The Hidden Purpose of the Safety Pin's Small Hole: More Than Just a Fastener

• Safety pins, commonly used by women for clothing, have a long history, dating back to the Bronze Age in Europe.
• The modern safety pin was invented by Walter Hunt in 1849, featuring a spring-loaded wire design.
• Early designs included complex North European methods and flexible Central European styles similar to today's pins.
• The small hole in the coiled wire acts as a spring, providing pressure to keep the pin securely closed and prevent injury.
• Beyond its primary function, this hole can be life-saving if a child accidentally swallows the pin, allowing air passage.

Why It Matters: The small hole in a safety pin is a crucial design element for security, durability, and even safety.