Clips, Pins and Rubber Bands

Binder clip width is not the same as capacity

Binder clips are sized by the width of the jaw, and capacity is a separate figure, usually about half the width, so a 2 inch clip holds around an inch of paper. Pick the size by the stack you need to hold, and the finish by the job: steel for tough use, colored or magnetic grip clips for display. Paper clips come as standard, jumbo and vinyl-coated, and the coated type resists rust and marks. Clipboards use spring clips or low-profile clips and come in letter and legal sizes.

Let the surface and the load pick the pin or hook

Rubber bands carry a size number that encodes length and flat width, so the same number from different makers should match, and a wider band holds with more force. Push pins suit cork and fabric boards, not hard walls. Adhesive hooks and hook-and-loop strips, listed by width and length, are rated for a maximum weight and need a clean, dry, smooth surface. Check that both the hook and loop sides are included.

Questions about Clips, Pins and Rubber Bands

How many sheets does a binder clip hold?

Capacity is listed separately from jaw width and is usually around half of it, so a 2 inch clip holds about an inch of paper. For thick packets, check the stated capacity rather than the width, and step up a size if the stack is close to the limit.

Do adhesive hooks and strips damage walls?

Removable adhesive products are designed to come off cleanly when removed as the instructions say, but results depend on the paint and the surface. Test a small area, respect the weight rating and avoid textured or damp surfaces.

What do rubber band numbers mean?

The number is a size code. Bands numbered in the teens, such as #14, #16 and #18, are thin and run from about two to three and a half inches long, while other codes are wider or longer. Compare the stated length and width if the listing gives them.