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Types of Pin Backs

The backing is the unsung hero of every lapel pin — it decides how secure your pin is, how easy it is to put on, and what it can attach to. We offer seven pin back types on every custom pin order, from the everyday rubber clutch to locking backs that never let go. Here's how each pin backing works and when to choose it.

Rubber Clutch Pin Backs

The rubber clutch is our standard pin back, included free with every order. A soft rubber cap presses onto the pin post with friction — no metal springs, no moving parts. It's the easiest backing to put on and take off, and the soft material is gentler on fabric than metal clutches.

Rubber pin backs are the go-to choice for trading pins, where pins are swapped constantly, and for kids' pins where sharp metal parts are a concern. If your pins will be handled often or traded at tournaments, rubber clutches are the practical default.

Butterfly Clutch Pin Backs

The butterfly clutch (also called a military clutch) is the classic metal pin back most people picture on a lapel pin. Two spring-loaded metal wings grip the pin post; squeeze the wings to release. It holds noticeably tighter than a rubber clutch while staying simple to operate.

Butterfly clutches are the traditional choice for employee recognition pins, uniform insignia, and everyday lapel wear — anywhere you want a more secure hold with a time-tested design.

Locking Pin Backs (Deluxe Clutch)

Locking pin backs — we call them deluxe clutches — are the most secure pin backing available. An internal mechanism locks onto the grooved pin post and won't release until you pull the top collar straight back. No amount of bumping, brushing, or fabric movement will work it loose.

Choose locking backs for expensive or sentimental pins, pins worn on hats and bags that get handled all day, and years-of-service awards that are meant to be worn for years. If losing the pin isn't an option, this is the backing to pick.

Magnetic Pin Backs

Magnetic pin backs skip the post entirely: a strong magnet on the back of the pin pairs with a separate magnetic bar behind the fabric, clamping the pin in place with no holes. They're the only backing that leaves delicate fabrics — silk, cashmere, fine knits — completely unmarked.

The trade-off is security: magnets can shift or release if the pin is knocked hard, so they're better for suits, dresses, and formal events than for active wear. They're also a favorite for name badges and pins that move between outfits daily.

Jewelry Clutch Pin Backs

The jewelry clutch is a low-profile metal backing that sits nearly flush against the fabric, the same style used on fine brooches and jewelry pins. It grips the post firmly without the bulk of a butterfly clutch's wings.

Pick jewelry clutches for polished, formal looks — cloisonné pins on suit lapels, ceremony pins, and anywhere the backing should disappear behind the pin.

Safety Pin Backs

A safety pin back replaces the post-and-clutch entirely with a horizontal safety pin bar soldered to the back of the pin. It pins through fabric and latches closed, spreading the pin's weight along the bar instead of a single point.

Safety pin backs are the standard for awareness ribbon pins, campaign buttons, and larger or heavier pins that would sag on a single post. They also work on thick materials like sashes and banners where a short post can't reach.

Cufflink Backs

A cufflink back converts your pin design into a wearable cufflink: a hinged toggle bar replaces the pin post, sliding through a shirt cuff and pivoting to lock in place.

Cufflink conversions turn a logo or crest into an executive gift — popular for corporate anniversaries, board recognition, and wedding parties. Order the same design as die struck pins for the lapel and cufflinks for the cuff.

Pin Back Comparison Chart

Every backing below is available on any custom pin order — just pick your attachment when you request a quote.

Pin Back Security Ease of Use Best For
Rubber Clutch Good Easiest on/off Trading pins, kids' pins, everyday wear (our standard, included free)
Butterfly Clutch Better Squeeze to release Uniforms, recognition pins, classic lapel wear
Locking (Deluxe Clutch) Best Pull collar to release Hat pins, valuable or sentimental pins, daily wear
Magnetic Back Fair No holes in fabric Delicate fabrics, formal wear, name badges
Jewelry Clutch Better Low-profile Formal and jewelry-style pins
Safety Pin Better Latches closed Awareness ribbons, heavy pins, thick materials
Cufflink Best Toggle bar Executive gifts, formal shirt cuffs

Not sure which is right? Check our FAQs or contact a specialist for personalized guidance.

Which Pin Back Should You Choose?

Start with how the pin will be worn. For most orders, the standard rubber clutch is the right answer — it's secure enough for everyday wear, effortless to use, and included free. That's why it's the default on every pin style from soft enamel to offset printed.

