Trick to Open Tight Tools on Pocket Knives and Multitools

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 Like many users of pocket knives and multi-tools I have torn up the fingernails on both of my thumbs.  Obviously I am not alone.  For users of Swiss Army Knives one popular trick is using the head of the toothpick.  Sometimes that works for me, but not always.  I have oiled and worked to 'break in' the various tools, but sometimes that doesn't get me far enough.  Many sites will hail the virtues of using a paperclip with your edc item, but I don't seem to find it used so much as a way to loosen those tight tools.  The paperclip is sturdier than the tooth pick and has the added advantage of having a loop at the end.  A paperclip can also be hidden under the Philips screw diver, or to the side of the corkscrew in a SAK, depending on which you have. On other tools that have key rings or lanyard rings you can easily attach them here.  It can still be tricky as the paperclip will often slip from the nail nick, so various tricks must be used to find the right leverage and tension.  But so far this is the best solution I have found to save my fingers while having a portable means to still opening those sometimes irritatingly stiff blades and tools. 

After writing the above I read a generated AI answer to my stated dilemma.  It said: 

 Using a Paperclip

If a tool is too stiff to open with your fingernail after cleaning, you can carefully use a bent paperclip as a gentle pry tool in the nail nick or a gap. 
  • Pry gently: Insert the tip of the paperclip into the nail nick or a gap between tools. Apply slow, steady pressure to start the tool moving.
  • Avoid excessive force: Do not force it, as the soft metal of a paperclip means it can bend and potentially slip, scratching the scales or metal liners.
  • Consider alternatives: A small, blunt tool like another SAK's can opener or the flat head on a mini-screwdriver accessory (found in some corkscrews) can provide better leverage than a paperclip

 ACCO Metal Standard Paper Clip, #3, Silver, 100/Box, 10 Boxes/Pack - Walmart.com

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