Free utility clips from upcycled waste department store hangers. Maybe you have a few hangers left over from the holidays. Or perhaps you would like to have some utility clips for projects. Either way, this simple Instructable will show you how, saving you some money and reducing some trash.

I tested the jaw strength of two salvaged clips versus a utility clip bought at a hardware store (38lbs listed clamp strength). Measuring the torque required to produce a 15mm (~1/2 inch) opening, the upcycled clips have satisfactory jaw strength (Table 1). Not bad for free equipment.

Relative Strengths
Clip #1 (White)	75% @ 15 mm deflection
Clip #2 (Translucent)	36% @ 15 mm deflection

_{*The narrow white clip in figure 2- second from left (a commercially purchased "chip clip" from a food store) was not included in table, the relative strength of this was < 1% of utility clip.}

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Waste clothing hanger for pants.

Wire Cutters.

Step 2: Salavaging the Clips

Essentially the hanger is a beam with clips attached to the ends. Use wire cutters to snip through the beam. Preserve the entire body of the clip, retaining the clip's structural integrity.

NOTE: If you simply break off the clip, you will most likely damage one side of the clip, reducing the usefulness and life.

Step 3: That's It

This is just a simple Instructable, but now the idea has been shared.

Although this probably won't change the world, hopefully you find these clips useful. You saved a few dollars and reduced a bit of trash, good karma regardless.