Industrial piercings look bold and amazing, but picking the right barbell size is one of the most important steps for comfort, healing, and long-term wear. Because the bar connects two cartilage piercings, the size has to match your ear shape—not someone else’s.
If you’re confused by things like gauge, length, and mm sizing, don’t worry. This guide breaks everything down so you can choose a barbell that fits perfectly.
1. What Gauge Do Industrial Barbells Use?
Industrial piercings almost always use:
16G (1.2mm)
or
14G (1.6mm)
Here’s the difference:
-
16G → most common, easier on cartilage, great for beginners
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14G → slightly thicker, often used by professional piercers or for people with strong cartilage
If you’re getting pierced for the first time, your piercer will most likely use 16G.
2. Standard Length for Industrial Barbells
Industrial barbells are measured by length, not diameter. This is the distance between the two balls.
The most common lengths are:
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32mm (1¼ inch) — standard size
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35mm — fits slightly wider ears
-
38mm — less common, for long distances between piercings
Why the size changes:
Everyone’s ear is shaped differently. Some people have a higher helix ridge, while others have a longer or shorter ear. Because of this, your ear measurements matter more than any “universal” number.
3. How to Know What Size You Need
Here’s an easy way to figure it out:
✔ Look at your piercing placement
The two holes should line up in a straight path. If they’re farther apart, you need a longer bar.
✔ Ask your piercer after the procedure
Most professionals will tell you the exact mm length used.
✔ Measure the distance yourself
If you already have the piercing:
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Remove the barbell.
-
Use a ruler to measure from hole to hole.
-
Choose a barbell that matches or goes 1–2mm longer.
Most people end up in this range:
-
30–36mm
4. Should You Change Barbell Sizes During Healing?
Yes.
When you’re freshly pierced, your piercer normally uses a longer barbell to allow for swelling. A tight bar can cause irritation bumps or pressure issues.
After swelling goes down (around 2–3 months), you can downsize to a bar that sits closer to the ear.
Starting barbell:
32–35mm
Downsized barbell:
30–32mm
Downsizing helps:
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reduce snagging
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keep the bar from shifting
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improve long-term comfort
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prevent migration
5. What Ball Size Should You Choose?
Most industrial barbells use:
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5mm balls — standard
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6mm balls — for a bolder look
-
4mm balls — minimal style
The size you choose won’t affect comfort. It’s all about style and how much you want the barbell to stand out.
6. Best Materials for Industrial Barbells
If you want irritation-free healing, stick with safer metals:
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Titanium (best for sensitive ears)
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Implant-grade steel
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14K gold (after healing)
Avoid low-quality metal or mystery “stainless steel” from cheap stores. Poor metal is one of the biggest causes of bumps and swelling.
7. Signs Your Barbell Is the Wrong Size
If your industrial barbell is too long, you may notice:
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lots of movement
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catching on your hair
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constant rotation
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irritation bumps
If it's too short:
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pressure on both entry points
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redness that won’t go away
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swelling pushing against the balls
-
difficulty cleaning
If you feel any of these, it may be time to change sizes.
8. Final Tips Before Buying an Industrial Barbell
Here’s what I recommend for beginners:
✔ Start with 16G
✔ Choose a barbell between 32–35mm
✔ Downsize after swelling goes down
✔ Pick titanium if your skin is sensitive
✔ Don’t force a bar into a piercing that feels tight
✔ When in doubt, ask your piercer to measure your ear
An industrial piercing is a big statement, and the right barbell size makes all the difference in how comfortable and clean it heals.
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