Information on Safety Pins
A safety pin is a small, simple device that allows people to fasten things together. Safety pins are often overlooked as a significant invention. Safety pins are used to repair clothes quickly during an emergency wardrobe malfunction, make neat crafts, and pin on buttons and embroidered patches. They are relatively cheap, durable and the plated cover does not rust. Does this Spark an idea?
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History
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The safety pin dates back to the 14th century BC and is associated with the Mycenaeans. The pins are known as fibulae, or fibula when singular. Fibulae were used as jewelry and in the same manner that they are used today (emergency clothing repair, securing items to clothing). A fibula was created the same way that the modern safety pin is constructed. A coiled spring is attached to a pin which keeps the sharp end secure and fastened. The guard protects the tip of the pin. Fibulae were made in all different shapes and, often, decorations were made with the wire. Zigzags and wavy lines are only two decorations used on the ancient safety pins.
Reinvention
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Despite the pin having already been invented, Walter Hunt reinvented the safety pin. He used brass wire that he coiled at the end. The opposite end was shielded in order to protect the wearer from the pin head. In the April of 1849, Hunt took out a patent on the safety pin. He sold the rights to the safety pin for four hundred dollars. The safety pin ended up making millions.
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Construction
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The majority of today's safety pins are made from brass or high carbon steel wire. The safety pin is then coated with either nickel (for a silvery finish) or gilt (for a gold finish). This plating of the safety pin is to prevent rust and corrosion. There are other safety pin colors, including black, which is made using un-plated brass wire.
Sizes
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Safety pins come in many different sizes, but generally the same shape. There are 19 mm safety pins, which are usually the smallest, 22 mm safety pins, which are a tad bit larger than the smallest safety pins, 27 mm, 38 mm and 51 mm. The largest size is a 76 mm safety pin.
Uses
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Safety pins can be used in a number of ways. Safety pins are often fastened to 'picture buttons' that are given out during political campaigns. Safety pins were also used when cloth diapers were more popular than disposables, preventing the child from getting a needle-prick as the head of the needle was guarded. Safety pins can also be used for emergency wardrobe repair (rips in clothing), to secure zipper tabs together and to hold t-shirt sleeves up during hot weather. Safety pins are also great for crafts. Beads can be strung onto the pin in order to create a friendship bracelet or a chain.
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References
- Photo Credit safety pin image by timur1970 from Fotolia.com
