Finding Replacement Pin Backs for Your Collectable Pins
Finding replacement pin backs for your collectable pins is not difficult. But, knowing which pin back works best may be the more challenging question.
Know Your Pin Backs and Attachments
A collectable trading pin design is what really creates the value and collectability of a pin, but a higher end pin back clutch can certainly help the perceived value.
Did you know there are locking pin backs? This could eliminate or significantly reduce how often you need to find a replacement.
Spending a few minutes to understand the differences will help you choose the right replacement.
Rubber Clutch
The rubber clutch is one of two basic pin backs that are used on collectible pins. Disney was the first to really make these popular, but today they have replaced the butterfly clutch as the standard on most pins. The rubber material allows it to be molded and shaped using a mold. These unique shapes add character to a pin. You likely have seen the iconic mickey mouse ear shaped rubber clutches on many Disney pins. Unique shapes are not easily found as they are often custom made for particular customers.
The standard rubber clutch is just round with a hole in which the nail slides into and holds by friction. You can find replacement rubber clutches for less than $4.00 per bag of 50 qty on Amazon. The rubber clutch does its job, but can fall off if jostled around the right way. Or, if it is pulled on and off frequently it can reduce its effectiveness as the friction weakens. When compared to a similar butterfly clutch it holds about the same.
Butterfly Clutch
A butterfly clutch, also known as a military clutch, is still the most known type of clutch in the pin industry. It typically comes in either gold or silver finish and looks really good on a gold or silver plated pin. The butterfly clutch got its name by the 2 wings that are pinched together to release its grip on the nail. While it does lock somewhat, it is not a strong grip and it can easily be pulled off of jostled around too much.
Like the rubber clutch, a replacement butterfly clutch can be purchased in quantities of 50 for under $8.00 per batch on Amazon.
Deluxe Clutch
The deluxe clutch is a step in quality and is a locking style clutch. You will find this type of pin backing on higher end collectible pins. Many collectible pin manufacturers use this as a standard to increase the value and quality of the pin. Like the butterfly clutch backing it comes in gold or silver. It has a mechanism inside that releases or clamps down on the nail locking it in place unless the mechanism is release. Of all the clutches the deluxe clutch is worth the little extra cost to ensure your collection is safe and secure. These are very common and replacement deluxe pin backs can be purchased on Amazon.
Pin Lock Backs
Pin locks are the little known gems of pin backs. These are not backs that come standard on any collectible pin but are a nice add on that provides the ultimate for securing your collectible pins. They are designed for more of a permanent attachment rather than an attachment you take on and off. However, they can be taken on and off. They are small metal cylanders with a hole down the middle. The nail on the pin slides through the cylander, then a small allen wrench screw is tightened securing the cylander to the nail. These are pefect for pins you intend to permanently attach to something. You can purchase these pin locks, pin keepers or locking pin backs on Amazon.
Jewelry Clutch
A jewelry clutch is exactly the same as a deluxe clutch but the form of the clutch is slightly different. The deluxe clutch has more of a flat end whereas the jewelry clutch has a ball on the end and is longer than the deluxe clutch. A jewelry clutch may also have a chain attached to it and is often used as the backing for a tie tack. Rarely will you see a jewelry clutch used on collectible pin. While not as common you can still purchase these replacement jewelry backs on Amazon.
Magnetic Backing
Less common in collectible pins is the magnetic pin backs. A magnetic plate is attached to the back of the pin and a second magnet is then attached to the plate. To attach it to cloth the pin with the plate is put on one side, the cloth in the middle and the magnet then is placed behind the cloth and attracted to the pin to secure it. Magnet backings are the preferred backing for corporate individuals as they do not damage clothing.
A magnet backing adds $0.50 cents to $1.50 per pin just for the magnet back. Because magnet backs are determined by the size of the pin and come in two parts replacements are not easily found. It is possible to find a thin strong round magnet as a replacement, but the esthetics may not look as good. Here is one magnet backing option from Amazon that may work as a magnet replacement backing.
Safety Pin Attachment
A safety pin attachment is a horizontal pin that folds over and attaches to a clasp. It is used on collectible pins but rarely on collectible pins. The advantage of a safety pin is it holds pins from twisting as it has to points that hold on whatever its attached too. Because a safety pin is permanently attached to the back of the pin during manufacturing it will not fall off and therefore you never need to worry about a replacement.
Should I Buy Extra Pin Backs?
The simple answer is yes. Replacement pin backs are so inexpensive that having extra replacements eliminates stress of losing one. You can easily store them in the same location as your pin collection so they are readily available if needed. You might even be the hero to someone else by offering them a replacement pin back if needed. Keep a variety of colors and styles to accommodate whatever may be needed. Just remember the only types you will need is the butterfly clutch, rubber clutch and deluxe clutch. The $15 to $20 dollars is well worth the convenience.
Do all Pin Backs Work on Trading Pin Bags?
Yes, the standard rubber clutch, butterfly clutch, deluxe clutch and locking pin back all work on trading pin bags. But, the rubber clutch and butterfly clutches do have a tendency to come off if the bag is moved around a lot. The best trading pin bags will have zippered pages to contain the clutches in case they fall off.
