How to Hook Up a Tattoo Gun Pedal

Every tattoo apprentice needs to start with learning how to set up the equipment.

Being able to hook up a tattoo gun pedal properly and connect it to power is the first step to tattooing. The tattoo gun, also called a tattoo machine, is the tool used to create the tattoo, and it must be connected to a power supply. Once plugged in, the power input to the gun is controlled by the foot pedal. You need to know how to hook up the foot pedal.

Things You'll Need

• Tattoo gun
• Power supply
• Clip cord for power supply
• Power cord
• Foot pedal

Instructions

1. Plug your power cord into the power supply, making sure your cord and power supply are the right voltage for the outlets you're using.

2. Connect your foot pedal to your tattoo power supply.

3. Attach your clip cord to the area it fits in near the tattoo gun's power settings.

4. Securely attach the clip cord prongs to the lower and upper binding posts of the gun.

5. Test the tattoo gun by pressing the foot pedal. The tattoo needle should be moving quickly and smoothly. You can adjust the settings of the power supply so that the needle runs steadily at the speed you want it to.

Tips & Warnings

• Make sure you don't press the foot pedal while setting up the machine. Don't try to give someone a tattoo unless you're a trained tattooist.

References

• Faqs.org: How Does a Modern Tattoo Machine Work?
• National Tattoo Association