Clothespins

A clothespin, also known as a clothes peg, is a fastener used to hang laundry, such as clothes, socks, and other items, to a clothesline so that they can be dried by the sun and wind. Clothespins are typically made from wood or plastic, though historically they were made from other materials.

The most common type of clothespin is the spring-type clothespin. This design features two wooden or plastic legs joined together by a spring. When the legs are squeezed, the spring opens, allowing the clothespin to be attached to a line. Once released, the spring closes, gripping the fabric and holding it securely. Another common type is the old-fashioned wooden clothespin, which is a single piece of wood that is split down the middle to create two gripping surfaces. These are often used on traditional clotheslines.

Clothespins are simple but effective tools that have been used for centuries. Their design has remained largely unchanged, attesting to their practicality and efficiency. Beyond their primary use for drying laundry, clothespins can also be employed for various other purposes, such as holding papers together, crafting, or even as makeshift fasteners in a pinch. They are inexpensive, readily available, and an essential item for many households worldwide.