One of the great advantages of PTFE flexible body jewellery is that it can easily be shortened and re-threaded at home. This allows you to customise the length of your belly ring for a more comfortable fit—particularly useful for pregnancy jewellery, retainers and custom-length belly bars.
Step 1 – Work Out Your Required Length
Before cutting, decide how long you would like your finished bar to be.
Remember that body jewellery post length is measured between the balls or decorative ends, rather than including them.
If you're unsure about sizing, visit our Body Jewellery Size Guide:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/pages/belly-ring-size-guide
Step 2 – Cut the PTFE Bar
Using a clean, sharp pair of scissors, cut the PTFE bar to your desired length.
Cut the end on a slight angle rather than completely straight. The angled edge makes it easier for the threaded ball to bite into the PTFE and begin creating a new thread.
It's always better to leave the bar slightly longer on your first cut—you can take a little more off, but you can't put it back!
Step 3 – Create the New Thread
PTFE is self-threading, so you don't need any specialist equipment.
For the easiest result, use a compatible surgical steel threaded ball to create the initial thread.
Position the ball against the freshly cut end of the PTFE and, while applying firm, steady pressure, begin screwing the ball onto the bar. The metal thread will gradually cut its own matching thread into the softer PTFE material.
You may need to screw the ball on and off a few times until a secure thread has formed.
Step 4 – Fit Your Preferred Ball
Once you've successfully created the thread, you can leave the surgical steel ball in place or replace it with a compatible PTFE or decorative ball.
If you're using a PTFE ball, avoid overtightening it. It only needs to be comfortably secure—excessive tightening can damage or crack softer components.
Want to Make Your Own PTFE Belly Ring?
We also sell DIY Flexible PTFE Belly Ring Wire, allowing you to choose your own length and add compatible balls or components to create a completely customised flexible belly bar.
Shop DIY PTFE Belly Ring Wire:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/products/ptfe-belly-ring-wire
You can also explore our Design Your Own Belly Rings collection for more DIY jewellery options:
https://www.thebellyringshop.com.au/collections/design-your-own-belly-rings
A Few Helpful Tips
- Measure before you cut. If in doubt, start longer and shorten gradually.
- Use a slight angled cut to make starting the new thread easier.
- A surgical steel ball is best for initially cutting the thread into the PTFE.
- Apply firm, steady pressure when creating the thread rather than forcing it.
- Once threaded, avoid overtightening the ball.
- Always make sure the ball feels securely attached before wearing your jewellery.
The beauty of PTFE is its flexibility and versatility. Once you know how to cut and re-thread it, you can easily customise your jewellery as your sizing needs change.