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The first time you saw an anal hook, you might have thought, wow, that looks pretty simple, why does it cost so much?, I could make this myself! The simplicity is deceptive, because we’re expecting the hook to be reasonably comfortable in your rear end while possibly supporting a good bit of your body weight. That’s asking a lot, and it’s not necessarily something that your average handyperson is capable of crafting.
We strongly recommend purchasing tools like these from a trusted manufacturer or retailer. The DOMINIX Deluxe Anal Hook was the overwhelming favorite of all our testers and reviewers, and it’s only $59.99 (which may seem like a lot, but when you review everything that you’ll need to make your own, it’ll make more sense).
However, we understand the temptation to make your personal playthings completely your own, so we’ll walk you through some ways to be less unsafe when you’re exploring the world of DIY BDSM.
Table Of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
We’ve been researching and writing about sex toys (including anal toys), sex gear, and sex for a decade now. We know what works and why. Our staff includes sexual health educators, veteran sex toy testers, kink experts, researchers, industry insiders, and more. There is a tremendous amount of institutional knowledge here at My Sex Toy Guide, and we are committed to using it for good — and that includes (literally) protecting people’s rear ends.
What Is a DIY Anal Hook?
If you’re reading this article, you probably already know what an anal hook is and what it’s used for, but: an anal hook is a piece of BDSM gear with a ball at one end and a curved hook at the other end. The ball goes in the submissive partner’s anus, and the dominant partner can attach a rope or chain to the hook to control the sub. They can also cuff the sub (wrist and/or ankle cuffs) and attach those restraints to the hook.
A homemade/DIY version of the anal hook performs the same functions. It needs to be very solidly constructed so that the ball and hook do not separate under pressure. The ball needs to be very smooth and rounded. And all materials need to be body-safe since this toy will be used internally.
We’re going to repeat our recommendation of the DOMINIX Deluxe Anal Hook. Even if you choose not to buy it, you should take a long hard look at it and the other anal hooks we reviewed in preparation for crafting your own.
Is Making a Homemade Anal Hook Safe?
The answer here is “probably not.” And unless you have access to professional testing tools and facilities, you’ll be testing your anal hook in real time with possibly disastrous consequences. This doesn’t really seem like a good idea to us.
Furthermore, as sex therapist Sarah E. Wright, PsyD, CST/S explains, “The Dominant provides structure and maintains boundaries in the relationship. More importantly, they are responsible for the well-being, support, and safety of their submissive… They ensure that everyone involved is being considered, and that safety is paramount.”
Putting a sub in possible danger with an untested, homemade anal hook is not what a good Dom/me does — even if the sub wants to try it out. The Dom/me is responsible for the sub’s safety, and this isn’t it.
The Least Bad Ideas on the Internet
If you’ve made it this far and you’re still reading, you’re probably determined to do this your own way. And you’re not the only one; there are some pretty scary DIY ideas out there. Our staff of kinksters scoured the Internet to find the projects that are least likely to bite you in the butt.
Disclaimer: we are providing information only. Any action that you take is at your own risk. Please review our Terms of Service.
DIY Anal Plug
The subreddit r/BdsmDIY has a lot of material and a lot of knowledgeable users. u/Kinkengineer created their own DIY anal hook, and it looks like it will actually stand up to the job. Please note the long list of materials and tools that you need. There’s a very good chance that buying all of these will end up costing more than the $60 you’d pay for our top-rated anal plug.
Materials Needed:
- 1/4” aluminum rod
- 75” steel ball
- 1/4-20 threaded nut insert
- 1/4” ID clear plastic hose
- sandpaper
- steel wool
- Loctite (medium strength)
- WD-40
- JB QuikWeld or other epoxy adhesive
Tools Needed:
- bench vise
- bench grinder with a wire wheel
- hammer
- vise-grip pliers
- metal file
- drill press
- 1/4-20 thread die
- hacksaw
Step-by-Step Guide:
- Drill a hole in the steel ball and use steel epoxy to insert and secure the threaded nut into the hole.
- Secure the rod in the vise and use your 1/4-20 die to create about 1” of 1/4-20 threads on the end of the rod, generously applying the WD-40 as a cutting oil while turning clockwise. Cut off any excess threads that won’t be needed.
- Use your bench vise, vise grip pliers, and a ball peen hammer to bend the rod as desired. Use an anvil or the edge of the bench vise to refine the bends. Use a bench grinder with a wire wheel to smooth out the rod’s surface. Pro tip: To protect the fresh threads, thread a handful of nuts onto them before using the hammer.
- Use the threads you cut to attach the steel ball with the threaded nut insert to the curved end of the aluminum rod. Apply medium-strength Loctite to the threads for added security. Pro tip: you can slide a clear plastic hose over the entire rod to make it easier to clean up.
