Threaded and Threadless Post Jewelry Removal

Threaded Jewelry

Barbells and Threaded jewelry can be a great option if you are prone to changing jewelry frequently or need to remove it for one reason or another. Some piercings, like most oral piercings (Tongue, Labret, and Beauty Marks) or Industrials, can only be done with Threaded jewelry. Other piercings, depending on their location, may also be best suited for threaded jewelry.

The jewelry does create a good balance between security and ease of removal, but it's the ease of removal that also creates a problem. Unlike Captive Bead Rings, contact with the body, clothing and etc.. can cause the balls or ends to loosen. In the worst-case scenario, the end will fall off, and the jewelry will fall out. Usually, this happens at the worst possible time and in the worst possible place. For example, in the shower, a grassy field, while eating, or over the bathroom sink. For this reason, the tightness of the ends needs to be checked regularly. I do not suggest tightening the balls on with pliers or using products like Locktite. Both can cause damage to the finish or the threading. With Lock Tight products, you can create a situation where the product has an adverse effect or you are unable to remove the jewelry. Finger-tight and continuing to check the tightness are the best options.

There are two different styles of threading. The most common and least expensive is external threading. This is where the post is threaded and the ball like a nut screws on to the post. The only real advantage is that it is cheaper to produce. The disadvantage is that the threading comes into contact with the piercing during insertion, which can cause damage. With internally threaded the post is hallow and the end have a screw like threaded post that threads into the jewelry. They are more expensive to produce and cost more, but the advantage is that there is no rough threading to cause damage during insertion. Additionally, they usually have more extended threading, meaning more spins of the ball are required to remove it and a lower likelihood of stripping out. However, removal is the same for both.

Removal of Threaded Straight, Curved, and Circular Barbells:

1. Grab the post or the other end with one hand.
2. Grab the ball or end with your free hand.
3. Rotate counter-clockwise (righty tighty, lefty loosy) and unscrew the ball or end.
4. Once the ball or end is free, rotate the jewelry out of the piercing.

Removal of Labret Stud Style Jewelry:

1. You can grab the disc with one hand. If not, your best bet is a pair of locking hemostats. If you don't have a pair, I suggest using needle-nose pliers. Use medical cloth tape or slide the pliers into the fingers of an examination glove to cover the pliers. This will not only reduce the likelihood of contamination but also prevent possible damage to the finish and jewelry. You may find it easiest to push the disc outward and clamp down on the post just under the ball.
2. Grab the ball with your free hand.
3. Rotate counter-clockwise (righty tighty, lefty loosy) and unscrew the ball or end.
4. Once the ball or end is free, slide the jewelry out of the piercing. 

Threadless Jewelry

Threadless jewelry, also known as push-in, has quickly become the most popular style of closure in piercing today. This is mainly because they are universal, and posts and ends from different manufacturers are compatible. The way they work is that the post is hollow, and the end has a slightly bent pin. When the pin is inserted into the hollow post, it creates a friction hold. 

​Removal of Threadless Jewelry:

1. Grab the disc or other end with one hand. If you can't get a grip on the post, your best bet is a pair of locking hemostats. If you don't have a pair, I suggest using needle-nose pliers. Use medical cloth tape or slide the pliers into the fingers of an examination glove to cover the pliers. This will not only reduce the likelihood of contamination but also prevent possible damage to the finish and jewelry. You may find it easiest to push the disc outward and clamp down on the post just under the ball.
2. Grab the ball or end with your free hand.
3. Pull the ball outward and away from the body. They can sometimes give suddenly, so start gently and increase pressure slowly.
4. Once the ball or end is free, slide or rotate the jewelry out of the piercing.

Hints:

• For threadless jewelry, especially in hard-to-reach areas like the nostrils, use dental floss. Make a slipknot, slip the loop over the disc or post end, and pull tight. Then pull in opposite directions.
• I found a long time ago that wearing medical examination gloves increases the traction and grip you have on slippery jewelry.
• Make sure that you have a paper towel or other safe place to place the ball or end after you remove it. They are, in cases, perfectly round and will roll in whatever direction gravity pulls them. Also, if you are eliminating jewelry over the bathroom sink, place a towel in the sink to prevent the jewelry from going down the drain.
• Have someone else help you. Piercings, especially those located above the neck, are challenging to see or access. Save yourself hours of frustration and have someone else help remove the jewelry.
• If you plan to change jewelry regularly, I suggest practicing with a piece of jewelry that is not in a piercing. Removing and replacing the ball can be tricky, and the only way to learn it is through practice. I would suggest that you sit at a table with a towel laid out in front of you to avoid spending all your time chasing after escaping beads and balls.
• It is easier to remove jewelry after showering, soaking, or applying a compress. This will not only remove any deposits on the jewelry but will also cause the piercing to expand. Soaks and compresses should be done with a mixture of sea salt and warm water. 1/8 to 1/4 teaspoon per cup or 8oz of warm water. Soak is done by inverting a small cup over the piercing area or submerging the piercing for around 10 minutes. For piercings where it is not possible, use a folded clean paper towel or sterile gauze sponge to soak up the liquid and lay it against the piercing area. Re-submerge the compress when it cools and apply it for roughly 10 minutes.
• A small amount of water-based lubricant can be used to make the jewelry more straightforward to remove. 

Storing Jewelry:

• Jewelry needs to be stored alone. Placing multiple pieces of jewelry in one container or bag increases the likelihood of damage to the jewelry's finish from contact with other pieces.
• The most common and readily available form of container is a zip lock bag. It should be new to avoid contamination. Also, any air-tight container will work, including plastic ones.
• The best option is to have your piercer wrap and sterilize the jewelry in an autoclave. The jewelry will be sterile kept sterile for a few months as long as the pouch is unbroken.