How to Remove a Security Tag from Clothing

Reviewed by Melissa Young

Last Updated: December 11, 2024 Fact Checked

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.

Method 1

Method 1 of 8:

Using Rubber Bands

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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.
Move it as far away as possible so the ink doesn't ruin the clothing as much if the sensor cracks.

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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.
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.

Method 2

Method 2 of 8:

Using a Screwdriver

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This should pierce the plastic and pull it up.
You'll be able to see the metal plate below it.
The pin should easily slide through the now-free hole and the tag should be removed.

Method 3

Method 3 of 8:

Using a Magnet

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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
Place the dome side of the tag against the magnet.^{[1]
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Research source}
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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Research source}

Method 4

Method 4 of 8:

Freezing the Tag

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Freeze the garment overnight for best results.
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.

Method 5

Method 5 of 8:

Hitting the Tag

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Do this ten or so times, until it loosens the pin a bit.
The nail should be bigger than the tag, and the head of the nail should be at least as wide as a penny.
Hold the long plastic part of the tag to the side.
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.

Method 6

Method 6 of 8:

Using Needle-Nose Pliers

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Don't bend too hard or the tag will crack in half and spill ink everywhere.
This should loosen the pin and make it pop off.

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.

Method 8

Method 8 of 8:

Burning the Tag

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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]
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Research source}
2
Use a knife or similar object to chop the dome.
3
As you keep scooping in, you will find a spring and tag will pretty much pop out.<ref>https://www.youtube.com/shorts/PT-y0k4O1Es</ref

Community Q&A

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Question

What kind of magnet do I need to remove a security tag?

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

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.

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Question

Can I remove the tag by cutting the wire?

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

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.

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Question

Do these tags set off the alarms at the door?

Community Answer

Quite often, yes, they are designed to set off an alarm, but this isn't the case in every store.

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Tips

You could also crack it open walnut-style with pliers.

Thanks
Helpful 29 Not Helpful 20
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.

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Helpful 29 Not Helpful 22
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.

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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