You’ve just returned from a shopping trip and want to wear your latest dress tonight. But, like Cinderella, while circling in the mirror, my heart suddenly calms. You can see it hanging there from the shoulder. It’s an ugly plastic security tag.
Shoppers find themselves in this pickle more often than you might think. Busy store cashiers can disable clothing security tags without cutting them, making it highly unlikely that shoppers will leave the store and go home without realizing the error.
Online retailers can make similar mistakes. In the rush to get shipments out on time, e-stores may not be able to check clothing security tags before shipping items.
But when the tag gets there, you’re probably going to be upset. However, resist the urge to rip off the clothing security tag or break it with a heavy object. Likewise, you should ignore internet guides that suggest all sorts of violent liberation tactics, from stabbing the tag with a screwdriver to setting it on fire (unless your goal is to destroy clothing and injure yourself in the process).
Instead, let’s approach the problem of security tag removal with a little knowledge, skill, and patience. Let’s take a deep breath and dive in.
A quick note about retail theft: It probably doesn’t need to be said, but we’ll say it anyway. Stealing is a crime and you should not do it. Neither of these methods are meant to be used on clothes you haven’t paid for yet.
Different types of security tags and how they work
Before you remove a tag, you’ll want to know exactly what type of clothing security tag you’re dealing with. There are several types of security tags for different types of goods.
For our purposes, we will focus on the most common types of security tags found at major clothing retailers.
EAS Clothing Security Tags
Electronic Item Surveillance (EAS) clothing security tags are probably what you picture when you think “clothing security tag.” EAS tags use radio frequencies or acousto-magnetic frequencies to communicate with an antenna attached to the alarm. Simply put, an EAS tag is a small plastic button on a product that causes a sensor next to the door to beep.
ink security tags
Ink security tags are the most common clothing security tags among the group of “deny-of-benefits” tags. This is a security tag designed to destroy the product attached to it if tampered with.
Breaking an ink security tag or attempting brute force can cause the internal capsule to break, releasing an indelible dye that permanently stains clothing (and semi-permanently stains human skin). Some ink security tags may come with a warning label, such as “tampering with this tag will release ink.” But not everything is so clear-cut, and you can’t always tell just by looking at the ink security tag. It is also worth noting that some clothing security tags combine the features of ink security tags and EAS tags.
When in doubt, work under the assumption that you are using a small, indelible ink bomb. That means wear gloves and don’t leave anything nearby that could be permanently stained with ink (seriously, this should be done outdoors).
fake security tags
Some tags are simply designed to look like clothing security tags but contain no hardware to set off store alarms or cause ink to explode. This exists solely to provide a visual deterrent to thieves. There’s a good chance you don’t know what’s inside the tag, so unfortunately you’ll have to act like you’re getting the real deal.
How to remove security tags from clothes at home
The ideal way to remove security tags is also the most obvious. Take the gift to the store and explain the situation. Our staff is equipped with the best equipment to remove security tags without damaging the items. The best option is to return to the store where you purchased the item with your receipt.
However, there may be reasons why this is not the best approach. For example, if you purchased an item online, you may not want to go through the lengthy process of returning it. You may have lost your receipt. In this case, you run the risk of store employees working the returns counter becoming suspicious of your intentions. Or maybe the store is far away (or you bought it while traveling) and you don’t have time to get back or drive there.
Now let’s look at another option.
1. Ask an expert
The second best way to remove security tags without damaging your clothes is to enlist the help of a fabric expert. Contact your local tailor or seamstress and explain your situation. We hope this helps you with the task of removing security tags and minimizing the chances of puncturing or ink staining your clothes.
2. Use a magnet to remove security tags
Many clothing security tags can be removed with the help of magnets. But we’re not talking about those flimsy magnets that barely stick to the refrigerator door. All you need is a magnet as large and strong as possible.
To remove clothing security tags, you will need a rare earth magnet, similar to the magnets found on your computer hard drive. These very strong magnets can be found quite easily on Amazon, such as Neosmuk’s Fishing Magnet ($9.99), which has a pulling force of 300 pounds.
To set up security tag removal, place the security tag removal magnet on a table or other flat surface. Then touch the base of the tag to the magnet. Once you hear a click, you can start shaking the other side of the tag until the pin loosens.
Use caution when using high-performance security tag removal magnets. Serious injury can occur to any part of the body that becomes caught between the magnet and the object it attracts.
3. Housework Hacks
If you can’t or aren’t willing to invest in one of the above methods, you can take a somewhat risky opportunity using one of the many Internet “hacks” to remove clothing security tags in a more robust manner.
This method carries a significant risk of damage to your clothes by tearing them or staining them with ink. But it offers the undeniable benefit of making use of everyday items you might already have lying around the house.
rubber band method
One of the most popular online hacks to remove security tags requires nothing more than a large, thick rubber band. Simply wrap a rubber band around the pin (between the fabric and one side of the tag). Continue wrapping the band until the elastic force of the band releases the lock. If one band doesn’t loosen, try twisting it back and forth a bit or using a second rubber band.
Here’s a video of this hack in action:
that two fork method
Another popular way to remove security tags is to use a fork, which everyone has around the house. Similar to the elastic band method, you can place a fork between the fabric and the clothing security tag. Then bring the second fork and wedge in opposite directions and engage them. Then slowly lift and shake the fork until the two sides of the tag separate.
freezer method
You may have come across advice online that you can freeze ink security tags, turning the liquid ink into a solid interior, preventing ink from spilling all over the place.
Unfortunately, your freezer is not cold enough to reach the freezing point of the ink inside clothing security tags. Unless you have access to frozen nitrogen, a better option (even if still imperfect) may be to tightly pack the ink security tag in a plastic bag before forcing it apart.
The post How to Exactly How to (Legally) Remove Your Security Tag If You Forget It at the Store appeared first on RetailMeNot’s The Real Deal
