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Drawing pin
Drawing pin
Drawing pin
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Push pin
Drawing pin or thumb tack

A drawing pin (in British English) or thumb tack (in North American English), also called a push-pin, is a short, small pin or nail with a flat, broad head that can be pressed into place with pressure from the thumb, often used for hanging light articles on a wall or noticeboard.

Thumb tacks made of brass, tin or iron may be referred to as brass tacks, brass pins, tin tacks or iron tacks, respectively.[1] These terms are particularly used in the idiomatic expression to come (or get) down to brass (or otherwise) tacks, meaning to consider basic facts of a situation.[2]

History

[edit]

The drawing pin was invented in name and first mass-produced in what is now the United States in the mid/late 1750s; the earliest use of the term "drawing pin" is listed in the Oxford English Dictionary as 1812.[3] It was said that the use of the newly invented drawing pin to attach notices to school house doors was making significant contribution to the whittling away of their gothic doors. Modern drawing pins were also found as standard in architects' drawing boxes in the late 18th century.[4]

Drawing pin or thumb tack, made out of 14 carat gold.

London Dingle patented the "push-pin" in the US in 1900 and founded the Dingle Push-Pin Company. Dingle described them as a pin with a handle. In 1903, in the German town of Lychen, clockmaker Johann Kirsten invented flat-headed pins for use with drawings, although other sources credit Austrian factory owner Heinrich Sachs with inventing a pin pressed from a single disk of metal in 1888. This style of pin, with the pin formed by a cutout from the head, is still widely sold in Austria under the brand 'Sax'.[5][6]

Design

[edit]
Design with pin formed from a cutout from the head

A drawing pin has two basic components: the head, often made of plastic, metal or wood, and the body, usually made of steel or brass. The head is wide to distribute the force of pushing the pin in, allowing only the hands to be used. Many head designs exist: flat, domed, spherical, cylindrical and a variety of novelty heads such as hearts or stars. Drawing pin heads also come in a variety of colours. These can be particularly useful to mark different locations on a map. Some drawing pin designs have a portion cut out of the head and bent downward to produce a pin.

FEMA Logistics specialists use a map of Tennessee and coloured pins to create a visual reference of the location and status of Disaster Recovery Centers

Domed or gripped heads are sometimes preferred over flat heads as dropped flat-headed pins may easily point upward, posing a hazard.[7] Drawing pins also pose a hazard of ingestion and choking, where they may do serious harm.[8]

References

[edit]
[edit]
Revisions and contributorsEdit on WikipediaRead on Wikipedia

Drawing pin

View on Grokipedia
from Grokipedia
A drawing pin, also known as a thumbtack in , is a small, sharp-pointed consisting of a short length of wire bent into a pin with a broad, flat head, designed to be inserted into soft surfaces like cork or by applying with the thumb, primarily for temporarily attaching lightweight papers, notices, or fabrics to boards or walls. The drawing pin's origins trace back to the early , with the modern flat-headed version credited to German clockmaker Johann Kirsten, who invented it between 1902 and 1903 in the town of Lychen to secure drawings on boards without damaging them. Earlier precursors, such as straight pins, existed since the 1500s for similar purposes, but Kirsten's design enabled and widespread adoption for and educational use. In the United States, a related but distinct "push pin" with a handled head was patented in 1900 by inventor Edwin Moore, who founded the Moore Push-Pin Company to manufacture it from wire and heads, though this evolved into variations overlapping with the drawing pin. Drawing pins are typically constructed from a single piece of wire with a flattened head. Variations include plastic heads for decorative purposes, magnetic versions for metal surfaces, or longer shafts for thicker materials. Widely used in offices, schools, and homes for pinning documents to corkboards, maps, or fabric displays, drawing pins offer a simple, reusable alternative to adhesives or staples, though they can leave small holes in surfaces and pose minor injury risks if mishandled. Their ubiquity in British English-speaking regions underscores the term's specificity to the flat-headed , distinguishing it from handled push pins, which are easier to remove but less discreet. Despite digital alternatives like virtual notice boards, physical drawing pins remain essential in low-tech environments and crafts.

