The VERY Important Reason for the Tiny Hole in Pen Caps: “I Had No Idea”
- Thousands have watched a video explaining why pen caps have a tiny hole
- Zach D posted the clip which has been viewed more than 3.1 million times
- He said most people think it has something to do with the ink
- The hole helps air flow through the cap if it gets stuck in someone’s throat
A video explaining why certain ballpoint pens and ballpoint pens have a small hole in the top of the cap has caught the attention of thousands across the internet.
Zach D, who has over two million YouTube subscribers, shared an interesting video about pen caps.
In the short clip, he said most people think it has something to do with the ink, but the real reason is “much more important than that.”
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Thousands are now realizing why pen caps have a small hole at the top. Zach D posted a now-viral Instagram video explaining how most people think it has something to do with the ink, but the real reason is “much more important than that.”
“Pin companies actually have to add these little holes,” Zach said.
“You see, there’s just enough room for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone’s throat.”
The video also showed an X-ray of the skeleton and how the lid design could allow air to flow down the throat if swallowed.
“Pen companies actually need to add those little holes,” Zach said, adding, “You see, there’s just enough room for airflow if the cap gets stuck in someone’s throat.”
The video has since garnered a staggering 3.1 million views, and many couldn’t believe it.
“I remember chewing this pen cap when I was a kid,” one person commented.
“Wow hopefully this doesn’t happen to anyone,” added another.
But some Instagram users claimed to have known this for “years”.
“I thought this was common knowledge,” wrote one person.
Another said: “Everyone knows that by now.”
Global pen maker Bic also confirmed the rationale for the design choice in the site’s FAQ section.
“The reason some BIC® pens have a hole in their cap is to prevent the cap from completely blocking the airway if accidentally inhaled,” the website reads.
“This is required by international safety standards ISO11540, except in cases where the cap is considered too large to pose a choking hazard.”