10 Ways to Remove the Security Tag From Clothes

Most stores put security tags on the items they sell to prevent shoplifting. These security tags will activate if you leave the store with them still attached. However, during busy periods, the personnel may forget to remove the security tags off the clothes you purchase.

Or you ordered dresses online, and when they arrived, the security tags were still on. It can be challenging to remove these tags, and if you are not careful, you may damage the clothes. Worry no more. We will give you some methods for eliminating security tags off clothing.

What are security tags?

A security tag is a small signal transmitter that firms attach to their products, particularly clothing. If someone tries to steal the item and passes through the exit without paying or removing the tag, the tag will sound like an alert.

Most products that have security tags in them are items of clothing, accessories, and booze. The security tag is applied using a pin that passes through the fabric of the goods in the case of apparel and soft items. After that, the pin is locked into the security tag.

There are two types of security tags used by businesses- mechanical locks and magnetic locks. There is a wide range of magnetic lock strengths to choose from. The higher the magnetic power, the harder it is to remove the tag.

If you’re trying to remove a security tag on your own, you’ll need the right tools. Security tags come in several shapes, including circular, cube, and pencil. Studies suggest that circular tags are the most difficult to remove.

Mechanical security tags

Mechanical tags are the easiest to remove. These tags use pins or other mechanical fasteners to attach them to the clothes. There are various ways to remove these mechanical tags that we will talk about later in this article.

Magnetic security tags

Magnetic security tags are the most complicated and most difficult to get rid of. You need the right tools to demagnetize them. Trying to remove them without knowing the right way can damage the clothes permanently.

Ink security tags

Ink tags are the less commonly used tags because it is pretty costly. The ink is placed inside a small glass tube that might spill if you open it with too much force. Some ink tags are transparent, meaning you can see the ink inside, so you’ll know that it is an ink tag.

However, some ink tags don’t have a window to show the ink. In that case, treat the tag as an ink tag and be careful when you try to remove it. Just always remember to follow the instructions on the label to avoid spilling the ink into the clothes.

Removing security tags using a rubber band

• Step 1 – Make sure that the tag’s ink cartridge is facing down. The ink cartridge is the portion of the tag that protrudes out of the plastic tag. It is found on the opposite side of the pin.
• Step 2 – Pull the tag out away from the clothes. As far away as you can get it, so the ink doesn’t harm your clothes as much if the sensor fails.
• Step 3 – Wrap a rubber band around the pin of the security tag and secure it in place. Rubber bands that are broad and thick enough to be sturdy but still thin enough to wrap around a pin are good fits for this task. This will help in loosening the pin.
• Step 4 – You hold the bigger part of the ink tag using only one hand. Using your other hand, remove the pin. The pins should exert enough pressure such that the tag’s pin finally snaps off or is readily separated from the rest of the tag. Do this again if the first rubber band doesn’t loosen it enough.

Removing security tags using a screwdriver

A screwdriver with a flat end can be used to remove security tags off clothing in your home.

• Step 1 – Make sure that the ink cartridge is facing up while placing the clothing on a flat surface. Underneath the squared-pyramid cartridge, slip a thin flathead screwdriver and slide it around.
• Step 2 – Firmly press the screwdriver under the cartridge. This should pierce and pull up the plastic. Using the screwdriver, push the handle down so the perimeter pops up off the plastic.
• Step 3 – After removing the ink cartridge, you should notice a silver paper lining covering a metal plate beneath it. Take off the silver paper.
• Step 4 – Lift the metal arms with the screwdriver. Take the pin and pull it away from the tag.

Removing security tags through freezing

• Step 1 – Another way to get rid of the security tags from clothes is by placing the clothes in a freezer. After freezing, take the clothes off and let them rest for at least an hour before you start to remove the tag.
• Step 2 – You can use available home tools you have, like pliers or scissors, to remove them. You can also proceed with the rubber band method if you do not have pliers or scissors available. Freezing the tag makes it safer because you are assured that it won’t spill as the ink is frozen.

Removing security tags using needle nose pliers

• Step 1 – Place the clothing on the surface with the ink cartridge facing upward.
• Step 2 – Using a set of pliers, grasp one side of the rectangular tag.
• Step 3 – Use a new pair of pliers to grab the tag on the other side.
• Step 4 – Using the pliers, gently bend the tag down on both ends. Be careful not to bend it so hard because doing so may cause the ink to spill.
• Step 5 – Keep bending until it slams open, then stop. Make sure you pull on the pin to loosen it.

Removing security tags by hitting the tag

• Step 1 – Repeatedly yank the tag away from the clothing to dislodge the pin.
• Step 2 – Get hold of a big nail. It is recommended that the head of the nail be at least as wide as a penny for the nail to fit correctly.
• Step 3 – Remove the tag from the garment by pulling it out. Keep the tag’s long plastic end out of the way.
• Step 4 – Open the ink cartridge by applying pressure on it. To open the ink cartridge, gently tap it on a hard surface several times. To get it properly, you might have to hit it twenty or more times. The tag can burst open if you hit it too hard, so be careful.

Removing security tags using two forks

It may appear impossible, but two forks are all that are required to remove the security tags.

• Step 1 – Take two forks and insert them on either side of the tags to accomplish this.
• Step 2 – To open it, pull them in the opposite direction until the tag loosens. This is one of the most effective tag removal methods available.

Removing security tags using candle and plier

In this method, you just need two materials – a candle and a cutting plier.

• Step 1 – Using a candle, intensely heat up the domed part of the tag.
• Step 2 – Then, using pliers, start by removing the melted plastic portion to remove the spring connected to the base cylinder.
• Step 3 – Then you’ll notice a needle encased by a ball bearing. Gently remove the needle.

How to remove security tag with a powerful magnet

Electromagnetic devices are used to disable many security tags in-store. Make use of a powerful magnet to remove them from your home. Lay the tag on top of the magnet with the ink cartridge or dome facing down. Once the tag has been disabled, you should hear a sound. The pins in the tag can be released by wriggling them up and down.

Forcefully removing electromagnet security tags

Most modern tags contain electromagnets, not ink pouches.

• Step 1 –Place something between the tag and the head of the pin to allow for some space to move.
• Breaking the pin is as simple as repeatedly bending it back and forth until it finally snaps.
• Step 2 –Pull the tag straight back until the pin comes out of the hole. Remove the tag off the clothing.

Removing electro-magnets tags using a knife

• Step 1 – Use a lighter to burn the tag’s dome-shaped region. After a few seconds of exposure to heat, the plastic will almost likely catch fire.
• Step 2 – Cut the dome into pieces with a knife or similar tool. A spring and tag will almost entirely pop out as you continue scraping in.

Conclusion

This post on security tags should have given you a better understanding of removing them without the need for any special tools. We hope this helps! To avoid the possibility of destroying an expensive piece of clothing, you can go to the store where it was purchased and produce the receipt. Don’t use any of the following methods to shoplift because it’s illegal.