether you’re building shelter, securing gear, or improvising tools, this simple office supply can be a surprising lifesaver in the wild. So, next time you’re prepping your survival kit, toss in a few paperclips — they may just save your life!