Nips off to get needles (4)
I believe the answer is:
pins
'needles' is the definition.
The answer and definition can be both man-made objects as well as being plural nouns.
Perhaps you can see a link between them that I don't see?
'nips off' is the wordplay.
'off' indicates anagramming the letters.
'nips' anagrammed gives 'PINS'.
'to get' is the link.
Can you help me to learn more?
(Other definitions for pins that I've seen before include "Wire fasteners" , "security codes" , "With needles, they create a tingling sensation" , "Stocking fillers" .)