The location of the opening matters.
So does its relationship to the lever and blades.
If you look closely at a nail clipper, you’ll notice that every part has a job.
The cutting jaws provide the cutting surface.
The lever provides mechanical advantage.
The pivot or connecting components allow movement.
The handle provides a place for the user to apply pressure.
The small opening may assist with storage or attachment.
Why Nail Clippers Have Such a Strong Lever
The lever is one of the most clever parts of the design.
Your fingernails may not seem particularly tough, but cutting them cleanly requires concentrated force.
A nail clipper allows your finger to apply pressure over a relatively small area.
The lever multiplies that force.
This is why a person can cut through a nail using a small tool without having to squeeze extremely hard.
The mechanism is simple enough to manufacture cheaply but effective enough for everyday use.