We are independent & ad-supported. We may earn a commission for purchases made through our links.
Advertiser Disclosure
Our website is an independent, advertising-supported platform. We provide our content free of charge to our readers, and to keep it that way, we rely on revenue generated through advertisements and affiliate partnerships. This means that when you click on certain links on our site and make a purchase, we may earn a commission. Learn more.
How We Make Money
We sustain our operations through affiliate commissions and advertising. If you click on an affiliate link and make a purchase, we may receive a commission from the merchant at no additional cost to you. We also display advertisements on our website, which help generate revenue to support our work and keep our content free for readers. Our editorial team operates independently of our advertising and affiliate partnerships to ensure that our content remains unbiased and focused on providing you with the best information and recommendations based on thorough research and honest evaluations. To remain transparent, we’ve provided a list of our current affiliate partners here.
DIY

Our Promise to you

Founded in 2002, our company has been a trusted resource for readers seeking informative and engaging content. Our dedication to quality remains unwavering—and will never change. We follow a strict editorial policy, ensuring that our content is authored by highly qualified professionals and edited by subject matter experts. This guarantees that everything we publish is objective, accurate, and trustworthy.

Over the years, we've refined our approach to cover a wide range of topics, providing readers with reliable and practical advice to enhance their knowledge and skills. That's why millions of readers turn to us each year. Join us in celebrating the joy of learning, guided by standards you can trust.

What are Binder Clips?

By O. Wallace
Updated: May 16, 2024
Views: 24,587
Share

Binder clips are small devices that are used for neatly holding together items such as small or large quantities of paper. A binder clip is comprised of a piece of solid metal bent into the shape of a triangle, with one point open. Through the two ends of the open point, two wire arms are looped through to facilitate the opening and closing of the binder clip. The arms usually are placed in a down position, against the paper, to provide more security, or one arm might remain up to allow for the clip to be hung on a hook or other holder. A binder clip's arms also can be removed for a more permanent solution.

Sizes and Finishes

This useful office product comes in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 0.375-1.0 inches (0.95-2.54 cm). The clips come in a wide selection of colors and finishes to suit various needs. For everyday binding needs, stainless steel and black oxide are the usual binder clip designs. Finishes in nickel, silver or gold are available for use in important presentations and other projects. Binder clips in primary colors are useful for color coding documents or binding a child's artwork.

Other Uses

Binder clips are also occasionally known as banker's clips and are related to bulldog clips, which are a less-refined but stronger version of these clips. Cooks sometimes use this type of clip to hold their cookbooks open to specific pages. Binder clips sometimes show up in directions for keeping pieces of a quilt together, and scrapbookers have seen the artistic value of these otherwise utilitarian objects. These clips also can be used to balance machinery.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Among the binder clip's advantages over the standard paper clip are its capacity to hold more sheets of paper together more securely and its resistance to rust. On the downside, it uses up more space than the paper clip and is a potential hazard to people who suffer from carpal tunnel syndrome. Although the binder clip has nowhere near the popularity or pedigree of the widely used paper clip, the binder clip has nonetheless served as an important weapon in mankind's never-ending battle against stacks of loose paper.

Share
HomeQuestionsAnswered is dedicated to providing accurate and trustworthy information. We carefully select reputable sources and employ a rigorous fact-checking process to maintain the highest standards. To learn more about our commitment to accuracy, read our editorial process.
Discussion Comments
By anon975721 — On Oct 28, 2014

Where are binder clips manufactured?

By anon74515 — On Apr 02, 2010

Where can I find gold color binder clips?

By anon63602 — On Feb 02, 2010

Where can I find the color gold binder clips?

By anon42006 — On Aug 18, 2009

Binder clips are available in a 2" capacity?

By anon24043 — On Jan 06, 2009

Binder clips are available in a 2" capacity from the Acco brand.

By anon23578 — On Dec 29, 2008

carolkoegel: A binder clip would never be made out of gold. Gold is a weak metal that would not stand up well if subjected to the bending stress that a steel binder clip can handle.

By carolkoegel — On Sep 15, 2008

Where can I find a Gold Binder Clip? Not the color gold but real 18K or 24K gold.

Share
https://www.homequestionsanswered.com/what-are-binder-clips.htm
Copy this link
HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.

HomeQuestionsAnswered, in your inbox

Our latest articles, guides, and more, delivered daily.