How Can I Remove a Target Security Tag without a Magnet?

There are many ways you can remove a Target security tag without a magnet. You can remove the security tag with rubber bands, by freezing the tag, using a screwdriver, using needle-nose pliers, etc. You can also burn the security tag and then remove it.

Key Takeaways

A security tag is a very common type of equipment that you will find on the products of almost every retail store
Almost every retail stores use security tags because it helps the retail stores cut down on shoplifting losses
Usually, in stores, cashiers use an electromagnetic device to deactivate the security tag
If you try to remove the Target security tag in the store then it will set off the alarms at the door

7 Different Ways to Remove a Target Security Tag without a Magnet

Method 1: Remove the Security Tag with Rubber Bands

First place the ink cartridge of the Target security tag face-down. You will find the ink cartridge on the opposite side of the pin.
Now move the ink cartridge as far away as possible from the cloth so that the ink won’t ruin the cloth. You have to pull the part of the clothes that is attached with the security tag.
Next, put a rubber band around the pin of the security tag. You have to pick a large rubber band that is thick and strong.
Then hold the large part of the ink tag with one hand and pull the pin off with another hand. You have to put enough pressure on the pin so that the pin easily pulls apart from the rest of the security tag.
If the security pin isn’t loosened enough then use multiple rubber bands and try again and see if it works!

Method 2: Use a screwdriver to remove the Target Security Tag

First, place the cloth on the floor; make sure the ink cartridge is facing up
Now take a thin flathead screwdriver and then place it along the edge of the square pyramid. Usually, the square pyramid of the Target security tag is raised so that you can easily place the screwdriver.
Next, press down hard and you will see that the screwdriver will pierce the plastic and pull the square pyramid up.

Continue this process until you completely pop up the perimeter of the plastic.
Then remove the silver paper lining and you will be able to see the metal plate below it.
Now use the screwdriver to lift the metal arms that hold the pin in place
After that, you have to slide the pin away from the tag and the security tag will be removed.

Method 3: Freezing the Tag

According to this method, first, you have to freeze the garment with the Target security tag. You have to freeze the cloth for at least 10 – 14 hours to get the best result.
When you keep the cloth in the freeze, it will make the ink freeze. Now use your hand to rip open the security tag.
Moreover, you can also use the rubber band method that I have discussed above to remove the security tag.

Method 4: Hitting the Tag

First, pull the Target security tag gently for a few times.
You should repeat this method for 8 – 10 times until the pin loosens a bit
Now collect a large nail, and make sure the nail is bigger than the tag. Moreover, the head of the nail should be at least as wide as a penny
After that, you have to pull the tag away from the cloth. Now the long plastic of the tag will be visible.
Then hit down on the ink cartridge until it opens up. Don’t give much pressure, gently strike down on the ink cartridge until it pops open.

Method 5: Use Needle-Nose Pliers to remove the Security Tag

First, hold the Target security tag with the ink cartridge side up
Now get a pair of pliers and grip one side of the rectangular tag
Next grip another side of the security tag with other pliers
Now, carefully, bend each side of the tag down using the pliers. Make sure you don’t bend the security tag too hard. If you bend too hard then it will crack the security tag and spill ink everywhere
You should keep bending the security tag until the security tag pops open

Method 6: Use Brute Force for Electro-Magnet Tags

Nowadays, many stores use modern security tags instead of the conventional security tag. Usually, the modern security tags have electro-magnets than ink tanks. Now follow the below steps –
First, put something between the tag and the head of the pin
Now bend the pin-up and down until the security tag breaks
After that, pull the tag straight back; when you do it, the pin of the tag will exit the hole
Finally, you will be able to break open the target security tag

Method 7: Burn the Security Tag

If you closely look at the security tag, you will see a dome-like portion on the tag. Use a lighter to burn the dome-like portion of the tag. Burn the dome-like portion for a few seconds
Next, use a small knife to chop the dome
Keep chopping the dome until you find a spring
If you see the spring then remove the spring and the security tag will pop out automatically

FAQs about How Can I Remove a Target Security Tag without a Magnet