History

Early Invention and Development

The term "drawing pin" first appeared in print in , as recorded in the , marking its recognition as a specific tool for securing . This early form referred to straight pins used by draughtsmen, who required a reliable method to hold down technical drawings and maps on boards without causing damage or slippage during work. These straight pins allowed for insertion by hand and removal, distinguishing them from ordinary pins used for or other purposes. Rudimentary drawing pins, in the form of straight wire pins typically made from iron or , were crafted by hand by small-scale metalworkers or blacksmiths. The production process involved cutting the wire to and one end to a point. These methods were labor-intensive and localized, often performed in workshops serving architects, engineers, and cartographers in Britain and , where precise was becoming more common in the early 19th century. Initial adoption focused on professional applications in and mapping, where the pins prevented paper from shifting under the weight of rulers or during inking. By the mid-19th century, these hand-made straight pins had become common in architects' boxes, reflecting their practical value in an era of expanding and cartographic projects, though the modern flat-headed design and would emerge later.

Evolution to Modern Forms

The modern flat-headed drawing pin was invented in 1903 by German clockmaker Johann Kirsten in Lychen, who designed it with a broad, flat disc head attached to a short shaft for easier thumb insertion to secure drawings without damage. Facing financial difficulties, Kirsten sold the rights to Arthur Lindstedt (sometimes cited as Otto Lindstedt), who established at a in Lychen, exporting thousands daily across and enabling widespread adoption in offices and schools. Around the same time, British inventor Mick Clay is credited with an independent similar design for technical drawings. These developments built on 18th- and 19th-century precursors like straight pins and tacks, transforming the tool into a staple for securing documents, maps, and notices without damaging surfaces. A related advancement occurred in 1900 when Edwin Moore, a from , invented and patented the push pin—a variant with a rigid, handle-like head attached to a sharp steel point, allowing for simpler insertion and removal compared to traditional drawing pins. Moore founded the Moore Push-Pin Company that year with just $112.60 in capital, initially producing the pins from glass heads and steel shafts in a rented room; his first major order came from Eastman Kodak for $1,000 worth, signaling commercial viability. Production expanded rapidly in the early as demand surged in educational and professional settings, with the company incorporating in and launching national advertising campaigns. By the 1940s, innovations included the introduction of colored plastic heads made from styrene, offering decorative options that broadened applications in visual displays, bulletin boards, and artistic pinning while replacing fragile for greater durability.

Design and Components

Basic Structure

A drawing pin, also known as a thumbtack, consists of two primary components: a short, sharp shaft designed for penetration into surfaces like cork or wood, and a broad, flat head that allows for thumb pressure during insertion. The shaft is typically 1/4 to 1/2 inch (6 to 13 mm) in length, enabling sufficient depth for secure holding without excessive protrusion, while the head measures about 1/4 inch (6 mm) in diameter to distribute force evenly and prevent the pin from sinking too deeply. This configuration facilitates easy manual insertion and reliable fastening of lightweight materials such as or fabric to boards. The head's design incorporates variations to enhance grip and usability during application and removal. Common features include a smooth surface for straightforward pressing, a knurled edge for better traction in textured variants, or a slightly concave top to reduce thumb slippage and improve control. These elements ensure the head remains accessible and functional, allowing users to apply consistent pressure without tools. The shaft includes specialized features for effective performance, such as a tapered point that narrows to a fine tip for effortless initial penetration into soft surfaces, minimizing resistance and damage to the material. At the junction with the head, a bend or crimp secures the shaft firmly, providing structural stability to withstand pulling forces and prevent detachment under load. Evolving from early wire-based forms detailed in historical developments, this core anatomy supports the drawing pin's role as a simple yet effective fastening device.

Materials and Construction

The shaft of a drawing pin is traditionally crafted from low-carbon wire, selected for its ease in achieving a sharp point suitable for penetration while offering adequate tensile strength to resist bending under typical use, thereby balancing performance with economical production costs. This material's also supports efficient forming processes, contributing to the pin's overall in standard or environments. The head is commonly formed from the same and coated with or plating to provide resistance, preventing rust in humid conditions and extending the pin's without significantly increasing expenses. In contemporary variations, the head incorporates plastic or materials, such as high-impact , which reduce weight for easier handling and eliminate electrical conductivity risks in certain applications, while enabling vibrant color options at a lower material cost compared to all-metal designs. These polymers maintain structural under repeated pressure, enhancing durability for decorative or lightweight pinning tasks. Drawing pins are typically constructed by stamping the flat head from , inserting the pre-sharpened wire shaft through a central hole, and securing it with a crimp or swage at the base to ensure a strong bond. This assembly method allows for efficient , uniformity in dimensions, and minimal material waste while providing the necessary strength to prevent separation during use.

