You have found the enamel pins to put on your favorite jacket or bag. Then you look down, and your favorite pin is gone. It is sad when you lose your pin, and if it is special or you cannot get another one like it, it is even worse.
Having to prevent enamel pins from falling off, you need to do more than just hope they stay on. You need to use the correct backings to attach them and have a plan. In this guide, we will discuss ways to keep your pins right where you put them on your jacket or bag so you do not lose them.
Understand Your Pin Backs
To keep your collection safe, you need to know what you are dealing with. Most enamel pins have one of two kinds of backings. Neither one is completely safe.
- Butterfly Clutches: These are the metal backs that you squeeze to release. They are easy to use. The spring inside can catch on loose threads or get bumped, causing the pin to fall off.
- Rubber Backs: These backings slide onto the pin. Hold it in place by using friction. They feel better on your skin. They hold the pins tightly at first but over time can stretch out and lose their grip.
Top Enamel Pin Backing Tips for Maximum Security
If you are putting your pins on things that you use every day, like a tote bag or a big winter coat. You need to upgrade the hardware of your pins. Here are the best enamel pin backing tips to keep them from getting damaged.
1. Upgrade to Locking Pin Backs
Locking pin backs are really good at keeping enamel pins in place. They have a metal piece inside that holds the pin very tightly. This metal piece is like a cylinder that grabs the pin post and does not let go. Locking pin backs, which people also call locking clutches or pin keepers are the best way to secure enamel pins.
- Standard Locking Backs: You have to push the top hat-shaped piece down and then pull the bottom part up to get them to come loose. They are very secure so you do not have to worry about them coming apart by accident.
- Allen Wrench Locking Backs: These backings are really safe. They slide over the post. You have to tighten them with a small screw using an Allen wrench. When you lock them in place, the pin will not move anywhere because you need the tool to remove it.
2. Use Safety Pin Style Backings
When you are looking at larger or heavier pins, you will see that some of them have a traditional safety pin clasp instead of just one post. If you are getting custom pins made or buying from artists, you should look for pins that have this style, especially for bigger pieces because the two points where the pin is attached really help prevent you from losing them.
DIY Hacks to Secure Enamel Pins
If you do not have locking backs or you want a DIY solution that lasts, try these methods.
- The Superglue Method: If you are certain you will never remove a pin from an item like a dedicated display jacket, you can put a small drop of superglue inside the rubber pin backing before you attach it. Be careful where you attach it, as you are committing to keeping the pin in that one place. Make sure you really want to do that before you put superglue on the pin and attach it.
- The Denim/Felt Reinforcement: Sometimes pins fall off because the fabric they are attached to is too thin. This causes the pin to move around and the backing to come loose. To fix this, you can cut a square of thick felt or an old piece of denim. Then you push the pin through your jacket or bag through the scrap fabric, and then you attach your pin backing. This way the pin fits tighter. Stays in place better. The pin is more stable with the fabric behind it. You can also clean your enamel pins stress-free.
- Clear Nail Polish: When you put a drop of nail polish on the pin post before you slide on a metal butterfly clutch, it can add just enough sticky friction to keep it firmly in place and from coming off easily. You will still be able to remove it later when you need to.
Placement Matters
Pin placement plays a vital role in how long they can attach.
- Avoid High-Friction Areas: Straps that rub against your shoulders, the very bottom of a backpack that hits the floor, or the cuffs of a jacket are prime real estate for snagging.
- Consider Pin Banners for Fragile Pieces: For highly valuable pins that you are terrified of losing, avoid attaching them to garments and gear. Display them on a wall hung pin banner safely at home.
FAQs
How to prevent enamel pins from falling?
Using the correct backings according to your usage and fabric type helps limit enamel pins from falling and going missing.
What is the permanent way to attach enamel pins?
Use super glue in a moderate amount to permanently attach the enamel pins for a long time.
How to additionally secure the enamel pins?
Use rubber backings or locks to make your enamel pins more secure. You can add a fabric piece behind as a support too.
What is a safe display of enamel pins, wearing them or hanging them on a wall?
Wearing enamel pins poses a risk of them falling and you losing them. If you display them on a wall in shadow boxes or corkboards, it is safer for your precious accessory.
Wearing Your Enamel Pins with Peace of Mind
By upgrading your hardware and being mindful of placement, you can confidently wear your enamel pins without constantly checking if they are still in place.
If you want to know about the best place to place your enamel pin order, then look no further. The Eagle Patches USA is the best vendor with years of excellence and a vast list of satisfied clients. Our team customizes your order according to your demands.
Inquire for your personalized pins today and get our expert help for free!
