What to Look for in an Enamel Pin Backing
By Alon Time Co | Published: 2026-10-19
Category: Buying Guides
Choosing the right enamel pin backing affects security, ease of use, and display style. This guide compares rubber clutches, butterfly clasps, and locking pin backs so you know which to pick.
Quick answer
Choose locking pin backs for high-security wear, rubber clutches for everyday comfort, and butterfly clasps for temporary display. Your choice depends on how often you move the pin and how much you worry about losing it.
Why backing type matters more than you think
The backing is the part of the pin that actually keeps it attached to your bag, jacket, or hat. A poor backing can let your pin fall off unnoticed, while the wrong style can scratch fabric or be difficult to fasten one-handed. Each type has a clear strength and a real weakness.
Rubber clutches are the most common because they are cheap, quiet, and gentle on fabric. Butterflies (also called butterfly clutches) use spring-loaded metal prongs that grip the pin post tightly but can slip over time. Locking pin backs use a small screw or key mechanism that physically prevents the backing from sliding off.
Trade-offs between security and convenience
Locking backs are the most secure option, but they require two hands and a few extra seconds to fasten or remove. If you change pins daily, this gets annoying. Rubber clutches are fast and easy but can loosen after repeated use, especially on thick fabrics. Butterfly clasps offer a middle ground but are prone to wearing out after a few dozen removals.
Consider where you will wear the pin. A pin on a backpack that gets tossed around needs more security than one on a lanyard that stays stationary.
How to choose your pin backing
- Rubber clutch: Best for soft fabrics and frequent pin changes. Push the pin through, then press the rubber clutch onto the post until it clicks. Remove by pulling the clutch straight off. Replace clutches when they feel loose – they are inexpensive and sold in bulk.
- Butterfly clasp: Good for medium-security situations. Squeeze the two metal wings to open the jaws, slide onto the pin post, then release. To remove, squeeze again and pull. Check the grip strength after a few uses; bent prongs mean the clasp is worn out.
- Locking pin back: Best for valuable or sentimental pins. Screw the backing onto the threaded post or use a small hex key to tighten. Unscrew to remove. Keep the tiny key or screwdriver in a safe place – losing it makes removal very difficult.
Real pin example
- MTA Orange Subway Seats - Soft Gold Enamel Pin With Backing Card: This pin includes 2 rubber backings and measures approximately 1.5” x 0.81” with a polished gold metal finish. Rubber backings keep the pin comfortable against fabric and are easy to fasten, making this a good choice for everyday wear on a jacket or bag where you might swap pins often.
MTA Orange Subway Seats - Soft Gold Enamel Pin With Backing Card
Which backing fits your habit?
Best for
- Commuters and travelers who wear pins on backpacks or outerwear and want maximum security
- Collectors who own a few high-value pins and rarely swap them
Not for
- People who change pins daily or wear pins on delicate fabrics – locking backs are slower and can snag
- Casual wearers who want a quick, no-tool option – rubber clutches are simpler
