Why Do Pen Caps Have a Tiny Hole at the Top?

Most people have seen it, but few ever stop to think about it—the small hole at the top of many pen caps. It looks like a small design detail, but in fact, it has a very important reason behind it.

1. Safety First

The main reason for that little hole is safety. Pen manufacturers added it to reduce the risk of choking accidents.

  • If someone (especially a child) accidentally swallows the cap, the hole allows air to pass through.

  • This small design feature can literally save lives by preventing complete airway blockage.

2. Pressure Regulation