External vs Internal - How does your jewelry thread?

The body modification industry uses three main kinds of threading:

1. External Threading –this is where the bead is screwed onto the post. The post has a threaded end, and the bead has a hole with threading in the inside. You insert the post into the hole and twist - done!
   • Step-Down Threading is one kind of external threading, with a threaded component of a smaller gauge on the barbell post. (For example, a 14g post would have 16g threading). This is designed to protect the fistula during insertion. What's a fistula? It's the tunnel of skin inside your piercing.
2. Internal Threading – this is where the bead is screwed into the post. The end of the post is hollow with threading on the inside. Sticking out from the bead is a small stem that is threaded and inserts into the post. Twist this in and you're set!
3. Pressure Fit – There is no threading at all in this! What gives? Similar to an internal threading, you have a hollow post and a bead with a shaft. Instead of threading though, the stem is ribbed and pushes into the post, creating a tight seal.
   • Captive Bead Rings are a type of pressure fit - the bead has small dimples (called a pressure fit bead) that the ring clicks into.