Upgrade to a locking deluxe clutch when the pin can't afford to go missing: hat pins that get bumped all day, limited-run collector pins, and milestone awards. Choose magnetic backs when the garment matters more than the grip — silk blazers and delicate dresses stay hole-free. And match the specialty backs to their niche: safety pins for ribbons and heavy pieces, jewelry clutches for formal polish, cufflinks for gifts.

You don't have to decide alone — every order includes a design consultation, and our team will recommend a backing based on your design's size, weight, and how it'll be worn.

Pin Back FAQs

  • Answer

    We offer seven pin back types on every custom pin order: rubber clutch (our standard, included free), butterfly clutch, locking deluxe clutch, jewelry clutch, magnetic back, safety pin, and cufflink conversion. Every backing attaches to the same pin post, so you can choose whichever style matches how your pins will be worn — no design changes needed.

  • Answer

    The locking deluxe clutch is the most secure pin back. An internal mechanism locks onto the grooved pin post and won’t release until you pull the top collar straight back, so bumping or brushing against the pin can’t work it loose. We recommend locking backs for hat pins, expensive or sentimental pins, and awards that will be worn daily.

  • Answer

    The rubber clutch is our standard backing, included free with every custom pin order. It’s easy to put on and take off, softer on fabric than metal clutches, and secure enough for everyday wear. You can upgrade to any other backing style — butterfly, locking, jewelry, magnetic, safety pin, or cufflink — when you request your quote.

  • Answer

    A rubber clutch is a soft rubber cap that presses onto the pin post with friction — the easiest backing to put on and take off, and the standard choice for trading pins. A butterfly clutch is the classic metal backing with two spring-loaded wings you squeeze to release. It grips noticeably tighter, making it the traditional pick for uniforms and everyday lapel wear.

  • Answer

    No — magnetic pin backs are the only backing that leaves fabric completely unmarked. The pin clamps to the garment between a magnet and a backing bar, with no post poking through the material. They’re ideal for silk, cashmere, and other delicate fabrics. Keep in mind that magnets are less secure than clutches for active wear, and strong magnets should be kept away from pacemakers.

  • Answer

    You can fill out a quote form on any of our product pages or while looking at photos in the gallery! This allows you to choose your favorite design features, leave notes for our designers, and upload any reference images you may have. Alternatively, our team would be happy to help by phone or email using the contact methods below.

    We can also assist you via phone, text, or email.

    Email: info@lapelpinsplus.com
    Phone: +1-800-252-0904
    Text: +1-800-252-0904

  • Answer

    Minimums vary by product:

    • Lapel pins, keychains, medals, lanyards, and patches: 100 units
    • Trading pins (standard and USA Rush): 200 units
    • Challenge coins: 50 units
    • Belt buckles: 25 units

    Larger orders lower your per-unit price. Check out our pricing page to learn more.

  • Answer

    Production times will vary depending on the type of custom product you order, and the complexity of your design. For the most accurate information, ask your sales representative for an estimated turnaround time. The details listed below should be used as a general rule of thumb for production times and do not include shipping time:

    • Lapel Pins: 7-10 business days
    • Lanyards: 7-10 business days
    • Patches: 14 business days
    • Keychains: 12-14 business days
    • Belt Buckles: 14-18 business days
    • Challenge Coins: 14-18 business days
    • Domestic Rush Pins: 3-5 business days
    • Domestic Rush Challenge Coins: 3-5 business days

  • Answer

    You can place your order over the phone or online through our secure payment portal. Have your Quote Number ready and double-check that the proof assigned to that Quote Number matches the proof you would like to purchase.

    Click here to find your quote and pay online, or follow the “Order This Quote” link sent to your email with your proof.

    To pay by phone, call +1-800-252-0904.

  • Answer

    We offer discounted pricing based on the number of custom products in your order. The more you order, the less you will pay per unit. Check out our pricing page for more detailed information on pricing for all of our custom products!

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Choose Your Pin Style

Every custom pin includes your choice of backing. Start with the pin style that fits your design.

Soft Enamel Pins

Vibrant colors with a textured, dimensional feel

Die Struck Pins

Classic all-metal finish, no enamel color

Cloisonné Pins

Smooth, jewelry-quality hard enamel

Offset Printed Pins

Photographic detail and unlimited colors