Enamel Pin Backing Types: Rubber vs Metal Clasps

Quick answer

Choose a rubber backing when you want a light, comfortable hold for everyday jackets and bags. Choose a metal clasp when you need a tighter, more secure grip on thick fabric or a pin you rarely remove. Most enamel pins, including the ones from These Are Things, come with rubber backs, so if you want extra security you can add locking backs or replace the original backing.

How rubber and metal pin backs actually differ

Rubber backs are the black or colored nubs that push onto the pin post. They grip by friction and sit flat against the fabric, so they feel soft and add almost no weight. Metal clasps, sometimes called butterfly or locking backs, use a spring or screw mechanism to bite into the post. They hold tighter and are harder to knock loose, but they can feel heavier and may scratch if you stack pins closely.

The trade-off is simple: rubber is easier to put on and take off, while metal is harder to dislodge. Neither is universally better. The right choice depends on where you wear the pin, how often you move it, and whether the fabric is thin or thick.

Match the backing to the fabric and the pin

On a denim jacket or a canvas bag, a metal clasp usually stays put because the thick fabric gives the post more to grip. On a thin T-shirt, a lanyard, or a lightweight tote, a rubber back is often more comfortable and less likely to pull at the weave. If you wear a pin on a lanyard that swings, a locking metal back can prevent it from sliding off during the day.

The pin itself matters too. A small 1-inch pin like the Let Me Cook Pin has a short post, so a slim rubber back sits close to the fabric. A larger or heavier pin may need the extra tension of a metal clasp to stay upright. If you plan to swap pins often, rubber backs are faster to remove and less likely to bend the post.

How to secure a pin backing and stop losing pins

Start by pushing the post through the fabric, then press the backing on straight rather than at an angle. For rubber backs, push until you feel the rubber grip the post; for metal clasps, slide the clasp over the post and press the spring until it clicks. If a backing feels loose, add a small rubber earring back behind it as a stopper, or switch to a locking back.

Check your pins after wearing them. Rubber backs can soften over time and lose grip, especially if you frequently remove the pin. Metal clasps can loosen if the spring wears out. Replacing a backing is inexpensive and takes seconds, so keep a few spares in your pin drawer.

Replacing a pin backing without damaging the pin

If the original backing is lost or too loose, you can buy replacement rubber backs or metal locking backs separately. Match the inner diameter to the pin post; most standard enamel pin posts are about 1 mm thick, but check the post on your pin before ordering. To remove a stubborn metal clasp, hold the pin face-down and gently pry the clasp open with your fingernail or a small flat tool. Avoid pulling the pin by the enamel face, which can scratch the design.

When you replace a backing, test the fit on a scrap of fabric first. A backing that is too tight can bend the post; one that is too loose will let the pin rotate or fall off. The goal is a firm hold that still lets you remove the pin when you want to.

Decision rules for choosing a pin backing

• For everyday wear on thin fabric: Choose a rubber backing. It is light, comfortable, and less likely to pull at the weave of a T-shirt or lanyard. Rubber is the default for most casual pin wear.
• For thick jackets or bags you rarely remove: Choose a metal locking clasp. It grips the post tighter and resists knocking loose on denim or canvas. Upgrade to metal when security matters more than quick removal.
• If you swap pins often: Stick with rubber backs or buy spare rubber backs. They are faster to remove and less likely to bend the post than a stiff metal clasp. Keep a small bag of spare rubber backs in your pin drawer.
• If a backing feels loose or you lost one: Replace it with a backing that matches the post diameter. Test the fit on scrap fabric before wearing the pin out. A snug but removable fit is the goal; too tight can bend the post.

Pins in the catalog and their backings

• Best Friends Pin Set: The Best Friends Pin Set includes two gold pins with colored enamel and rubber backing, each measuring 1 inch tall. Because both pins use rubber backs, they are easy to move between jackets or bags, but you may want locking backs if you wear them on a thick coat.
• Elephant Pin: The Elephant Pin is a black nickel pin with colored enamel, a rubber backing, and measures about 1 inch. The rubber backing keeps this small pin lightweight on a lanyard, though a metal clasp can add security if you wear it on a backpack that gets bumped around.
• Let Me Cook Pin: The Let Me Cook Pin is a gold pin with colored enamel detail, a rubber backing, and measures about 1 inch. At this size, the rubber back sits flat against fabric, making it a good choice for a T-shirt or a lightweight tote where a metal clasp might feel heavy.
• Plants Over People Pin: The Plants Over People Pin is a gold-tone pin with colored enamel, a rubber backing, and measures 1 inch. The rubber backing is easy to remove if you like to swap pins often, but you can upgrade to a locking back if you plan to keep it on one jacket all season.

Who should choose which backing

Best for

• People who wear pins on lightweight fabrics and want comfort
• Collectors who swap pins frequently and prefer easy removal
• Anyone who wants a low-profile backing that adds little weight

Not for

• People who wear pins on thick denim or heavy canvas and need maximum security
• Anyone who has lost pins before and wants a locking mechanism
• Those who want a metal clasp's tighter hold without adding a separate purchase