How to Fix Nail Clippers

Co-authored by Marta Nagorska

Last Updated: October 26, 2022

Nail clippers sometimes fall apart when you are using them, which can be frustrating. However, it is easy to reattach the handle and put your nail clippers back together again. If the blades on your nail clippers are dull, then you can take them apart and sharpen them. While you are fixing your nail clippers, you might also want to clean them to remove any bacteria that might be stuck on the blades.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Reattaching the Clipper Handle

1
Insert the pin. A pin or rod-like piece holds the handle of your nail clippers in place and allows you to clip your nails. Locate the pin and then locate the hole near the clipper blades. Take the pin and insert it through the hole. Make sure that the notch in the pin is on the upper side of the clippers.^{[1]
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- Hold the pin in place with your thumb by pressing on it from underneath the clippers.
2
Squeeze the clippers. Next, squeeze the clipper blades together with your thumb and forefinger while still holding onto the pin. This will expose more of the notched area in the pin and allow you to reattach the handle.^{[3]
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- If you find it difficult to squeeze hard enough to bring the blades together, then you can may need to ask someone to help you or use a vice to press the blades together.
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3
Thread the handle end onto the pin. Look at your handle and find the opening on the end of it. This opening attaches to the notch in the pin. Take the open end of your handle and thread it over the notch in the pin.^{[5]
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- After you have done this, you can release the pin. The handle should stay in place from the tension created by the two opposing blades.
4
Turn the handle back around. After you have replaced the handle, your clippers should be all better. Flip the handle up and over the pin if you want to clip you nails, or spin it around if you want to close and store the clippers.^{[7]
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- Your clippers should be ready to use again!

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Sharpening Nail Clippers

1
Take the clippers apart. To sharpen your nail clippers, you will first have to take them apart. Squeeze the clipper blades together using your thumb and index finger. Then flip the handle over to the front of the blades and take it off of the notch in the pin.^{[9]
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- Set the pin and handle aside while you sharpen the clipper blades.
2
Squeeze the blades together. Place your thumb and index finger near the end of the clippers where the two blades meet and then squeeze the blades together. Continue to squeeze and keep the blades close together while you sharpen them.^{[10]
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- If this is difficult for you, then try using a vice to hold the clippers in place while you sharpen them.
3
Sharpen the blades. You can use a sandpaper covered dowel to sharpen the blades if the blades are curved. If the blades are flat, then you can use a sharpening stone.^{[11]
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- Rub the clipper blades back and forth along the sandpaper or sharpening stone to sharpen them.
- Do this for a few minutes to ensure that they are nice and sharp.
4
Put the clippers back together. When you are finished sharpening the blades, you can put the clippers back together. Reinsert the pin through the hole and then insert the open end of the handle into the notch in the pin. Spin the handle around and use your newly sharpened clippers.^{[12]
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Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Cleaning Nail Clippers

1
Take the clippers apart. Some people do not know that you can take nail clippers apart but it is quite easy to do. To take the clippers apart, you will need to squeeze the blades together. Then, flip the handle up and over to the front of the blades and pull the handle off of the pin.^{[13]
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- The pin should fall right out after you release the handle.
- Set the pin and the handle aside.
2
Wash the clippers. Dip a manicure or nail brush in soapy water and scrub the clippers to remove debris. Rinse and dry all parts of the clippers after you are done.
- Alternatively, hold the clippers under warm running water and use an old toothbrush to clean the blades, pin, and handle with a little dish soap.
3
Apply rubbing alcohol to a cotton swab. All you need to clean your nail clippers is a bit of rubbing alcohol and a cotton swab. Get a cotton swab and dip it into some rubbing alcohol.^{[14]
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- If you don’t have rubbing alcohol, then you can try using some alcohol based mouthwash or vinegar.
4
Clean all surfaces of the clippers. Wipe the tip of the cotton swab over all surfaces of the nail clippers. Pay special attention to the area around the blades since this area will likely be the dirtiest. Make sure that you clean the pin and handle with the cotton swab as well.^{[15]
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- Do not try to clean the blades with your fingers or you might cut yourself.
- It is recommended to clean your nail clippers before each use, especially if you share nail clippers with other people.^{[16]
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5
Put the clippers back together. After you have finished cleaning all surfaces of the clippers, you can put them back together. Insert the pin through the hole so that the pin notch is near the top of the clippers. Then, squeeze the blades together and thread the open end of the handle through the pin notch.^{[17]
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- To sanitize the clippers, spray them with a sanitizing tool spray.

Community Q&A

Question

My nail clippers do not open back up while using them, gunk is not the problem. Tried bending the inside with a screwdriver but it doesn't stay. What else can I try besides a new pair of clippers?

Community Answer

The screws are probably really old or torn. New ones aren't that expensive, so maybe just opt for that solution and recycle the malfunctioning ones.
Question

If my nail clippers are too strong, how will I hold it down?

Community Answer

If you're talking about not being able to cut your nails with clippers because your fingers are not strong enough to do it (mine usually aren't), then I recommend you place the nail you're trimming on a hard surface (such as a desk or table) and use the palm of your hand to press down and cut your nail.
Question

Is it okay if I use hydrogen peroxide instead of rubbing alcohol to clean all the surfaces of a clipper?

Community Answer

Yes! They both eliminate germs from the metal of the clippers! Just make sure you are careful not to spill any on your skin, because it is more intense than rubbing alcohol.