What Pins Are Best?
The best safety pins come from dry cleaning supply companies. They’re sold in bulk, 10 gross to a box (1440 pins). If you don’t need that many, split an order with other Consignment Mommies. The company I use personally occasionally has Buy2, Get 1 Free sales on their safety pins. As much as I love Dollar Tree for stocking my consignment sale prep kit, their safety pins are the worst. Save the frustration of breaking and bending safety pins. Spending a little more on safety pins is worth it!
Safety Pin Sizing
It’s tough to know what sizes work best for what items. Here are what the sizes mean:
- Size 00 or 2/0 = ¾ inch
- Size 0 = 7/8 inch
- Size 1 = 1-1/16 inch
- Size 2 = 1-1/2 inch
- Size 3 = 2 inches
- Size 4 = 3 inches (also known as blanket pins)
Stick with size 1 or 2 for attaching tags. Use sizes 2 and 3 to attach pants to hangers. Size 4 are great for bundling diapers, receiving blankets and other items that are thicker, but sell great in bundles. Save size 00 and 0 for your craft box. Your fingers will thank you.
Safety Pin First Aid
If you accidentally stab your finger with a safety pin, try applying deodorant that contains aluminum chloride to the wound. It should stop the bleeding pretty quickly and cause the wound to clot.
How to Make “Pinning” Smoother
Having trouble getting your pins to go through your cardstock or fabric? Try running the pin across a dry bar of glycerin soap. You’ll be surprised at how smoothly you can tag anything with extra little step!
About the Author
Elizabeth Renfroe has a passion for all things consignment sale-related. She enjoys coordinating the Children’s Market Sale at First United Methodist Church, Jacksonville, Alabama.