How to Buy Body Piercing Clamps

Body piercers use clamps for several reasons. The clamps isolate a specific area for freezing or numbing with anesthesia. They create pressure, reducing blood flow to an area for a naturally mild numbing. They can also hold an area of skin steady for more accurate piercing.

Things You'll Need

• Autoclave
• Septum piercing clamp
• Sponge clamp
• Sterile surgical gloves

Instructions

1. Find a body piercing supplier which sells medical grade stainless steel clamps to ensure you purchase the safest products.

2. Be sure the clamps you buy are autoclave safe if you plan to reuse your clamps. An autoclave sterilizes clamps and other equipment by heating up to 126 degrees, thus killing bacteria and germs.

3. Purchase septum piercing clamps to use with nose piercings. Look for either a 6-inch clamp known as a forceps, which locks in place, or a 6 1/2-inch nonlocking clamp.

4. Buy a 7-inch sponge clamp for use with tongue and other body part piercings.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear sterile surgical gloves when piercing any part of the body.

• Professional piercers warn against purchasing do-it-yourself piercing kits, which may include improperly sterilized or lower quality clamps.

• Some professional piercers don't recommend clamp or forceps use at all, citing possible tissue damage to the pierced area.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish