The Paper Clip

The paper clip is a tiny but clever invention. It is a piece of wire bent into loops. You slide it onto papers to hold them together. Paper clips are cheap, easy to use, and do not tear the paper.

How It Was Invented

The paper clip we use today was created in the late 1800s. A company called Gem made the popular looped shape in England. Before paper clips, people used pins or ribbons to hold papers. Pins poked holes and could hurt fingers. The new clip was safer and better.

A Symbol of Courage

During World War II, people in Norway wore paper clips on their clothes. It was a quiet way to show they did not agree with the enemies who had taken over their country. The paper clip became a symbol of standing together. Today it reminds people to be brave and kind.

Fun Facts

• Billions of paper clips are made every year around the world.
• Paper clips can be bent and used to press reset buttons on devices.
• A man once traded one red paper clip for a house through many trades online.

Did You Know?

A giant paper clip statue stands in Norway to honor the brave people who wore them during the war.