12 Binder Clip Hacks That Actually Work

The humble binder clip costs about 3 cents apiece and is one of the most versatile tools ever manufactured. Its spring steel construction generates 3 to 5 pounds of clamping force in the 1-inch size, with larger clips approaching 10 pounds. Here are specific, tested uses beyond holding paper together.

1. Phone and Tablet Stand

Clip one large (2-inch) binder clip to a firm surface edge or fold the handles of two medium (1.25-inch) clips outward to create a channel that holds your phone upright in landscape orientation. For a sturdier version, clip two large binder clips to opposite ends of a piece of cardboard cut to 4 by 6 inches, with the handles folded out as kickstand legs.

2. Cable Management on Your Desk

Clip medium binder clips along the back edge of your desk, one per cable. Thread each cable through the silver handle before it can slide off the desk and disappear behind the furniture. Label each clip with a small piece of masking tape: charger, monitor, headphones.

3. Toothpaste Tube Squeezer

As a tube of toothpaste empties, fold the flat end upward and clamp it with a small binder clip. This forces all remaining paste toward the opening and prevents the tube from unrolling. The same technique works for travel-size sunscreen, Neosporin tubes, and artist paint tubes.

4. Chip Bag Sealer

Fold the open end of a chip bag down three times, then clamp with a medium binder clip. The spring tension is far stronger than the flimsy plastic clips sold specifically for this purpose. You can stack sealed bags vertically in the pantry because the clip creates a flat, stable top edge.

5. Key Ring Organizer

Remove both handles from a large binder clip. Each handle has a wire loop at one end. Thread keys onto the wire loops, then snap the handles back into the clip body. You now have a compact key organizer where keys fan out when you squeeze the clip and collapse flat when you release it. This replaces a $15 key organizer.

6. Razor Cover for Travel

Clip a medium binder clip over the head of a disposable razor. The clip body protects the blade edges from your fingers and prevents the razor from cutting other items in your toiletry bag. Works with Gillette, Schick, and most disposable heads up to 1.5 inches wide.

7. Money Clip Replacement

A small (0.75-inch) binder clip with both handles removed functions as a money clip that holds 10 to 15 folded bills securely. The black finish looks reasonably sleek, and if you lose it, the replacement cost is negligible.

8. Earphone Cord Winder

Wrap your earphone cord around two fingers to create a small coil, then clamp the coil with a small binder clip. This prevents tangling in a bag or pocket. Clip the handles to your collar or bag strap for quick access.

9. Sponge Stand for Drying

Stand a kitchen sponge upright by clipping a large binder clip to the bottom edge with the handles folded out as feet. The sponge air-dries on all sides instead of sitting in a wet pool on the counter, reducing bacterial growth and extending sponge life by approximately double.

10. Pants Hanger Upgrade

Clip two large binder clips to a standard wire hanger, spacing them 8 to 10 inches apart. Clamp pants by the waistband or cuffs. The clips hold heavier fabrics like denim and wool that slide off regular pant hangers. Line the clip jaws with small pieces of felt to prevent crease marks on delicate fabrics.

11. Laptop Ventilation Riser

Place two large binder clips under the back edge of a laptop, with the handles folded out as feet. This tilts the keyboard to a more ergonomic angle and lifts the bottom ventilation ports 1 to 1.5 inches off the desk surface, reducing operating temperature by 5 to 10 degrees Fahrenheit.

12. Picture Hanging Level Holder

When hanging a picture frame, clip a binder clip to each side of the frame’s bottom edge and hang a piece of string between the clips with a small weight in the center. The string creates a plumb line reference that shows whether the frame is level before you commit to a second nail.

The Best Sizes to Stock

Keep a box of each: small (0.75-inch, 19mm), medium (1.25-inch, 32mm), and large (2-inch, 51mm). A 12-pack of each costs about $1 to $3 at any office supply store. The medium size is the most versatile for daily use.

Bottom Line

Binder clips are absurdly underrated. For less than $5 in clips, you can replace a phone stand, cable organizer, money clip, razor cover, chip bag clips, and a laptop riser. Keep a handful in your desk drawer and a couple in your travel bag.