Types and Variations

Standard Thumbtacks

The standard thumbtack consists of a flat, round head formed from nickel-plated wire or with a head, and a straight, sharp point for embedding into soft surfaces. This classic design allows for the temporary attachment of lightweight materials like or fabric to corkboards, bulletin boards, or walls without requiring tools. According to federal specifications under NSN 7510-00-272-6887, the head has a nominal of 0.500 inches, while the pin measures 0.312 inches in , ensuring ease of insertion by hand. These thumbtacks are sized for versatility in everyday applications, with common sizes featuring head diameters of about 3/8 inch (9.5 mm) and shaft lengths of 5/16 inch (8 mm). They are manufactured to precise tolerances for and are routinely distributed in bulk packs of 100 to 1,000 units, facilitating cost-effective stocking in offices, schools, and homes. One key advantage of standard thumbtacks is their low cost, typically under $0.01 per unit when purchased in bulk quantities of 200 or more. Their robust construction enables repeated use without deformation, extending their lifespan across multiple fastening tasks. Compared to staples, thumbtacks produce minimal surface damage, creating only small, discreet puncture holes that are easier to repair on boards or walls.

Push Pins and Specialty Variants

Push pins are a related but distinct type of from the drawing pin, featuring a rigid handle that embeds a sharp point for enhanced usability. Invented in 1900 by Edwin Moore of , the original design incorporated a tapered handle made from or another vitreous, non-corrosive material, with the pin embedded longitudinally to project from one end, allowing for firm one-handed gripping via a and easy insertion into surfaces like drying boards without slipping or staining. Modern iterations retain this core concept but utilize durable plastic or wooden handles to encase the tack, enabling straightforward one-handed application into soft materials such as cork or boards while minimizing hand fatigue. Map pins, a specialized variant, incorporate colored plastic heads—typically in shades like , , , , and —paired with elongated shafts for precise location marking on , charts, or planning boards. These heads are often spherical, measuring around 0.2 inches in diameter, which provides stability and visibility while the extended 0.5-inch shaft penetrates deeper into surfaces for secure placement without excessive protrusion. The color-coding facilitates quick identification of categories, such as routes, sites, or data points, in professional or educational settings. Clear and decorative variants address aesthetic and functional needs in creative applications, with transparent heads that blend seamlessly into displays for "invisible" pinning in crafts, photo walls, or artwork. These designs, often with standard points, reduce visual obstruction while maintaining hold on cork or fabric. Magnetic versions further innovate by replacing the penetrating point with a strong encased in or metal, allowing attachment to surfaces like whiteboards or filing cabinets without damage or holes. Each such pin can typically secure up to 15-20 sheets of standard , offering a non-invasive alternative for temporary displays.

Manufacturing

Traditional Production Techniques

In the early , following Johann Kirsten's 1903 invention of the modern flat-headed drawing pin, initial production involved semi-manual processes adapted from nail and tack making. Artisans used foot-powered presses to form heads from wire, achieving rates of up to 100 pins per hour per operator. These methods marked a transition to greater consistency before full industrialization, with relying on visual and tactile inspection, resulting in 10-20% waste from defects.

Modern Industrial Processes

Modern industrial processes for manufacturing drawing pins, which began scaling after the early 1900s inventions, emphasize for high-volume output. The process starts with , where low-carbon steel rods are fed through progressive dies to reduce diameter to approximately 1.4 mm for the shaft. This cold-drawing enhances tensile strength and dimensional precision. The drawn wire is coiled and fed into automatic heading machines, which cut segments to length and form flat heads using reciprocating dies. Specialized machines for thumbtacks operate at rates of up to 250 pieces per minute. For variants like push pins, the metal shaft is assembled with a plastic head via injection molding, where is injected around the positioned tack to form a secure bond. This is followed by , typically with , for resistance through electrolytic deposition. Final stages include automated sorting for defects, counting, and packaging using vibratory feeders and . Global production of drawing pins and similar tacks reaches billions of units annually, with major facilities in producing up to 250 assembled pieces per minute.

