Pin backs and badge fasteners explained: butterfly clutch, locking pin, safety pin, magnet, bulldog clip, or swivel clip?
Pick the fastener for the fabric, not the badge. A magnet protects delicate and knit fabric, a pin is the most secure on heavy work clothing, and a clip is best when the badge moves between garments. Lapel-style fasteners such as the butterfly clutch and locking pin back belong on small pins, not on 1 x 3 inch name badges.
Badge and pin fastener types
| Fastener | How it works | Leaves holes? | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bar pin with safety catch | Steel pin closes into a rotating catch on the badge back | Yes, small | Aprons, vests, heavy uniforms, outerwear; lowest cost |
| Magnetic fastener | Magnet on the badge clamps to a steel or magnet plate inside the garment | No | Dress shirts, blouses, knits, scrubs, blazers, leather |
| Butterfly clutch (military clutch) | Short post pushes through fabric; a spring clutch grips it from behind | Yes, one tiny hole | Lapel pins, service pins, small emblems |
| Locking pin back | Clutch that locks onto the post until a release is pressed | Yes, one tiny hole | Valuable lapel pins that must not fall off |
| Military post fastener | Two posts with clutches, often used on service name bars | Yes, two tiny holes | Uniform name bars that must sit perfectly straight |
| Bulldog clip | Spring jaw that grips a pocket edge, placket, or lapel | No | Moving a badge between shirts; badges on lanyards |
| Pocket clip | Flat clip slides over a shirt pocket | No | Shirts with chest pockets |
| Swivel clip | Clip that rotates so the badge hangs straight | No | Lanyard hooks, belt loops, strap clips |
Which fastener for which fabric?
| Fabric or garment | Best choice | Avoid |
|---|---|---|
| Silk, chiffon, satin | Magnet or clip | Pins (visible holes, pulls) |
| Sweaters and knits | Double magnet | Pins (snag the knit) |
| Dress shirts, blouses, polos | Single or double magnet | Nothing; pins work but leave holes |
| Scrubs and lab coats | Magnet or clip | Loose pins in clinical settings |
| Blazers and suit jackets | Strong (double) magnet or pin | Weak single magnets on thick wool |
| Leather and faux leather | Magnet | Pins (holes are permanent) |
| Aprons, canvas, vests | Pin or bulldog clip | Thin magnets through thick canvas |
| Coats and outerwear | Pin | Magnets through padded layers |
How strong does a magnet need to be?
Magnet strength is measured as pull force, and it drops quickly as the fabric between the magnet and the plate gets thicker. A single magnet is plenty on a shirt or blouse. Two or three neodymium magnets are the right choice for sweaters, blazers, and uniforms. If a badge slides or tilts, the fabric is too thick for that magnet and a stronger version or a pin is the fix. Anyone with a pacemaker or other implanted medical device should choose a pin or clip, not a magnet.
What we recommend
For most teams, a magnetic backing on a 1 x 3 or 1.5 x 3 inch badge looks the most polished and never damages clothing; choose a pin for kitchen, warehouse, and outdoor crews. NameBadge.com builds magnetic and pin backings onto every badge in-house in the USA, and sells spare magnetic fasteners, pin fasteners, military post fasteners, pocket clips, and bulldog clips in packs. Design a badge and choose the backing at checkout. Family-owned since 2008, with free shipping on US orders over $200.
Frequently asked questions
What is a butterfly clutch pin back?
A butterfly clutch, also called a military clutch, is the small spring clip with two "wings" that grips the post on the back of a lapel pin. Squeeze the wings to release it.
What is the most secure pin back?
A locking pin back, which clicks onto the post and will not come off until its release is pressed. For full-size name badges, a bar pin with a closed safety catch is the most secure.
Do magnetic name badges work on thick fabric?
Yes, if the magnet is strong enough. Use a double or triple magnet for sweaters, blazers, and uniforms; on padded coats or thick canvas a pin is more reliable.
Which badge backing does not damage clothes?
Magnetic fasteners and clips. Neither pierces the fabric, which is why they are preferred for silk, knits, leather, and uniforms that are expensive to replace.
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