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Removing body jewelry
Jewelry TypeJewelry DescriptionRemoval ToolsRemoval Technique
Barbell (straight, curved, or circular)
Straight, curved, or circular post with balls on the ends; one or both of the balls unscrew from the rod
  • Gloves
  • Ball grabber
  • Bead tweezer
  • Ring forceps
  • Grasp the removable ball with the ball grabber, bead tweezer, or ring forceps while holding the opposite end still, and turn the ball counterclockwise to loosen it.
  • After loosening the ball, fully unscrew it by hand and pull the open end of the post toward the side of the stationary ball to remove it.
  • Use caution when pulling the post through the body part to prevent injury from any screw threads on the end of the post.
Captive bead ring (also called ball closure ring)
Sphere (or other shape) held in place by the tension of the ring
  • Gloves
  • Ring-opening or ring-spreading pliers
  • Insert ring-opening or ring-spreading pliers into the middle of the ring, and slowly pry the ring open.
  • Remove the ball; then remove the ring.
  • Use care when removing the ball, which can fall when separated from the ring.
Labret or Monroe
Straight barbell with one flat end resembling the head of a nail; the ball may be attached to the post with either internal or external threading
  • Gloves
  • Bead tweezers
  • Stabilize the stud with the bead tweezers or your gloved fingers, and rotate the ball counterclockwise.
  • Use caution when pulling the post through the body part to prevent injury from any screw threads on the end of the post.
Tunnel
Large, round tube usually held in place with an O-ring; the tunnel may be flared on one end
  • Gloves
  • Lubricating gel
  • If the tunnel has an O-ring, slide it off and remove the tube.
  • If the tunnel has a flared outer edge held in place by the surface tension of the skin, use gentle traction and lubricating gel during removal.
  • If the tunnel consists of two separate pieces screwed together, grasp each half (front and back) and rotate counterclockwise to separate.