Tacks & Pushpins

The Ultimate Guide to Tacks & Pushpins: Pick the Right Pins for Every Project

Why Tacks & Pushpins Matter in Every Office and Home

Have you ever reached for a pushpin and realized the wrong type can ruin a bulletin board or a craft project? Tacks and pushpins are the unsung heroes of organization — tiny, inexpensive, and surprisingly versatile. Whether you're pinning up reminders on a corkboard, mounting fabric for a sewing project, or crafting a statement map on the wall, the right pin makes the job smoother. Think of them as the tiny nails that keep your ideas on display; choose poorly and your masterpiece slips away, choose well and it stays put like glue.

Types of Tacks & Pushpins

Not all pins are created equal. The market is full of designs, from classic thumbtacks to decorative upholstery tacks. Knowing the difference helps you pick the best option for your surface and purpose.

Thumbtacks (Flathead Tacks)

Thumbtacks, often called flathead tacks, feature a flat, wide head that sits flush against paper or thin materials. They’re great for bulletin boards and posters where you want a low profile. Most thumbtacks have a shaft length of about 1/4 to 1/2 inch and are easy to push in with a fingertip — perfect when you don’t want the pin sticking out like a sore thumb.

Pushpins (Round or Plastic Head)

Pushpins typically have a plastic or oversized head for easy gripping and come in a range of colors. They’re often 1/2 to 3/4 inch long and are ideal when you need a secure hold but also want the head to show for color-coding or quick removal. If you’re frequently changing displays, pushpins make life easier since you can stab and remove them in seconds.

Map Pins and Ball-Top Pins

Map pins feature a small ball head and a slender shaft, making them ideal for marking locations on maps or for delicate projects where a tiny visible head is preferred. These pins are usually about 3/8 to 1/2 inch long and give a neat, precise look to mapping or travel boards.

Upholstery Tacks & Decorative Nails

Upholstery tacks and decorative nails are heavier duty, designed for furniture and crafting applications. They come in a variety of finishes like brass, antique bronze, or nickel and often measure 3/8 inch to 1 inch long depending on the style and the thickness of the upholstery or material.

Materials and Finishes: What to Look For

The material of a tack or pushpin affects strength, corrosion resistance, and appearance. Here’s what to consider when picking material and finish.

Steel and Nickel-Plated Pins

Steel pins are strong and inexpensive; nickel plating adds corrosion resistance and a sleek, silvery shine. These are great for general office use and last longer in humid environments than plain steel. Expect a slight weight increase — metal pins often feel more reliable in your fingers.

Brass and Antique Finishes

Brass tacks offer a warm, classic look that’s popular for decorative displays and furniture. They resist corrosion and give a vintage vibe, but can be slightly softer than hardened steel. If aesthetics matter, brass or antique finishes are a smart choice.

Plastic-Headed Pins

Plastic-headed pushpins are lightweight, colorful, and easy to grip. They’re typically used on corkboards, foam boards, and fabrics. While they’re not as rugged as metal pins for heavy-duty tasks, they’re perfect for classrooms and creative spaces where you want bright, visible markers.

Sizes & Measurements to Watch For

When shopping for tacks and pushpins, size matters — and in the U.S., inches are your best friends. Here’s how to decode pin sizes and choose the right length and head diameter for your job.

Shaft Length

The shaft length determines how deep a pin goes into the mounting surface. Typical thumbtacks and pushpins range from about 1/4 inch to 3/4 inch. For thin poster paper and corkboard, 1/4 to 1/2 inch is often enough. For fabric-covered foam or thicker cork, choose 1/2 inch or longer to ensure a secure hold.

Head Size and Grip

Head diameters vary from tiny 1/8 inch ball heads to large 3/4 inch plastic heads. Bigger heads make pins easier to grab and more visible for color-coding, while smaller heads are more discreet. If you plan to remove and reinsert pins often, opt for heads that fit comfortably between your fingers.

Choosing the Right Pin for Your Surface

Different surfaces demand different pin choices. A pin that works on cork might ruin drywall or slip out of fabric. Here’s a quick guide to pairing pins with surfaces so your projects stay secure.

Corkboard

Corkboard is the classic partner for pushpins and thumbtacks. Cork grips 1/4 to 1/2 inch shafts well. Use plastic-headed pins for frequent changes, and metal tacks for long-term displays where you want a cleaner look. Keep in mind cork can crumble if you use overly large or coarse shafts repeatedly in the same spot.

Drywall and Plaster

Drywall doesn’t hold tacks well on its own. For lightweight items under a few ounces, small pushpins might do, but for heavier items look into proper anchors or picture-hanging hardware. If you must use pins, choose longer steel pins (1/2 to 3/4 inch) and avoid relying on them for anything weighty.