Uses and Applications

Primary Functions

Drawing pins, also known as thumbtacks, serve as essential tools for securing lightweight materials to soft surfaces in professional and academic environments. In offices and educational settings, they are commonly employed to attach notes, posters, memos, and other documents to bulletin boards, cork tiles, or fabric-covered walls, facilitating organization and quick visual access to information without the need for permanent fixtures. This application is particularly valued in classrooms for displaying work or instructional aids and in workplaces for pinning schedules, announcements, or updates, promoting efficient communication and collaboration. Beyond general display purposes, pins play a key role in mapping and activities, where they mark specific points on wall maps or calendars to track events, locations, or progress visually. For instance, in educational contexts, teachers and students use colored map pins— a variant of drawing pins— to highlight geographical features, historical sites, or routes on large maps, enhancing spatial understanding and engagement. Similarly, in office , they denote milestones on timelines or key areas on strategic maps, aiding in and decision-making processes. As temporary fasteners, drawing pins provide a non-adhesive method for holding fabrics, papers, or thin materials in place, making them ideal for short-term setups in exhibitions, classrooms, or collaborative spaces. Their broad, flat heads allow for easy insertion by pressure into yielding surfaces like cork or , ensuring items remain fixed without causing significant damage or residue upon removal. This functionality supports dynamic environments where frequent adjustments are required, such as rearranging displays during school events or office presentations. The standard design's simplicity enhances its suitability for these routine tasks, as outlined in the design components.

Creative and Alternative Uses

In fine art, drawing pins serve as key components in sculptures and mixed-media works. Surrealist artist Man Ray's 1921 readymade The Gift (Le Cadeau) transforms an ordinary flatiron by gluing 14 brass tacks along its sole, subverting the tool's utilitarian purpose into a provocative commentary on domesticity and functionality; replicas of this piece are held in collections such as the Museum of Modern Art. Similarly, contemporary artist Duncan MacAskill constructs large-scale portraits using thousands of thumbtacks arranged on cork boards, applying pointillist techniques to build images from the varying colors and shadows of the pin heads, as seen in his recycled-material series exhibited in London galleries. Decoratively, colored drawing pins enhance vision boards by pinning motivational clippings, photographs, and notes to cork surfaces, allowing users to organize and visualize goals with vibrant accents. They also feature in event setups, where assorted hues secure banners, thematic displays, and lightweight decorations to walls or boards, contributing to festive atmospheres without permanent fixtures.

Safety and Considerations

Potential Hazards

Drawing pins, also known as thumbtacks, pose several risks primarily due to their sharp metal points and small size. The most common physical injury associated with drawing pins is , which occur when the sharp shaft penetrates the skin, such as during accidental steps or handling mishaps. These wounds can introduce into the body, leading to s if not properly cleaned with and immediately after injury. Puncture wounds from like tacks increase the overall risk of , with symptoms including redness, swelling, and formation if untreated. Such injuries are particularly prevalent among children, who may step on dropped pins , resulting in foot punctures that affect about 4% with subsequent s. To prevent these injuries, users should store drawing pins in secure containers, wear appropriate footwear in areas where they are used, and promptly clean any wounds while monitoring for signs of , seeking medical attention if redness spreads. Ingestion of drawing pins represents a significant choking and internal hazard, especially for toddlers and young children under five years old, who may mistake the small objects for toys. Sharp foreign bodies like thumbtacks can cause esophageal , , or obstruction upon , leading to emergency interventions such as endoscopic removal. In the United States, foreign body accounts for frequent pediatric visits, with up to 75% of cases involving children and sharp objects posing higher morbidity risks due to potential tissue damage. Annual reports indicate thousands of such incidents, though specific data for thumbtacks is limited; however, case studies highlight the need for immediate radiographic and potential surgical retrieval to mitigate complications. Prevention involves keeping drawing pins out of reach of young children, educating caregivers on supervision, and disposing of loose pins promptly to avoid accidental . In workplace settings, some individuals may experience from plating on metal components, manifesting as itchy rashes or eczema upon skin contact. To minimize these risks, workers should opt for -free variants when possible and apply barrier creams or gloves for those with known metal sensitivities.

