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Close-up of hands straightening one end of a silver paperclip against a blurred wooden background.

Close-up of hands straightening one end of a silver paperclip against a blurred wooden background.

Step-by-Step Take a paperclip. Grab one end of it — you only need a short straight piece, about 2–3 cm (1 inch). Using your fingers (or pliers if it’s stiff), straighten that short end so it’s a straight wire. You do not need to straighten the whole paperclip — just the tip. See more