If You Don't Have A Screwdriver, You Can Use This Beauty Supply Staple

Whether you're putting together flat-pack furniture, mounting curtain rods, or undertaking a DIY in your kitchen, many common household projects require the use of a screwdriver. Which type you use will depend on the screws themselves, but the most common are the flathead screwdriver (the one with a single straight blade) and the Phillips head screwdriver (the one with the cross-shaped tip).

Most affordable screwdriver kits will feature both, but if you're reaching for a flathead screwdriver and find it's missing, don't fret. There's a beauty supply staple you can use instead and it's likely sitting in your toiletry bag or bathroom drawer right now: stainless steel nail clippers. Both fingernail and toenail clippers should do the trick, but given that the latter are larger, they'll be easier to hold and use when tightening or loosening screws in a pinch.

For a small screw, you can try simply grabbing it with the clipper and twisting it around gently, but a better option is to remove the lever altogether. Turn the lever around 180 degrees, just as you would to clip your nails, but instead of folding it back on itself, gently press the clippers closed and slide the lever or arm off of its pin hook. You can now use this part of the clippers as a convenient dupe for a flathead screwdriver. Just be careful not to displace the loose pin hook as you'll need it to put the clippers back together again.

Of all the different types of screwdrivers, the flathead screwdriver is one of the most useful. However, not having one on-hand shouldn't stop your DIY project in its tracks. Once you've removed the arm off your metal nail clippers, use the pointed end of the lever directly on your screw, either to loosen or tighten it.

Alternatively, you can also use the fold-out metal pick or nail file that's present on the back of most nail clippers. Indeed, there are plenty of unusual ways to use a nail file around the house and wielding it as a screwdriver stand-in is one of them. One option is to fold out the nail file and use its tip on the tiniest screws, which a traditional screwdriver may struggle to grab due to its larger size. Otherwise, opt for the thicker side of the blade for twisting larger screws. Just remember not to press too hard and keep your hand as steady as possible to avoid bending the file or scratching the head of the screw.

If you're in need of a Phillips head screwdriver, you can also try this hack, but added caution will be necessary. Carefully place the clippers' lever or nail file in one of the arms of the cross, choosing the one that best matches its size. Finally, turn the makeshift screwdriver slowly to keep it from slipping out and scratching either the screw head or the surface around it.