Badge Attachments Explained: Pins, Clips, Screws and Velcro
If your badge sits raised, tips to one side or creates a lump in your wallet, take a look at the back of it. The attachment can make a big difference to how the finished wallet carries.
Pins, posts, clips, snaps and Velcro all secure a badge differently. This guide explains our badge attachment options, how they affect fit, and when removing the original hardware for a Velcro conversion can help.
The badge cutout and attachment do different jobs
The cutout follows the outline of your badge. The attachment secures the badge to the backing inside the wallet. A good result depends on both parts working together.
If there are large gaps around the badge, or the opening does not match its shape, changing the attachment will not correct the cutout. If the outline matches but the badge stands proud or presses into the back of the wallet, the hardware may be the issue.
A badge designed to pin onto clothing can have more hardware than you need for wallet carry. The face may look right from the front while a pin, clip or long post underneath holds it away from the backing. Start by identifying what is actually creating the extra thickness.
How the main badge attachments compare
Attachment | How it secures and carries |
Pin and clasp | The pin fastens through a leather backer. The pin and clasp can hold the badge raised and add pressure points. |
Post and screw | A threaded post passes through the backing and is secured by a screw or nut. Extra post length can add bulk. |
Wallet clip | The clip grips the leather backer and lets the badge be removed. The clip itself occupies space behind the badge. |
Snap | A snap on the badge connects to a matching snap on the leather backer. The hardware adds some thickness. |
Flat back with adhesive | The badge is bonded to the backing with suitable adhesive. This can give a low profile, but later removal is less convenient. |
Velcro | Hook on the wallet backer engages soft loop on the badge. The badge can be removed while the loop remains attached to it. |
The right option depends on your badge, its existing hardware and whether you want to keep that hardware intact. We can help you choose the matching backer when ordering.
Video: Adjusting a screw-and-post badge
Why I often recommend Velcro
For many badges, Velcro is my preferred attachment. It gives you a removable mounting system with no pin, clip or screw pressing into the leather behind the badge. When the badge back is suitable, it can help the badge sit flatter and make the wallet more comfortable to carry.
Our Velcro setup uses the hook side on the leather wallet backer and adhesive-backed soft loop on the badge. You can separate the hook and loop to remove the badge without peeling the adhesive off the metal each time.
Adding Velcro over a bulky pin or clip will leave that hardware underneath. The improvement comes from creating a suitable mounting surface and getting good contact between the hook and loop. A secure adhesive bond to the badge matters just as much as the fastener itself.
Converting a suitable badge to Velcro
Begin by checking how the hardware is attached. If the badge is department property, confirm that permanent modification is permitted. Removing fixed hardware is a permanent change, so it is worth assessing the badge before starting.
Remove the badge from the wallet and inspect the back. Photograph the fitting if you need help identifying it.
Undo removable screw-on fittings where applicable. Removing a screw-back nut alone leaves a fixed post in place. Permanently attached pins, clips or posts need to be assessed for removal and finishing; contact us or the badge manufacturer rather than forcing them loose.
After suitable hardware has been removed, the back needs a smooth mounting area with no sharp projections. Clean and dry it using a method compatible with the badge finish and the adhesive instructions.
Trim the adhesive-backed soft loop to suit the mounting area, keeping it within the badge outline. Apply it to the back of the badge and press it firmly into place.
Allow the adhesive to develop its bond for the time specified by its manufacturer before repeatedly removing the badge. Then align the badge in the cutout and press the loop firmly onto the hook side of the wallet backer.
Surface preparation and bonding time affect how well adhesive-backed fasteners hold. Follow the instructions for the product you are using; VELCRO Brand's application guide explains those principles in more detail.
Video: Removing a bulky wallet clip
Check the finished fit
Once the adhesive has bonded, check that the badge is supported evenly and stays secure when you open and close the wallet. The fastener should engage properly, and there should be no sharp hardware pressing through the backing.
The badge's own shape still matters. A curved badge may sit differently from a flat one, even after the hardware is removed. Velcro can improve the mounting arrangement, but it does not change the badge's curvature or make an incorrect cutout fit.
If the badge still looks tilted, moves around or creates an uncomfortable lump, send us a photo of the front and back along with your wallet model. That helps us work out whether the issue is the attachment, badge shape or cutout.
Want help with a hardware removal or Velcro conversion?
For suitable badges, we can remove the hardware and convert the badge to Velcro in our workshop. Send us photos first so we can confirm the approach and provide mailing instructions.
Email info@hammerandaxeleather.com with your agency, wallet model and a clear photo of the back of your badge. I would be happy to help you choose an attachment or work through a fit problem.
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