the cork is so you do not go through say...both sides of your nose and having it, for example, on the inside of your lip you wont poke ur gums in the process! the cork is very important having it there for the needle to go into while piercing also helps the needle go through faster and less painfully. Also you can pull out the cork rather than fumbling w/needle when putting ring in! I guess I am feeling helpful today lol ;)