HOW TO TIGHTEN TENSION FIT EARRING BACKS
Most friction fit earring backers will stretch, including more costly metal butterfly backers. The tension can be adjusted on your backers easier than what you may think. Silicone backers should be thrown away when stretched out.
Until recently, it never occurred to me that extending the life of friction backers could be done, and as it turns out there are many articles on the subject. Before making this discovery, I came up with a method that would work well for those of us with physical annoyances, such as eyesight or arthritis, that would otherwise make this frustrating beyond words. The tool list is short...a bobby pin or piece of bent wire and a pair of inexpensive loop closing pliers is all that is needed.
TOOLS
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The bobby pin allows you more control of that tiny little piece of metal. If you drop it, you are more likely to find it. The bobby pin or wire also makes it possible to adjust the smaller titanium backers, whereas most tutorials suggest holding the larger backers with your fingers, and do not address tightening the fit on the smaller backers.
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shown with the smallest 6mm backer
If you are placing an order for backers, and need a bobby pin, ASK, AND YOU SHALL RECEIVE :-)
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You probably have flat pliers around the house, and that would certainly get the job done, but if you prefer the metal backers over the silicone backers, an investment of $10 will make the task easier and faster. The LOOP CLOSING PLIERS hold the backer more securely in the formed indentation, without easily slipping out. |
closeup of indentation
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NOT ALL SIZE BACKERS ARE ADJUSTED THE SAME
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Position the SMALL & MEDIUM backers in line with the groove, keeping the loops as perpendicular as possible. SQUEEZE VERY GENTLY. You do not want to apply much force.
If the loops get slightly twisted, there is a fix at the end of this page. |
6MM & 7MM BACKERS
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The LARGE BACKERS will not fit in the groove of the pliers. Adjust the position by turning 90 degrees, facing the loops towards the pliers. Apply the same precautions as you would for the smaller backers. This position would also work for the smaller backs, if it is easier for you. |
larger 9MM BACKER
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IF THE LOOPS TWIST, straighten them by using the tip or sides of the pliers. |
ALIGNING THE LOOPS
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IF THE TENSION IS TOO TIGHT, the backer will be as worthless as too loose, and you run the risk of bending the post. To release tension, ever so gently separate the loops. A pair of needle nose pliers or ring opening pliers can help. |
RELEASING TENSION ON BUTTERFLY BACKS
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