8 Ways To Remove A Security Tag From Clothing - WikiHow

Home » How To Take Alarm Off Clothes » 8 Ways To Remove A Security Tag From Clothing - WikiHow

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Terms of Use wikiHow is where trusted research and expert knowledge come together. Learn why people trust wikiHow How to Remove a Security Tag from Clothing PDF download Download Article Explore this Article methods 1 Using Rubber Bands 2 Using a Screwdriver 3 Using a Magnet 4 Freezing the Tag 5 Hitting the Tag 6 Using Needle-Nose Pliers 7 Using Brute Force for Electro-Magnet Tags 8 Burning the Tag + Show 5 more... - Show less... Other Sections Questions & Answers Video Tips and Warnings Things You'll Need Related Articles References Article Summary Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: February 19, 2026

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This article was reviewed by Melissa Young. Melissa Young is a Freelance Fashion Stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 10 years of professional experience, Melissa's objective is to elevate people's confidence and comfort through the power of fashion. Her professional background is in commercial styling and she has extensive experience in styling for editorial, television, and film. She has styled for brands including Diageo Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Getty Images, and has been featured in several publications, including PUMP Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina. This article has been viewed 10,644,027 times.

You buy something new and bring it home only to realize the cashier forgot to remove the security tag. Ugh! Fortunately, you can get a security tag off at home without taking a trip all the way back to the store. We've put together an entire list of easy methods to safely and effectively remove different types of tags, whether you've got an ink or magnetic security tag. From using rubber bands to magnets, read on to find a method that'll work for you.

Steps

Method 1 Method 1 of 8:

Using Rubber Bands

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  1. Step 1 Place the ink cartridge of the tag face-down. 1 Place the ink cartridge of the tag face-down. The ink cartridge is the part of the tag that juts out of the plastic. It is on the opposite side of the pin, which is the round part of the tag.
  2. Step 2 Pull the part of the clothing with the tag away from the rest of the clothing. 2 Pull the part of the clothing with the tag away from the rest of the clothing. Move it as far away as possible so the ink doesn't ruin the clothing as much if the sensor cracks. Advertisement
  3. Step 3 Slip a rubber band around the pin of the security tag. 3 Slip a rubber band around the pin of the security tag. The rubber band should be large and thick enough to be strong, but thin enough to fit around the pin. This will loosen the pin.
  4. Step 4 Hold the larger part of the ink tag with one hand. 4 Hold the larger part of the ink tag with one hand.
  5. Step 5 Pull the pin off with the other hand. 5 Pull the pin off with the other hand. The pressure of the pins should be strong enough so that the pin eventually pops off or easily pulls apart from the rest of the tag.
    • If the rubber band didn't loosen it enough, try again with multiple rubber bands.
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Method 2 Method 2 of 8:

Using a Screwdriver

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  1. Step 1 Place the item of clothing on the floor with the ink cartridge facing up. 1 Place the item of clothing on the floor with the ink cartridge facing up.
  2. Step 2 Take a very thin flathead screwdriver and place it along the edge of the raised square pyramid. 2 Take a very thin flathead screwdriver and place it along the edge of the raised square pyramid.
  3. Step 3 Press down hard. 3 Press down hard. This should pierce the plastic and pull it up.
  4. Step 4 Continue to pop up the perimeter of the plastic. 4 Continue to pop up the perimeter of the plastic.
  5. Step 5 Remove the silver paper lining. 5 Remove the silver paper lining. You'll be able to see the metal plate below it.
  6. Step 6 Use the screwdriver to lift one of the metal arms that holds the pin in place. 6 Use the screwdriver to lift one of the metal arms that holds the pin in place.
  7. Step 7 Slide the pin away from the tag. 7 Slide the pin away from the tag. The pin should easily slide through the now-free hole and the tag should be removed.
    8. Advertisement
Method 3 Method 3 of 8:

Using a Magnet

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  1. 1 Find a high-powered magnet. You can use a hard drive magnet or a rare earth magnet since most tags are deactivated in stores with electromagnetic devices.
  2. 2 Place the dome side of the tag against the magnet.[1]
  3. 3 Pull the magnet away from the tag. The two parts of the tag should separate. If they don’t separate on their own, apply a little force. For instance, if you’re using a security tag that has a pin on the back, you may need to simply pull the pin out.[2]
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Method 4 Method 4 of 8:

Freezing the Tag

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  1. Step 1 Freeze the garment with the ink tag. 1 Freeze the garment with the ink tag. Freeze the garment overnight for best results.
  2. Step 2 Rip open the tag. 2 Rip open the tag. You can just use your hands, pliers, or the rubber band method. This will ensure that the ink won't spill everywhere if you make a mistake -- ink can't spill if it's frozen.
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Method 5 Method 5 of 8:

Hitting the Tag

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  1. Step 1 Gently pull the tag away from the clothing a few times. 1 Gently pull the tag away from the clothing a few times. Do this ten or so times, until it loosens the pin a bit.
  2. Step 2 Find a large nail. 2 Find a large nail. The nail should be bigger than the tag, and the head of the nail should be at least as wide as a penny.
  3. Step 3 Pull the tag away from the clothing. 3 Pull the tag away from the clothing. Hold the long plastic part of the tag to the side.
  4. Step 4 Hit down on the ink cartridge until it pops open. 4 Hit down on the ink cartridge until it pops open. Without applying too much force, repeatedly strike down on the ink cartridge until it pops open. You may have to hit it twenty or more times to get it right.
    • Be careful not to hit it too hard, or the tag will be more likely to burst open.
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Method 6 Method 6 of 8:

Using Needle-Nose Pliers

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  1. Step 1 Hold the security tag with the ink cartridge side up. 1 Hold the security tag with the ink cartridge side up.
  2. Step 2 Grip one of the sides of the rectangular tag with a pair of pliers. 2 Grip one of the sides of the rectangular tag with a pair of pliers.
  3. Step 3 Grip the other side of the tag with a different pair of pliers. 3 Grip the other side of the tag with a different pair of pliers.
  4. Step 4 Gently bend each side of the tag down using the pliers. 4 Gently bend each side of the tag down using the pliers. Don't bend too hard or the tag will crack in half and spill ink everywhere.
  5. Step 5 Keep bending until it pops open. 5 Keep bending until it pops open. This should loosen the pin and make it pop off.
    6. Advertisement
Method 7 Method 7 of 8:

Using Brute Force for Electro-Magnet Tags

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Many modern tags actually contain an electro-magnet, not an ink pouch; upon breaking it open, you will see for yourself that there's no ink inside it.

  1. Step 1 Put something between the tag and the head of the pin to give it some slack. 1 Put something between the tag and the head of the pin to give it some slack.
  2. Step 2 Bend the pin back and forth until it breaks. 2 Bend the pin back and forth until it breaks.
  3. Step 3 Pull the tag straight back so the pin exits the hole it originally went through. 3 Pull the tag straight back so the pin exits the hole it originally went through.
  4. Step 4 Break open the tag. 4 Break open the tag.
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Method 8 Method 8 of 8:

Burning the Tag

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  1. 1 Burn the dome-like portion of the tag with a lighter. After burning it for few seconds, it will, most likely, catch fire as it’s plastic.[3]
  2. 2 Use a knife or similar object to chop the dome.
  3. 3 As you keep scooping in, you will find a spring and tag will pretty much pop out.[4]
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Community Q&A

Search Add New Question
  • Question What kind of magnet do I need to remove a security tag? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Many security tags are deactivated in-store with an electromagnetic device. To remove them at home, use a high-powered magnet, such as a hard drive magnet. Place the magnet on a flat surface and lay the tag on top of it with the ink dome or cartridge facing down. You should hear a click letting you know the tag has deactivated. Wiggle the pins in the tag up and down to release them. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 142 Helpful 134
  • Question Can I remove the tag by cutting the wire? wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer This answer was written by one of our trained team of researchers who validated it for accuracy and comprehensiveness. wikiHow Staff Editor wikiHow Staff Editor Staff Answer Most garment security tags have 1 or more pins inside that secure the cartridge to the body of the tag. You may be able to cut the wire if you can manage to get a wire cutter between the 2 halves of the tag, but these pins are thick and may be difficult to cut. Another option is to use a Dremel tool, but either method could damage your garment. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 70 Helpful 70
  • Question Do these tags set off the alarms at the door? Community Answer Community Answer Quite often, yes, they are designed to set off an alarm, but this isn't the case in every store. Thanks! We're glad this was helpful. Thank you for your feedback. If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow Yes No Not Helpful 65 Helpful 116
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Video

Tips

  • You could also crack it open walnut-style with pliers. Thanks Helpful 36 Not Helpful 24
  • Use a hammer. A bit neanderthal but as long as there is no ink, it works in 3-4 smashes. Turn security tag sideways for better efficiency. Thanks Helpful 39 Not Helpful 27
  • Take a piece of cardstock and cut it with scissors just enough to slide it under the ink part of the alarm that way the ink won't spread all over the garment when you try taking it off. This works for the rectangular tabs with the round pin fastener. Thanks Helpful 28 Not Helpful 22
Show More Tips Submit a Tip All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published Name Please provide your name and last initial Submit Thanks for submitting a tip for review! Advertisement

