paperclip

A paperclip is a small device made from a single piece of wire or sheet metal bent into a shape that allows it to hold several sheets of paper together through tension. The most familiar form is the double-oval clip, commonly referred to as the Gem design, which is widely used around the world.

Most paperclips are made from steel wire, often zinc-coated or stainless steel. Variants exist with different finishes, such as black or colored coatings, and there are larger clips designed to bind thicker stacks of paper. While the double-oval form is the standard, other shapes and sizes are produced for specialized uses.

The history of the paperclip is not definitively settled. Simple devices to constrain papers appeared in the 19th century, and the modern, widely used double-oval shape emerged in the early 20th century. A Norwegian inventor, Johan Vaaler, obtained patents for a similar clip around 1899–1901, but his designs did not become the dominant form. Over time, the double-oval clip became the standard, and its exact inventor remains uncertain.

Functionally, a paperclip secures papers by relying on the friction between the metal and the paper fibers. It is easy to remove and reuse, but it is less effective for very thick bundles and can leave small impressions on thin or delicate sheets. Beyond binding, clips are used in various organizing and labeling tasks.