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How to Choose the Right Security Tag Detacher: 5000GS vs 12000GS vs 15000GS
Choose the right security tag detacher for your store. Compare 5000GS, 12000GS and 15000GS magnetic detachers, plus pencil, Alpha S3 and hook-style options.
10/13/20266 min read
If your cashiers are tugging, twisting or tapping a hard tag three times before it lets go, the problem usually isn't the cashier. It's the security tag detacher. Magnetic detachers are rated by strength in gauss (GS), and that number has to match the lock inside your tags. If it's too weak, the pin won't release. If it's much stronger than you need, you've spent money you didn't have to. This guide covers 5000GS, 12000GS and 15000GS detachers for store owners and loss-prevention managers, plus the special cases (pencil tags, Alpha S3 products and hook-style detachers), so you buy the right tool the first time.
How a Magnetic Security Tag Detacher Works
Most reusable hard tags hold the pin with a small spring-loaded clutch hidden inside the tag. You can't pull the pin out by hand because the clutch grips tighter the harder you pull. When the tag goes into the detacher's cup, a strong magnet pulls the clutch back against its spring and the pin slides out cleanly.
Tag makers build "stronger" locks by using stiffer springs or better-shielded clutches. A stronger lock needs a stronger magnetic field to release, which is why detachers come in different GS ratings. Two practical rules follow from that:
The detacher has to be at least as strong as the lock. A standard detacher won't reliably open a Superlock tag.
A magnet only opens magnetic locks. Some tags and display devices use a mechanical lock or a dedicated key. No amount of gauss will open them.
5000GS vs 12000GS vs 15000GS: What the Numbers Mean
Here's the quick version. Your tag supplier or the tag packaging should tell you which lock type you have.
5000GS: Best for standard magnetic hard tags and mini tags. Typical store: low-volume shops with one basic tag type. Qova options: EAS Magnetic Tag Remover – 5000GS
12000GS: Best for Superlock tags, plus golf, clam, stylus, mini and pencil hard tags. Typical store: most apparel and general retail checkouts. Qova options: Universal Golf Detacher, Superlock Detacher, Pencil Detacher
15000GS: Best for stronger magnetic locks and stores that mix several tag types. Typical store: higher-value merchandise, mixed tag inventory. Qova options: SuperTag Remover – 15000GS
5000GS: For standard magnetic tags
A 5000GS detacher is the entry-level choice. Qova's EAS Magnetic Tag Remover – 5000GS is a countertop unit built to remove standard magnetic hard tags and mini tags. It makes sense when you know every tag in the store uses a standard lock, for example a small boutique that bought one style of tag from one supplier.
The catch: if you later add Superlock tags, or receive pre-tagged merchandise with stronger locks, a 5000GS detacher won't keep up. If you aren't sure what your tags are, start at 12000GS.
12000GS: The everyday standard for Superlock tags
12000GS is where most retail checkouts land. That strength is generally enough for Superlock tags, the stronger magnetic lock many retailers now use as their baseline, and it still opens standard tags.
Qova carries several 12000GS models, so the choice mostly comes down to shape and mounting:
Universal Golf Detacher – 12000GS: a dome-shaped detacher for golf, clam, stylus and mini hard tags.
Golf Detacher 12000GS – Black and the EAS Black Magnetic Tag Remover with Silver Tip: the same 12000GS strength in a black finish.
Superlock Magnetic Security Tag Detacher – 12000GS: a cup-style detacher made for Superlock hard tags.
Universal EAS Detacher with Side Holes – 12000GS: screws down to the counter for busy registers.
Pencil Detacher – 12000GS: made for pencil tags and other magnetic hard tags.
15000GS: For stronger locks and mixed-tag stores
A 15000GS detacher gives you headroom. Qova's SuperTag Remover – 15000GS is a Superlock cone detacher for retail checkout counters. Consider this strength if:
Your tag supplier tells you your tags use a lock stronger than Superlock.
Your store uses several tag styles from different suppliers and you want one detacher at each register.
Your cashiers find some tags hard to release on a 12000GS unit.
Don't buy 15000GS by default "just to be safe," though. If all your tags are Superlock, a good 12000GS detacher will do the job.
