how to remove the anti-theft ink system attached to clothes that contain the glass vials of black and brightly-colored permanent inks (without breaking them) if your cashier failed to do it for you. sorry i didn't take pictures until after i was done. next time i'll do it right.

DO NOT STEAL CLOTHING. I AM NOT RESPONSIBLE FOR YOUR ACTIONS OR WHAT YOU DO WITH THESE INSTRUCTIONS. this is only a guide for what to do if you can't drive back to the store from which you bought the clothes and get them to remove it for you.

this is my first instructable, so any pointers would be great. (next time i'll photo document during the process, not after.)

Step 1: Turn on Your Stove to the Highest Setting.

this works best with the old-school stoves with the metal rings (not the new flat surfaces).

Step 2: Get a Knife and Heat It

grab an old butter knife that you won't mind messing up. hold it to the burner for between 30 seconds and a minute (be careful not to get burned).

Step 3: Use the Knife to Cut the End Off

being careful not to touch the clothing, slowly cut the end off of the piece of plastic that houses the glass vials containing the ink.

Step 4: Slide the Ink Vials Out

now that you have the enf off, it should be easy to slide the glass ink vials out the end.

if the melted plastic gets in the way, you can re-heat the knife and melt it away from the opening.

Step 5: Start Bending!

now that you have the ink vials out, you can be as forceful as you wish to break the metal pin holding the two plastic pieces together. i found that just bending it back and forth for a bit will cause it to weaken and snap in two.