The finished product looks a whole lot like the Stockroom’s Trailer Hitch. If you like the look of this, it’s easier and perhaps less expensive to order it — and the ring on the Trailer Hitch can double as a cock ring for extra fun.
Anal Plug with Rope
This project modifies a professionally produced anal dildo or butt plug into an anal hook. We think it’s a great compromise, because you know that the hook end is safe and body-friendly but you get to customize it with your choice of rope or chain.
Butt plugs produced/sold by reputable manufacturers and retailers generally come with inbuilt safety features, but we need to say it: any toy meant for anal play needs to have a wide or flared base. You do not want your toy to get “sucked in,” and orgasm contractions can be surprisingly strong.
For this project, the butt plug also needs to have a loop at the end. We are fond of toys like this because, as you know, anal play requires a lot of lube and that can make everything slippery! The loop handle makes removal easy, and here, it is an attachment point as well. Tie on some of your favorite rope or attach a length of chain to the loop, and then you can attach your sub’s restraints to the rope or chain. Our recommendation for this project is the njoy Pure Plug.
Really Bad Ideas
If you’ve been doing your own reading about DIY anal hooks (as well as DIY butt plugs, DIY prostate massagers, and DIY anal vibrators), you may have come across other ideas. There are some that should not be considered, ever, under any circumstances, for any reason.
- Coat Hanger: Coat hangers are not sexy and have no role in sex play. They are not made of body-safe materials and do not have body-safe finishes. If you put a coat hanger in your butt, you will get hurt, and not in a fun way. You’ll be looking at lacerations and potential infections. Also, coat hangers are not sturdy enough to serve as an attachment point for restraints. “Heavy-duty” hangers are typically rated to hold 25 pounds. How much do you move on leg day at the gym? Probably lots more than 25 pounds!
- Anything Wood or Plastic: Wood or plastic is also likely to be far less sturdy than you need for a DIY anal hook. There are good reasons why commercially produced products are invariably made from metal. Another benefit of metal is that it is non-porous and can therefore be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized. Wood and plastic can’t be. And most wood and plastic are not body-friendly, so in addition to breaking off and splintering, they’re likely to harbor bacteria and emit contaminants. That sounds healthy and fun, doesn’t it?
How to Use Homemade Anal Hooks
If you are absolutely sure that your DIY anal hook is ready for use, let’s get started. Most anal play should start with cleaning your hands, body, and toys — anything that goes inside your body should get a fresh wash even if you cleaned it before storing it away.
Relax your body and mind with a warm bath, cold drink, favorite music, and/or favorite adult content. This gets you in the mood and it also makes your sphincter muscles more receptive.
Lube is your best friend when it comes to anal play. Water-based lube is body-friendly, condom-safe, and compatible with sex toys. Oil-based lube or body-safe food-grade oil is not safe for condoms but is safe for most sex toys and is thicker than water-based lube. Apply lube generously to your toy and to your body.
Start small, with a lubed finger or slender butt plug. When you feel ready, insert the ball end of the anal hook. Let your body get used to it before you advance to the next steps.
Now the Dom/me can take control. They can use the hook end to apply pressure to control the sub, or they can cuff the sub and attach the restraints to the hook. Make sure to establish a safe word; this kind of play can be very intense and you both need to know how to call a halt if needed.
When the session is wrapping up, remember that you’ll want to remove the ball end of the anal hook slowly and gently, just like you inserted it. Aftercare is crucial after an intense play session, and so is cleanup.
Why Is It Better to Buy Commercial Products?
While we’re happy to provide information for people who are determined to DIY, we’ve been pretty open that we recommend buying professionally engineered, produced, and tested products, especially anal toys. The DOMINIX Small, for instance, was created for folks who are new to this kind of play. It’s just as strong and safe as the other models, but it’s got a slightly shorter length and a smaller ball end (1/2” smaller, which doesn’t sound like a whole lot, but your butt will notice the difference). Other reasons to buy ready-made include:
- Cleaning and Maintenance: We are sure that you understand why it’s important to be able to thoroughly clean and sanitize anything that goes into and comes out of the anus. The vast majority of commercially produced anal hooks are made of stainless steel or other metals that can be scrubbed and even boiled if necessary. You can feel safe storing them with your other sex toys without worrying about contamination.
- Comfort: This is really the bottom line, so to speak. The anus is sensitive: this is part of why anal play can be so much fun, but it also means that you need to be careful with your delicate tissue. Commercially produced anal toys are very smooth without any sharp edges or ridges where you’ve joined your pieces together.
Happy vibing!
Maggie
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