All About Pin Backs

 This blog post was written by staff member MJ

Did you know there are different types of backs available for enamel pin badges?

While the focus on enamel pins is normally (and understandably) the front, the type of back (or "clutch") is an important consideration. After all, it's what holds your pin safe in place!

There are three types of back you can get for enamel pins, so let's take a look at them!

 

Metal

The O.G. pin back! Also known as a "butterfly" back, this used to be the only way to secure pins in place. Two metal "wings" would be pushed together to loosen the backing (for inserting or removing the pin) and then when released would tighten around the metal post on the back of the pin.

Here are the backs of some pins from my collection, modelling their metal butterfly clasps!

While these old-style backs do still exist, they aren't as common as they once were, and at HOYFC we found they weren't as secure as we would like. Over time the mechanism would age, the back would loosen, and could eventually cause the pin to fall off (heartbreaking), so we switched over to an alternative style. Speaking of which...

 

Rubber 

This style of pin back first started appearing in the '90s, and took the pin world by storm. Although they can still move and loosen from the pin post over time (so it's recommended to check and re-tighten them against the pin regularly), there's no mechanism to be worn down. They're also a lot more convenient to use, as you just push them on and off the pin spike. And, perhaps most importantly, they come in different colours! 

Our "Can I Go Home Yet?" pins have pink backs! So cute 💖

At HOYFC, we use rubber backs for our enamel pins. They're the perfect balance of sturdy, afforable and colourful for us. However, if you'd prefer to have your pins under maximum security, there is one more type of back to consider...

 

Locking

For the ultimate in pin stability, you can't do better than a locking back. These require some finesse, and are bulkier and more expensive than other options (which is why we don't use them here at HOYFC) but if you use one of these bad boys, your pin isn't going anywhere!

These locking pin backs are sturdy... but prone to rolling away when not in use 😅

Locking pin backs use a spring loaded mechanism to hold the pin's post in place. To attach it to a pin, simply push it against the post until it clicks. To remove it, you'll need to pull on the flat disc at the end of the pin back to release the mechanism. This can be a bit footery, but on the plus side you'll know that all your emotional support pins will be kept safe iand secure!

Two locking backs in action, modelled by our "Vogon Poetry" and "Feminist Killjoy" pins

 

If you want to upgrade the backs of your pin collection, you can buy pin backs of all kinds online.

 So, which pin back is your favourite?