Shape Matters Too: Golf, Cone, Pencil and Counter-Mount
Strength gets the tag open. Shape decides how quickly your staff can do it.
Golf (dome) detachers
Golf detachers have a low, rounded top. Cashiers lay the tag flat over the release point and pull the pin. They're compact and work with many common hard tag shapes.
Cone and cup detachers
Cone and cup detachers have a raised center or recessed cup that guides the tag into position. That helps your staff seat tags with a raised dome in the same spot every time.
Pencil detachers
Pencil tags are long and slim, and their lock sits in a spot that a flat dome doesn't always reach. If you use pencil tags, a dedicated pencil detacher saves fumbling at the register.
Counter-mount and countersunk detachers
A loose detacher can walk out the door, and in the wrong hands it opens your tags. Detachers with mounting holes, like the Universal EAS Detacher with Side Holes, screw down to the counter. The EAS Super Strong Countersunk Detacher sits flush in the countertop. Check the product page for current availability.
When a Stronger Magnet Won't Help
Not every lock is a standard magnetic clutch. Two common exceptions:
Alpha S3 products need an S3 key
Alpha S3 locking products, such as spider wraps and keepers, are opened with a dedicated key rather than a countertop detacher. If you use them, keep an Alpha S3 Key at each register that needs one.
Mechanical tags need a hook-style detacher
Some tags use a mechanical lock that's released by a hook-style detacher, not a magnet. If your store already has a Sensormatic hook-style detacher and the hook is worn or broken, you can replace just the part with a Sensormatic Replacement Hook instead of buying a whole new unit.
A Quick Checklist Before You Order
Identify your tags. Check your tag invoices or ask your tag supplier for the lock type (standard, Superlock or stronger). Keep a sample of each tag style.
Count the exceptions. Do you also have Alpha S3 products, pencil tags or mechanical tags? Each one may need its own tool.
Match strength to your strongest magnetic tag. Your detacher only needs to beat the toughest magnetic lock in the store.
Count your registers. Each checkout lane, plus fitting rooms or service desks that remove tags, needs its own detacher.
Decide on mounting. Busy counters do best with a screwed-down or countersunk detacher.
Plan for a spare. A backup detacher keeps checkout moving if one is misplaced.
Keep Your Detacher Safe at the Counter
A security tag remover is a strong magnet and one of the most valuable tools in your store, so treat it that way:
Only authorized staff should use it. Keep it out of customers' reach and secure it after hours.
Keep it away from electronics and cards. Strong magnets can interfere with card terminals, phones, screens and magnetic-stripe cards. Leave some space between the detacher and your POS hardware.
Read the safety instructions. Follow the guidance that comes with your detacher, especially if anyone on staff has an implanted medical device.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does "GS" mean on a security tag detacher?
GS stands for gauss, a unit of magnetic field strength. A higher GS rating means a stronger magnet, so it can open stronger magnetic locks.
Will a 12000GS detacher open standard security tags?
Generally, yes. A stronger magnetic detacher can release weaker magnetic locks, which is why 12000GS is a practical default for most stores. It won't open mechanical tags or Alpha S3 products.
How do I know if my tags are Superlock?
The easiest way is to check with the company that sold you the tags, or look at your order details. If a standard detacher can't release a tag, or your staff have to force it, you probably have a stronger lock.
Can one detacher remove every tag in my store?
Often it can handle all of your magnetic hard tags. Mechanical tags need a hook-style detacher, and Alpha S3 products need an S3 key. List every tag type first, then buy for the strongest magnetic lock.
Do you offer bulk pricing and shipping for multiple stores?
Yes. Qova Security ships nationwide from Baltimore, Maryland, with free USPS Priority shipping on orders over $50. For wholesale pricing on bulk orders, email info@qovasecurity.com.
Find the Right Detacher for Your Checkout
Choosing a detacher comes down to three questions: how strong your tag locks are, what shape your tags are, and how busy your counters get. Get those right and your checkout runs smoother, with fewer damaged garments and less frustration for cashiers and customers.
Browse our full range of magnetic detachers, keys and replacement parts in the Qova Security shop. Not sure which strength you need? Call 301-202-TAGS, email info@qovasecurity.com, or contact us. Tell us which tags you use and we'll help you choose the right detacher for every register.
Have any questions?
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