⚡ Quick Answer (30 seconds)
- Internally threaded: threads inside the ball. Bar is smooth. ✅ Safe.
- Externally threaded: threads on the bar. Ball is smooth. ❌ Scrapes piercing during swap.
- Threadless (push-pin): no threads at all. Pop-on top. ✅✅ Safest option.
→ Full comparison, why threading matters, and how to identify yours below.
Threading seems like a minor detail on body jewelry — but it determines whether swapping your ends will damage the piercing channel or not. This guide explains the three main threading systems, shows you how to identify each, and explains why externally threaded jewelry (still widely sold) is a slow way to sabotage your piercing.
Shop Internally Threaded & Threadless Jewelry
Prioritize internally threaded or threadless pieces when you want smoother insertion and less irritation during jewelry changes.
- 16 Gauge Titanium Internally Threaded Crystal Ends Circular Barbell – $12.99: 16G titanium internally threaded circular barbell.
- 16 Gauge Titanium Internally Threaded Circular Barbell – $14.29: 16G titanium internally threaded circular barbell with horseshoe style.
- Titanium Curved Internally Threaded Barbell – $6.95: Titanium internally threaded curved barbell material reference.
- Teardrop Dangle Clear CZ Internally Threaded Titanium Belly Button Ring – $18.99: Teardrop dangle clear CZ internally threaded titanium belly ring.
- White Opalite Titanium Threadless Floating Belly Button Ring (Convex Disk) – $12.99: Threadless floating titanium belly button ring.
The Three Threading Systems
1. Externally Threaded
Threads are on the bar, ball has a hollow threaded hole. Cheapest to manufacture. Most budget jewelry uses this design.
Problem: every time you swap the ball, the threads drag through your piercing channel, leaving microscopic scratches. Over months to years, this causes tissue irritation, slower healing, and channel enlargement.
2. Internally Threaded
Threads are inside the ball, bar has a small threaded insert on the tip. Bar is smooth through the piercing channel. Much more expensive to machine.
Swapping balls doesn’t scrape the piercing. This is the APP-recommended standard for fresh piercings.
3. Threadless (Push-Pin / Push-Fit)
No threads at all. The top has a tiny pin that press-fits into the bar. A slight bend in the pin provides tension to hold it in place.
Advantages: instant swaps, no threading damage, no scraping. Growing in popularity — now the preferred system for quality manufacturers.
Comparison Table
| Feature | External | Internal | Threadless |
|---|---|---|---|
| Price | Low | Mid-High | Mid-High |
| Piercing safety | ❌ Scrapes channel | ✅ Safe | ✅✅ Safest |
| Ease of swapping | Moderate | Moderate | Fastest |
| Self-swapping | Risky | OK | Easy |
| Fresh piercing | ❌ No | ✅ OK | ✅✅ Yes |
| Ball-loss risk | Moderate (loosens) | Low | Very Low |
✨ Shop Internally Threaded & Threadless Jewelry
All TBR body jewelry is internally threaded or threadless — never externally threaded. Safer swaps, healthier piercings.
How to Identify Your Jewelry
- Remove the ball/end from the bar
- Look at the bar tip:
- Threads on the bar (grooves around the tip) = Externally threaded
- Smooth bar with small threaded post inside a hole = Internally threaded
- Smooth bar with no threads anywhere = Threadless
- Look at the ball:
- Threaded hole = either external (fits external bar) or internal (has tiny thread insert)
- Smooth pin sticking out = threadless
Why This Matters
Every time you change jewelry, the bar passes back and forth through your piercing channel. With external threads:
- Each swap causes small scratches
- Tissue inflammation from repeated trauma
- Healing channels never truly stabilize
- Bumps, irritation, and scar tissue formation
- Long-term channel enlargement
Switch your externally threaded pieces to internally threaded or threadless — your piercings will visibly improve within 2-4 weeks.
Cost Differences
- Externally threaded: $10-25 for titanium bars
- Internally threaded: $25-60 for titanium
- Threadless: $30-70 for titanium
The extra $10-30 for internally threaded or threadless is the single best investment in your piercing’s long-term health.
For standards, refer to the Association of Professional Piercers (APP).
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s wrong with externally threaded jewelry?
The threads are on the bar, so they scrape through your piercing channel with every swap. This causes microscopic damage, inflammation, slower healing, and long-term channel enlargement.
How can I tell if my jewelry is internally or externally threaded?
Remove the ball. External: visible thread grooves on the bar tip. Internal: smooth bar with a tiny threaded post. Threadless: smooth bar and a small straight pin on the ball.
Is threadless better than internally threaded?
Marginally. Both are safe; threadless is slightly safer (no threads at all) and faster to swap. Internally threaded is slightly more secure (won’t pop off accidentally).
Can I replace external threads with internal in an existing piercing?
Yes — just buy internally threaded jewelry in the same gauge and swap it in. Your piercing will benefit immediately.
Why is externally threaded jewelry still sold?
It’s cheaper to manufacture. Budget shops and uninformed retailers still sell it because of price. Quality brands have moved away from external threading entirely.
Do threadless ends fall off easily?
Quality threadless systems are secure — the pin has a slight bend that wedges into the bar. Cheap imitations can be loose. Stick with reputable brands.
Is internally threaded jewelry compatible with my bar?
Only if both are compatible. External bars need externally threaded balls; internal bars need internally threaded balls; threadless has its own system. They aren’t interchangeable — buy matching parts.
How much more does internally threaded cost?
$10-30 more than externally threaded. The investment pays for itself in reduced healing complications and longer-lasting piercings.
About the author
Mona Lin — Head of Piercing Education at The Body Rings. APP member, 10+ years professional body piercing experience.