Things You'll Need

  • Thin, flathead screwdriver.
  • Hammer
  • Both hands (or a friend!)
  • A sharp knife can be used in place of the screwdriver as it is easier to just cut the plastic pyramid off rather than pry it off
  • High-powered magnet

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References

  1. ↑ https://youtu.be/WJENcL2Uaos?t=37
  2. ↑ https://youtu.be/WJENcL2Uaos?t=37
  3. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PT-y0k4O1Es
  4. ↑ https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PT-y0k4O1Es

About This Article

Melissa Young Reviewed by: Melissa Young Freelance Fashion Stylist This article was reviewed by Melissa Young. Melissa Young is a Freelance Fashion Stylist based in Atlanta, Georgia. With over 10 years of professional experience, Melissa's objective is to elevate people's confidence and comfort through the power of fashion. Her professional background is in commercial styling and she has extensive experience in styling for editorial, television, and film. She has styled for brands including Diageo Crown Royal, Hilton Hotels, IHG Hotels, and Getty Images, and has been featured in several publications, including PUMP Magazine, Moevir Magazine, and Upscale Magazine. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies from the University of South Carolina. This article has been viewed 10,644,027 times. 127 votes - 58% Co-authors: 66 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 10,644,027 Categories: Fashion Fixes Article SummaryX

If you brought an item of clothing home from the store only to find that the security tag is still attached, don’t fret. There are a few different ways to get those tags off without damaging your items. If it’s an ink tag, hold the larger part of the tag, which contains the ink cartridge, facing down. Pull it as far away from the surface of the clothing as possible so you don’t accidentally get ink on it if the cartridge breaks. Wrap a rubber band around the pin that holds the tag in place. This will help loosen the pin. Grab the larger side of the tag with one hand and the smaller part with the other, then firmly pull the two sides apart. If it still isn’t loose enough, try wrapping a few more rubber bands around the pin. If you don’t have any rubber bands, hold the cartridge facing up and carefully pry off the pyramid-shaped cap with a flat-head screwdriver. Peel off the foil seal underneath, then use the screwdriver to pry off the metal plate that holds the pin in place. Then, you should be able to simply slide the cartridge up off of the pin and release the tag. Whichever method you use, it can also be helpful to put the garment in the freezer overnight to freeze the ink so it doesn’t spill when you pull off the tag. If you’re dealing with an electromagnetic tag instead of an ink tag, you may be able to get it off with brute force. Wedge something between the tag and the head of the pin holding it in place, such as the edge of a flathead screwdriver. Grab the tag and wiggle it back and forth until the pin breaks, then break open the tag and pull it off. If you have a powerful magnet, such as a hard drive magnet, you can also try laying the tag flat on top of it. Listen for a clicking sound as the tag deactivates, then gently wiggle it free from the pins to release it from your garment. 
For more tips, including how to remove a security tag using rubber bands or pliers, read on! Did this summary help you?YesNo

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Reader Success Stories

  • Anonymous

    Anonymous

    Nov 3, 2016

    "I wasn't sure what type I had. I tried a neodymium magnet. It didn't work. It wasn't magnetic. So I..." more
More reader stories Hide reader stories Share your story

Did this article help you?

Yes No Advertisement Cookies make wikiHow better. By continuing to use our site, you agree to our cookie policy. Melissa Young Reviewed by: Melissa Young Freelance Fashion Stylist 127 votes - 58% Click a star to vote Co-authors: 66 Updated: February 19, 2026 Views: 10,644,027 Anonymous

Anonymous

Nov 3, 2016

"I wasn't sure what type I had. I tried a neodymium magnet. It didn't work. It wasn't magnetic. So I..." more Faith Van

Faith Van

Apr 10, 2019

"The rubber band method worked like a charm. I bought my husband a pair of socks as a present while on vacation, and..." more Jujy Lyley

Jujy Lyley

Jun 30, 2016

"I had to use 3 thick rubber bands and keep winding it tighter around the pin. Then I kept pulling on the pin and..." more Poppy Granger

Poppy Granger

Jan 6, 2019

"I bought a new hoodie from the mall, and realized the security tag was still on it. I wondered if I could take it..." more Paul Breuring

Paul Breuring

Oct 13, 2019

"Bought a coat this afternoon, and after getting home, I realized the lady at the till forgot to take the security..." more Share yours! More success stories Hide success stories

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Tag » How To Take Alarm Off Clothes