Fabric and Upholstery

For pinning fabric to foam or wood backing, choose upholstery tacks or longer pins (up to 1 inch). Decorative tacks can secure upholstery and add a trim detail. If you’re pinning delicate fabrics, use ball-top or fine-headed pins to avoid noticeable holes.

Wood

Wood takes tacks well, but for finished furniture you might prefer decorative tacks or nails that complement the wood grain. Pre-drilling tiny pilot holes with a small awl or needle can help prevent splitting for hardwoods.

Safety, Storage & Organization Tips

Pins are tiny but can be hazardous if left loose. A little organization goes a long way in keeping your space tidy and safe for kids and pets.

Magnetic Holders & Pin Cushions

Magnetic holders and pin cushions are lifesavers. Magnetic trays keep metal pins from scattering, and pin cushions are ideal for sewing rooms to prevent lose pins from getting lost in fabric piles. For classrooms, choose bright, enclosed containers so kids can access pins safely.

Child Safety

If you have small children, keep pins out of reach and consider using plastic alternatives or adhesive tack strips for displays. Always teach older children correct pin use — a simple “push then remove” rule reduces accidents.

Eco-Friendly and Durable Options

Sustainability is catching up with office supplies, and pins are no exception. If you care about longevity and environmental impact, look for brass or stainless steel pins that last longer and resist rust. Reusable decorative tacks and metal pins reduce waste compared to single-use options. Some brands also offer recycled packaging, which is a nice bonus.

Top Uses Beyond the Noticeboard

Tacks and pushpins aren’t just for notices. These little tools shine in creative, practical, and surprising ways.

Crafting and DIY

Use pushpins to hold delicate paper for painting, to create string art on a board, or to temporarily secure stencils. Map pins are fantastic for travel scrapbooks — pin a tiny photo or note right where you want it. They act like the thumb in a glove, holding everything in place while you work.

Home Decor

Create a pinboard gallery by arranging pushpins in patterns or using decorative tacks to outline frames. Upholstery tacks can add a vintage border to headboards or furniture. Imagine turning an old dresser into a focal piece with a row of antique brass tacks — small details make big style statements.

Photography & Event Planning

Event planners use pins to trap floral foam, secure table linens temporarily, and anchor lightweight decor. Photographers use tiny pins to mount test prints to foam boards during shoots for quick reviews. They’re a quiet backstage hero in many production setups.

How to Buy Smart: Comparing Prices and Deals

Buying tacks and pushpins seems simple, but price and pack size vary a lot. Do you buy in bulk or a small decorative set? Here’s how to shop smart without overspending.

Pack Size and Cost per Pin

Compare cost per pin rather than pack price. A 1,000-count bulk box often has a much lower per-pin cost than a 50-count decorative set. If you use pins regularly in schools or offices, bulk buys save cash. For small crafting projects, smaller decorative packs may be more economical when you factor in waste and variety.

Where to Compare

Look at multiple listings and use comparison tools to check reviews, materials, and price-per-unit. Comparison sites and price lists let you spot deals and identify highly rated pins without hopping between dozens of pages. Remember to check material and shaft length details in product descriptions so you get the exact type you need.

Care and Maintenance: Make Pins Last

A little care extends the life of your pins. Here are simple tricks to prevent rust, bending, and loss.

Rust Prevention

Store metal pins in a dry place, ideally in a sealed container with a silica gel packet if humidity is a concern. Stainless steel and nickel-plated pins resist rust, but even they benefit from dry storage. If you spot surface rust, a quick wipe with a cloth and a dab of light oil can help.

Straightening Bent Pins

Bent pins can often be straightened gently using pliers. Grip close to the bend and straighten slowly to avoid snapping. For delicate map pins, it’s often better to replace rather than risk breakage.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Avoid jamming oversized pins into thin cork, using pushpins to hang heavy frames, or mixing pin types on a single display, which can look messy. Pre-plan your board layout, select consistent pin styles for a neat appearance, and test a pin in an inconspicuous spot before committing to a whole project.

Final Tips: Practical Picks for Everyday Use

For a starter kit I’d recommend a mix: 100 plastic-headed pushpins for everyday posts, 100 metal thumbtacks for a sleek bulletin look, 50 map pins for travel planning, and 50 upholstery tacks for occasional furniture work. Keep a magnetic tray and a small container for spare pins. This combo covers most needs without clutter.

Whether you’re organizing, crafting, or redecorating, the right tack or pushpin makes a small but meaningful difference. Think of your pins as the dots on an “i” — tiny, often overlooked, but crucial to conveying the full message.

Now that you’ve got the rundown, go ahead: raid your desk drawer, sort by head type and material, and decide which pins are worth keeping. You’ll be surprised how much smoother small tasks become when those little anchors are just right.

Conclusion: Tacks and pushpins are simple tools with outsized utility. Choosing the right type, size, and material makes displays neater, crafts easier, and daily organization more reliable. Use the tips above to match pins to the job, keep them tidy and rust-free, and compare options wisely to get the best value.