How to Make a Paper Clip the Traditional Way

Make a double-loop paper clip with 20-gauge wire.

The first known paper clip made from metal was patented in Germany in 1899 by Johan Vaaler of Norway. Shortly after the the first paper clip was patented, the United States and England followed suit. The first double-oval shaped standard clip was made by Gem Manufacturing Ltd. of England and carried the name Gem clip. This style of paper clip carries the same name today. There were many shapes of paper clips prior to the double-oval loop and many since such as the triangle, rectangle circle and square. Make your own double-oval paper clip using a jig made with 10-penny finish nails.

Things You'll Need

• Scrap 2-by 4-inch wood, 6 inches long
• 3, 10-penny finish nails
• Ruler
• Pencil
• Hammer
• 20-gauge wire
• Wire cutters

Instructions

1. Place a scrap piece of 2-by 4-inch wood, 6 inches long on a flat work surface so the 6-inch length is on a horizontal axis. Make three marks in the center of the wood at 1 inch, 1 1/4 inch and 2 1/2 inch. This creates a separation from the first to the last mark of 1 1/2 inches.

2. Hammer a 10-penny finish nail into the wood at each mark. Drive the nail into the wood 1/2- to 3/4-inch.

3. Measure and cut a piece of 20-gauge wire, 7-inches long. Measure and bend the wire at 1 1/4-inch. Bend the wire back towards itself to create the inside loop on the paper clip.

4. Turn the wood with the nails so the nails create a vertical line. Position the wood so the two nails 1/4-inch apart are at the top. Slide the loop of wire over the center nail so the long piece of wire is on the right side of the nail. Point the long end of the wire toward the bottom of the board. Place the long end of the wire on the right side of the nail positioned on the bottom of the vertical line.

5. Wrap the long piece of wire around the outside of the bottom nail, toward the top nail, around the top of the top nail and back down the right side of the previous metal loop. Slide the finished paper clip up the shaft of the nails to remove.