You just bought the perfect new threadless jewelry, put it on, and then it falls out. Again. And then again. 

Don't panic -- you aren't cursed and your jewelry isn't broken. Your threadless jewelry may just need a little adjustment to stay snug, and we're here to show you exactly how to fix it at home and by yourself.

Let's break down everything you need to know about threadless jewelry-- from how it works, why it gets loose, and how to tighten it.

🔩 What Is Threadless Jewelry?

Threadless jewelry, also called push-fit jewelry, is made of two pieces:

-A post or bar (think of your regular threaded flat back labret post or curved barbell, instead of threading at the end of the post/bar, threadless jewelry will have a hollow center).

-Decorative end (whether it's a ball, charm, gem, etc. this piece will have a straight or slightly bent pin attached).

Instead of screwing the end into the post like traditional threaded jewelry, threadless jewelry stays secure using tension. The pin-end is slightly bent, and when it’s pushed into the post, the bend creates pressure that keeps it from slipping out.

Threadless jewelry is easy to insert, easy to remove, and super popular for nose studs, labrets, cartilage, and more.

😬 Why Does My Threadless Jewelry Feel Loose?

Threadless jewelry should remain secure and only come apart when it's pulled apart. If your threadless jewelry is coming apart easily, it's usually because of one of the following:

-The pin isn't bent enough to create tension inside the post.

-The post or pin is slightly worn down (less common, but can still happen with lots of wear).

The good news is that a slightly loose pin is totally fixable - it just needs to be bent a little more to create that pressure-lock effect. 

🛠️ How to Tighten Threadless Jewelry at Home

Before you start, make sure you are working over a clean and clear surface in case anything drops.

You'll need:

- Your threadless jewelry

- A pair of jewelry pliers (optional)

Method 1 (with pliers):

- Hold jewelry pin near the base of the pliers. 

- Apply a slight bend to the pin. You're not trying to fold it in half, just a small curve that will increase the friction inside the post. 

- Test the fit by inserting the pin into the post. You should feel a slight resistance when inserting. Once the pin is in, gently pull to ensure it's secure. 

- Too tight? Unbend slightly and re-test.

Method 2: Tool- free

No pliers or tools? No problem.

- Insert the pin into the post about one third to halfway.

- Apply pressure to slightly bend the pin while it is inside post.

- Test the fit the same way, push into the post and make sure it hold. 

🔐 Pro Tips for Keeping Threadless Jewelry Secure

- Always check the tension of your new threadless jewelry before wearing. Not all threadless jewelry arrives pre-bent. 

- Avoid bending back and forth too often -- this can fatigue and weaken the pin over time.

- Push the end in firmly until you feel it "catch." If it slides too easily, it could be a sign that it needs to be bent more.

Threadless jewelry is beloved for its ease of insertion and comfortability. A little bend can go a long way in keeping your favorite ends exactly where you want them. So the next time your threadless end is slipping out, don’t panic—just give it a gentle tweak, test it out, and you’re good to go.

Need more threadless jewelry for your collection? Shop our collection of push-fit jewelry in styles for every piercing.