If the ball on your body jewellery feels impossibly tight, don't panic! Threaded balls can sometimes be firmly secured during manufacturing or become difficult to grip, but there are a few simple tricks that usually get them moving.
First, Check You're Turning the Right Way
Hold the bar firmly and turn the removable ball anti-clockwise (to the left) to loosen it.
Remember: lefyty loosey, righty tighty.
Get a Better Grip
Often the problem isn't actually that the ball is extremely tight—it's simply difficult to get enough grip on such a small, smooth surface.
Try wearing a pair of clean disposable rubber or nitrile gloves. The extra grip can make a huge difference.
A small piece of clean rubber or a rubber jar-opening grip can also help.
Still Won't Budge?
If the jewellery has not yet been inserted into your piercing, you can carefully try using pliers as a last resort.
Cover the ball with a thick, soft cloth to protect the finish, then gently grip the ball with the pliers while holding the bar securely and turn anti-clockwise.
Take particular care with plated, polished or decorative finishes, as metal tools can permanently scratch or damage the jewellery.
If You're Wearing the Jewellery
If the jewellery is currently in your piercing and the ball won't come loose, we don't recommend using pliers on yourself. A professional piercer has suitable tools and can usually remove a stubborn ball very quickly without risking injury or damaging your jewellery.
Still Having Trouble?
If your new jewellery arrived with a ball that simply won't unscrew despite trying the methods above, please don't force it or risk damaging your new piece.
Contact us via our Shopper Assistance page and we'll be happy to help:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/pages/shopper-assistance