F.A.Q - Body Jewellery
Q: What materials are suitable for use in piercings?
A: Some of the most popular types are:
Stainless Steel grades 316L and 316LVM
Titanium (grade 23)
Niobium
PTFE
Gold (14 carat and above)
Q: How do I remove a BCR (Ball Closure Ring)?
A: BCR’s (CBR Captive Bead Rings) have a ball that had two ‘dimples’ in it, the ring is opened and
the ring engages in the ‘dimples’. You can remove the ring by using a special pair of pliers known as circlip pliers (they are used primarily in the automotive industry) or use the ‘proper’ ring opening pliers.
Here you can see a illustration of where you need to apply pressure to, for removal of the ball. We also have a video clip showing this.
Q: The Ball just falls out of my BCR, why?
A: You have over stressed the BCR, you need to compress it with a pair of closing pliers. See a video clip showing this.
Q: How do I remove a barbell?
A: Most barbells can be removed by a simple unscrewing action, they are normally (I haven’t come across one) a standard thread, i.e. anticlockwise to undo, see the diagram. On some barbells only one ball unscrews, these are good for using in the tongue piercing, as you fit them with the fixed ball at the top, ensuring you don’t
swallow the ball should it come lose!
Q: How do I remove a Labret stud?
A: Exactly the same as the barbell above, the only difference is getting a grip on the ‘plate’ on the other end of the labret stud.
Q: What is PTFE?
A: You can find some more info on PTFE here.
Q: Why would I want to use PTFE?
A: PTFE has excellent characteristics and is well suited for use in body piercings. One of the main advantages is that it is flexible, so you are less likely to damage your piercing, should you be unfortunate enough to snag it.
Q: What is PTFE?
A: You can find some more info on PTFE here.
Q: Why would I want to use PTFE?
A: PTFE has excellent characteristics and is well suited for use in body piercings. One of the main advantages is that it is flexible, so you are less likely to damage your piercing, should you be unfortunate enough to snag it.
Q: How do I thread the balls on to PTFE bars?
A: You need to hold the bar and turn the ball whilst gently applying a steady pressure. It can be a little tricky (especially with 3mm balls on 1.2mm bars!) but the thread should catch eventually. If you are using UV/Acrylic balls I would recommend that you thread the bar with a steel ball first. We also have a video clip showing this.
Q: Is it true that you can reuse jewellery?
A: Yes, but you must properly clean and sterilise it first! Unless you have access to cleaning equipment and an autoclave you should leave it to the professionals! You can, however, reuse jewellery on your own piercings as long as you don’t let someone else wear it of course!
Q: Where can I purchase jewellery for my piercing?
A: ALWAYS ensure you choose reputable company to supply you jewellery, as there have been cases of cheap, low-grade materials being passed off as 316L!
Q: What is the difference between internal and external threaded jewellery?
A: Externally threaded jewellery is the most common, (the thread is on the outside of the bar) because of price mainly. The advantage of internally threaded jewellery is that the rough ‘thread’ does not have to pass through the skin when changing the jewellery and they are much less likely to undo.
Q: Why do you spell ‘jewelery’ incorrectly?
A: I’m English, forgive me:)
Q: Where can I find out more about jewellery?
A: You can find images of body piercing jewellery in the jewellery area of this site.