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Nail Care
How to Fix Nail Clippers Download Article Co-authored by Marta Nagorska
Last Updated: July 24, 2025 References
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Reattaching the Clipper Handle
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Sharpening Nail Clippers
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Cleaning Nail Clippers
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Q&A
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This article was co-authored by Marta Nagorska. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition. This article has been viewed 138,171 times.
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.
This article is partially based on an interview with Marta Nagorska, a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK.
Steps
Method 1 Method 1 of 3:
Reattaching the Clipper Handle
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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]XResearch source [2]XResearch source
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]XResearch source [4]XResearch source
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]XResearch source [6]XResearch source
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]XResearch source [8]XResearch source
Your clippers should be ready to use again!
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Sharpening Nail Clippers
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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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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]XResearch source
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Cleaning Nail Clippers
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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]XResearch source
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.[14]X Expert Source Marta NagorskaNail ArtistExpert Interview 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.[15]XResearch source
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.[16]XResearch source
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.[17]X Trustworthy Source Centers for Disease Control and PreventionMain public health institute for the US, run by the Dept. of Health and Human Services Go to source
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.[18]XResearch source
To sanitize the clippers, spray them with a sanitizing tool spray.[19]X Expert Source Marta NagorskaNail ArtistExpert Interview
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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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 2
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 3
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6
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Co-authored by: Marta Nagorska Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Marta Nagorska. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition. This article has been viewed 138,171 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 2Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 138,171 Categories: Nail CareArticle SummaryX
It can be frustrating if your nail clippers come apart, but fortunately, you can easily fix them. Your nail clippers should consist of 3 parts, the clippers, the pin, and the lever. First, insert the pin through the bottom of your clippers. Then, squeeze the clipper blades together while holding the pin in place with your thumb. You’ll need to hook the lever onto the end of the pin until it clicks. Now your clippers should be as good as new! For more tips, including how to sharpen your nail clippers, read on!Did this summary help you?YesNo
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Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Co-authored by: Marta Nagorska Nail Artist Co-authors: 2Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 138,171100% of readers found this article helpful. 2 votes - 100% Click a star to add your vote
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Co-authored by: Marta Nagorska Nail Artist This article was co-authored by Marta Nagorska. Marta Nagorska is a Nail Technician and Nail Art Blogger based in London, UK. She runs the blog, Furious Filer, where she gives tutorials on nail care and advanced nail art. She has been practicing nail art for over 5 years and graduated from Northampton College with distinction with a Nail Technician and Manicurist degree in 2017. She has been awarded the top spot in the OPI Nail Art Competition. This article has been viewed 138,171 times. 2 votes - 100% Co-authors: 2 Updated: July 24, 2025 Views: 138,171 Categories: Nail Care Article SummaryX
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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] [2] 
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] [4] 
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] 
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] 
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] Advertisement 
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] 
2 Wash the clippers. Dip a manicure or nail brush in soapy water and scrub the clippers to remove debris.[14] Rinse and dry all parts of the clippers after you are done. 
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.[15] 
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.[18] 
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 12 Helpful 2 
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 9 Helpful 3 
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. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 2 Helpful 6