How to Build a Tattoo Gun at Home

People have been getting tattoos for centuries. More recently, however, tattooing has moved into downtown parlors that charge high amounts for small tattoos. If you want a tattoo and just aren't willing to pay the excessive prices, you've got the alternative of building your own tattoo gun. With a few household materials and the help of a good artist, you can get a $100 tattoo for just a few dollars.

Things You'll Need

• 1 Bic pen
• 1 Toothbrush
• 1 Eraser (from a pencil)
• 4- to 5-inch piece of guitar string
• Small battery-operated motor (from walkman, remote control car)
• Tape
• Tattoo ink

Instructions

1. Bend a small part of the guitar string near the end.

2. Take the ink tubing out of the pen. Cut the pen down to a length of about 3 or 4 inches. If the pen is made of hard plastic, then the brass tip may still be in place. If so, file the tip until the ball comes out. Ensure that the hole is big enough to allow passage of the guitar string.

3. Insert the guitar string into the pen tubing.

4. Cut the bristles off the end of the toothbrush. Cut it down to 4 inches. Use a lighter to heat up the middle of the toothbrush. Bend the toothbrush into a "7" shape while the middle is heated. Hold this shape until the toothbrush hardens.

5. Tape the bent toothbrush to the pen tubing. The bend in the toothbrush should be flush with the end of the pen tubing.

6. Push the eraser onto the shaft of the motor. Make sure it is centered on the shaft. If the shaft of the motor still has the round ridged part on it, you can try to pull it off to put on the eraser or make a small hole on the round ridged part.

7. Tape the motor to the bent toothbrush. The top of the eraser (or round ridged piece) should be close to the end of the pen tubing.

8. Take the bent part of the guitar string and force it into the eraser (or small hole in round ridged piece). The guitar string should be purposefully off center when pressing it into the eraser.

9. Find a power source. This can be the plug in adapter from what the motor came from; you could also use the battery holder from the item and connect the contacts to the motor. Dip the end of the guitar string (opposite the motor) into your tattoo ink and go wild.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure to follow proper tattoo care instructions after giving yourself a tattoo.

• Tattoos should be applied by professionals in a safe and sterile manner.

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish