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When it comes to custom enamel pins, one crucial yet often overlooked aspect is the type of pin back or pin attachment used. A suitable pin back can ensure that your pins stay securely attached while providing a comfortable wearing experience. It can also make the overall color combination of the pin look more harmonious. The most commonly used options at Factorypin are rubber clutch and butterfly clutch. Of course, you can also upgrade to other pin attachment options based on your specific needs, such as deluxe clutch, locking pin back, magnetic back, or safety pin.
The Most Common Choices: Rubber Clutch and Butterfly Clutch
At our factory, rubber clutch and butterfly clutch are the two most commonly selected pin back options. Both of these options are included free of charge when we provide a quotation. These two standard pin backs can cover most application scenarios for custom enamel pins. For upgraded pin back options, there will usually be an additional cost of a few cents per piece.
Rubber Clutch
Rubber clutch offers a wide range of choices in terms of colors and shapes. Below are some of the rubber clutch options available from our factory. No matter what color combination or plating finish your pin uses, you can usually find a suitable rubber clutch to match your design.
Since rubber clutch is made of soft rubber material, it is comfortable to wear and will not scratch your skin, even when attached to clothing, hats, or other wearable items.
However, rubber clutch is not perfect for every situation. If you wear a pin with a rubber clutch on a frequently moving area, it may become loose and fall off over time.
Butterfly Clutch
If you are not wearing the pin directly on your body, but instead attaching it to a bag or another item, and you want to make sure the pin stays securely in place, butterfly clutch may be a better choice.
There is also a small detail about butterfly clutch that many people may not know. You may have seen pins on social media using butterfly clutch but still falling off. In many cases, the reason is not the butterfly clutch itself, but that the pin was not manufactured with an anti-rotation post.
The anti-rotation post is a small post located on the back of the pin. It is much shorter than the main pin post and helps prevent the pin from rotating after being attached. Depending on the size and design of the pin, there may be one, two, or even four anti-rotation posts added to the back. Generally, the larger the pin size, the more anti-rotation posts are needed to keep the design stable.
When customers specify their preferred pin attachment during the ordering process, our factory will add the appropriate anti-rotation posts during production. Both deluxe clutch and butterfly clutch options usually come with anti-rotation posts on the back of the pin, helping to keep the pin facing the correct direction after attachment.
Upgrade Pin Back Options
Locking Pin Back
Locking pin back is also called deluxe clutch. It has a similar appearance to butterfly clutch, but the structure inside is different. The locking mechanism makes it easier to attach and remove. You only need to push or pull the round part on the back of the clutch to lock or release the pin.
Another advantage of locking pin back is that it can provide very strong holding power even without an anti-rotation post. Because there is a mechanical locking structure inside, the clutch can firmly lock onto the pin post and reduce the chance of the pin falling off.
Among the removable pin back options, locking pin back provides one of the most secure attachments. It is a good choice for pins that need extra stability and protection.
Magnetic Pin Back
Magnetic pin back is another upgraded option that solves some problems of traditional pin attachments. Since there is no clutch exposed on the back, you do not need to worry about losing the clutch, and the pin post will not touch or scratch your skin.
It is also a good choice for clothing, hats, and other items that you do not want to damage. However, because the magnet inside has a strong magnetic force, you still need to be careful when attaching and removing the pin.
We also recommend avoiding wearing magnetic pins on areas that move frequently, because continuous movement may affect the position of the pin.
Safety Pin Back
Safety pin back is the most traditional pin attachment options. Almost all button pins use this type of attachment. With its classic design and strong holding ability, it is a great choice for attaching pins to backpacks, jackets, and other fabric items.
The disadvantage is that it will create two small holes on your clothing. If you attach and remove the pin frequently, these holes may become larger over time and leave a noticeable mark on the fabric.
Quick Comparison
| Backing | Best For | Pros | Consider |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rubber Clutch | Kids’ pins, hats, jackets, everyday wear | Comfortable, skin-friendly, many color options | May loosen on frequently moving areas |
| Butterfly Clutch | Event pins, collectors, bags, daily use | Classic, affordable, easy to attach | Better with anti-rotation post for extra stability |
| Locking Pin Back | Collectibles, awards, high-value pins | Strong security, mechanical lock, easy to release | Slightly higher cost |
| Magnetic | Suits, delicate fabrics, formal wear | No holes, no exposed pin post, comfortable | Avoid high-movement areas |
| Safety Pin Back | Button pins, backpacks, thick fabrics | Classic design, very strong hold | Leaves two holes in fabric |
Still Not Sure?
Choosing the right pin back is just as important as the pin design itself. If you’re ready to create a custom pin with the perfect attachment, Factorypin is here to help. Our years of experience and expert guidance ensure your pin is secure, stylish, and suitable for your needs. From locking backs for corporate pins to rubber backs for kids’ collections, we’ve got you covered. Contact Factorypin today to discuss your custom pin project.