Environmental and Disposal Issues

The production of drawing pins, which typically feature shafts and heads, relies on resource-intensive processes that contribute to . manufacturing begins with , leading to , , and water contamination, followed by energy-heavy smelting that emits significant . Similarly, components derive from extraction and , depleting non-renewable fossil fuels and releasing gases. While individual drawing pins have minimal impact, their mass production amplifies these cumulative effects on resource scarcity and . Disposal of drawing pins presents ongoing challenges due to their durable, non-biodegradable materials. Metal shafts persist indefinitely in the environment, potentially contributing to if not recycled. The combination of metal and plastic in a single small item hinders effective , as separation requires specialized processing often unavailable for such minor ; consequently, most end up in landfills, exacerbating constraints and from decomposing surrounding . To improve recovery, used pins can be collected in empty metal cans for submission to scrap metal facilities, though overall recycling rates for such items remain low globally. Efforts to address these issues include the promotion of sustainable alternatives that minimize and use. Reusable magnetic attachments, such as clips or sheets for boards, provide a durable substitute that avoids disposables altogether, as magnets are recyclable.

References

  1. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/us/dictionary/english/drawing-pin
  2. https://www.dictionary.com/browse/drawing-pin
  3. https://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-29139536
  4. https://www.thoughtco.com/invention-of-the-push-pin-1992313
  5. https://squirrelbasket.wordpress.com/2010/01/05/design-icons-push-pins-v-drawing-pins/
  6. https://www.oed.com/dictionary/drawing-pin_n
  7. https://www.npg.org.uk/collections/research/programmes/directory-of-suppliers/suppliers-w/
  8. https://www.abc.net.au/listen/programs/blueprintforliving/colin-bisset-iconic-designs-the-pin/101709888
  9. https://patents.google.com/patent/US654319A/en
  10. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/90115
  11. https://www.walmart.com/ip/1200-PCS-Steel-Thumb-Tacks-Metal-Round-Head-Thumbtack-Office-Home-Cork-Board-Map/750062803
  12. https://www.ebay.com/itm/388632813247
  13. https://patents.google.com/patent/US3009382A
  14. https://globalasiaprintings.com/blog/history-of-thumbtacks/
  15. https://www.stainlesswires.com/low-carbon-steel
  16. https://www.ontimesupplies.com/lci122027-skilcraft-thumbtack-0-38-length-100-box-silver.html
  17. https://www.dhgate.com/goods/1007329094.html
  18. https://www.wbparts.com/rfq/7510-00-272-6887.html
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  20. https://www.bazicstore.com/products/229
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  22. https://www.wonkeedonkeetools.co.uk/push-pins/what-is-a-push-pin-made-of
  23. https://www.staples.com/buy/round-head-map-pins-0alz00a
  24. https://www.homedepot.com/p/Master-Magnet-Magnetic-Push-Pins-Assorted-Color-10-Pack-97384/206503437
  25. https://hal.univ-reunion.fr/hal-01404600/document
  26. https://www.uvm.edu/~tvisser/nails/NailHistoryVisser.pdf
  27. https://www.betasteel.com/blog/what-is-wire-drawing_ae19.html
  28. https://www.kallymachine.com/vertical-packaging-machine/pushpin-thumbtack-making-machine.html
  29. http://e-mitsuya.co.jp/
  30. https://www.indexbox.io/blog/nails-and-tacks-world-market-overview-2024-2/
  31. https://www.bangorcork.com/tacks-and-pins
  32. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/thumbtack
  33. https://acis.com/blog/5-ways-to-use-maps-in-the-classroom/
  34. https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/thumbtack
  35. https://smarthistory.org/man-ray-the-gift/
  36. https://www.moma.org/collection/works/81212
  37. https://inhabitat.com/artist-duncan-macaskills-painterly-portraits-are-made-from-thumbtacks/
  38. https://offimart.com/board-pins-push-pins/656-colour-push-pins-pack-of-50.html
  39. https://www.ebay.com/itm/385097338237
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