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.
StepsMethod 1Method 1 of 8:Using Rubber Bands
1Place 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.
2Pull 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
3Slip 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.
4Hold the larger part of the ink tag with one hand.
5Pull 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.AdvertisementMethod 2Method 2 of 8:Using a Screwdriver
1Place the item of clothing on the floor with the ink cartridge facing up.
2Take a very thin flathead screwdriver and place it along the edge of the raised square pyramid.
3Press down hard. This should pierce the plastic and pull it up.
4Continue to pop up the perimeter of the plastic.
5Remove the silver paper lining. You’ll be able to see the metal plate below it.
6Use the screwdriver to lift one of the metal arms that holds the pin in place.
7Slide the pin away from the tag. The pin should easily slide through the now-free hole and the tag should be removed.AdvertisementMethod 3Method 3 of 8:Using a Magnet1Find 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.[1]XResearch source2Place the dome side of the tag against the magnet.[2]XResearch source3Pull 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.[3]XResearch sourceAdvertisementMethod 4Method 4 of 8:Freezing the Tag
1Freeze the garment with the ink tag. Freeze the garment overnight for best results.
2Rip 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.AdvertisementMethod 5Method 5 of 8:Hitting the Tag
1Gently pull the tag away from the clothing a few times. Do this ten or so times, until it loosens the pin a bit.
2Find 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.
3Pull the tag away from the clothing. Hold the long plastic part of the tag to the side.
4Hit 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.AdvertisementMethod 6Method 6 of 8:Using Needle-Nose Pliers
1Hold the security tag with the ink cartridge side up.
2Grip one of the sides of the rectangular tag with a pair of pliers.
3Grip the other side of the tag with a different pair of pliers.
4Gently 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.
5Keep bending until it pops open. This should loosen the pin and make it pop off.AdvertisementMethod 7Method 7 of 8:Using Brute Force for Electro-Magnet Tags
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.
1Put something between the tag and the head of the pin to give it some slack.
2Bend the pin back and forth until it breaks.
3Pull the tag straight back so the pin exits the hole it originally went through.
4Break open the tag.AdvertisementMethod 8Method 8 of 8:Burning the Tag
1Burn 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.
2Use a knife or similar object to chop the dome. 
3As you keep scooping in, you will find a spring and tag will pretty much pop out.Advertisement
