How to Fashion a Makeshift Tattoo Gun

Tattoos were once purely the province of pirates, yakuza and Hell's Angels--and yet, in the 21st century, tattoos are now a fashion symbol embraced by mainstream culture. But nothing will ever outdo the hardscrabble luster of do-it-yourself skin art. For that purpose, improvised tattoo guns can be fashioned out of any number of easily available items.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Electric toothbrush
• Super glue
• Hydrogen peroxide
• Wire cutters
• Thin metal wire: such as guitar string or paper clip
• Lighter

1. Remove the head of the toothbrush to reveal a small piece of metal in the center, which rapidly moves up and down when the toothbrush is activated.
2. Remove the surrounding plastic with the wire cutters, such that the piece of metal is more readily accessible.
3. Take a thin metal wire--if from a guitar, use the second smallest string (a B string)--and cut off a section a few centimeters long. Cut one end at an angle, bringing it to a point.
4. Affix the blunt end of the wire to the metal portion of the toothbrush with super glue.
5. Sterilize the point of the needle with flame, and apply hydrogen peroxide.
6. Dab the needle in appropriate ink to prepare for tattooing.

Tips & Warnings

• Using a makeshift tattoo gun should only be considered if you are in prison. If you are not incarcerated, please enlist the services of a professional tattoo artist.
• Using excessive homemade ink could lead to ink poisoning. Please, don't do it.