The easiest way to remove screw in or push pin flat back earrings, even if they’re stuck

If you recently got your ears pierced or are an earring junkie, you probably know that flat back earrings are more comfortable and wearable than traditional butterfly backs. However, these little earrings can be difficult to remove and leave you feeling like they’ll be stuck in your ear forever. Do not fear, because in this handy guide we’ll tell you how to easily remove each type of flat back earring, plus give you tips on how to get them out if they’re stuck.

Things You Should Know

  • Remove screw in flat back earrings by rotating the front piece of the stud to the left.
  • To remove push pin flat back earrings, pull the front piece of the stud and the back post apart.
  • If your earrings are stuck, apply rubbing alcohol or petroleum jelly to loosen them up.
Section 1 of 3:

Screw in Flat Backs

  1. Rotate the front piece counterclockwise to unscrew it from the post. Gently grip the front, decorative piece of the earring with one hand and the flat back post with your other. Unscrew the front part of the stud by turning it to the left until it is loose from the stud.[1]
    • With most flat back earrings, you screw the top, decorative bit into the backing post. However, some earrings may be reversed, so you will need to unscrew the flat back piece from the stud.
    • The screw in flat back earring is also called an internally threaded flat back.
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Section 3 of 3:

Stuck Earring Tips

  1. 1
    Remove buildup around the earring with rubbing alcohol. Pour rubbing alcohol on a cotton pad and pat it around your earring and earlobe. This will remove any dead skin cells and buildup that might make your earring stick.[3]
  2. 2
    Lubricate the post with petroleum jelly. With clean hands, take a bit of petroleum jelly and massage it around the earring. Move your earring back and forth to work the jelly into the hole and loosen the earring.[4]
  3. 3
    Wear a clean pair of latex gloves for extra grip. If your earrings are really tight and stuck on, latex gloves will help you hold onto the front piece of the earring as you unscrew or pull it out.[5]
  4. 4
    Ask your ear piercer for assistance. If you are still having trouble removing a stuck flat back earring, make an appointment with your piercer to remove your earrings. If this isn’t a new piercing, call your local piercing shop to see if they can help you.[6]
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Things You’ll Need

About This Article

Devin McSween
Co-authored by:
wikiHow Staff Writer
This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Devin McSween. Devin McSween is a wikiHow Staff Writer. With a background in psychology, she has presented her research in social psychology at a variety of conferences and has contributed to several manuscripts for publication. At wikiHow, Devin combines her love of writing and research with the goal of bringing accessible information to wikiHow readers that will help them learn and grow. She earned her BS in Psychology from the College of Charleston. This article has been viewed 46,869 times.
13 votes - 52%
Co-authors: 2
Updated: October 25, 2022
Views: 46,869
Categories: Earrings
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