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You may be interested in experimenting with (or continuing) deprivation play, which is generally part of the BDSM dynamic. And you may be interested in DIY-ing your own ball gag, either because you want to customize it to your own preferences or you think that you can do it as well as the pros can.
However, it’s rarely a good idea to use untested gear and this is especially true when it will be used internally (yes, inside the mouth counts) and when it has the potential to affect something as important as the sub’s ability to breathe. We will explore some DIY projects, but we really recommend purchasing something like the Bondage Boutique Beginner’s Ball Gag. It’s reasonably priced at $11.99 and meets most needs in this area.
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Why You Should Trust Us
Our staff of sex educators, sex toy/gear testers, researchers, and journalists have cumulative decades of experience evaluating and reporting on this industry. We know what makes a good BDSM toy, and what makes a bad or unsafe one. This means that we are uniquely qualified to sort out the various suggestions for how to DIY your own ball gags — and that’s what we’re here to do today.
What Is a DIY Ball Gag?
A ball gag is a device that is typically enjoyed as part of a BDSM scene. It keeps the sub silent, which intensifies the Dom(me)/sub dynamic because the sub is literally incapable of expressing themself. This is obviously a piece of gear that should only be used when trust has been established. And since a safe word won’t work here, you should establish a “safe signal” like waving a scarf.
Most ball gags are constructed of a rubber or silicone ball attached to a strap or rope. The ball is placed in the sub’s mouth and the strap/rope is fastened around their head to keep the ball in place.
A DIY ball gag should function the same way, like any homemade BDSM toy, but you would be responsible for ensuring that it is body-friendly and safe. If you are still interested, we recommend that you look at the Bondage Boutique Large Silicone Ball Gag, which is our highest-rated ball gag (and 10% off with our discount code AFF-MSTG10!). Reviewers noted its quality and comfort, especially the flexible strap.
Is Making a DIY Ball Gag Safe?
Not really.
A lot of folks don’t think about gags as being “internal use” toys, but our mouths are cavities lined with mucous membranes just like vaginas are (in fact, the tissue in your mouth is very similar to vaginal tissue and anal tissue). This means that any gag you create needs to be made from body-friendly materials that can be thoroughly cleaned and sanitized, and that can be more of a challenge than you might expect.
Additionally, because gags (obviously) go inside a person’s mouth, we need to be very careful that there are no small parts that can break or splinter off. This can cause choking, complicated by the sub’s inability to spit out the problematic piece or even take a deep breath. This is a really big deal and a very good reason not to try to DIY a gag of any sort.
The Best of What’s Out There
We still don’t think that homemade ball gags are safe, and even if you manage to avoid a disaster, they aren’t as comfortable (and often not as aesthetically pleasing) as professionally produced gear. However, if you’re still reading, you probably do want to try your hand at DIY, so these are some projects that we think are least likely to cause problems.
Please note that any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk, as laid out in our Terms of Service.
1. Rope and Knots
Good bondage rope (not what you would buy at the hardware store or dollar store) with a strategically placed knot can serve as a ball gag. We suggest using nicely finished, flexible rope made of cotton or nylon to protect the sub’s facial skin.
It’s also important to use knots that you can untie easily in case of emergency, such as a slip knot or a bowline knot. If you aren’t already experienced with ropes, practice tying and especially untying knots before you try to use a rope gag. Here’s how to make monkey fists, for instance.
Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope is a rope that most of our testers liked. It is made from smooth cotton in a weave engineered to flatten against a person’s skin. You can get 10 meters for under $25, which means that you’ll have plenty left for other play.
2. Belt
Most people have belts in their closet, and they can serve as gags in a pinch. Good belts have finished edges so they shouldn’t cut the sub’s skin. Smaller-sized belts may be able to buckle around an adult’s head, but if all you have are large belts, they will still work but you will just have to tie them in place instead of buckling them. Don’t tie too tightly; make sure that the sub can still breathe comfortably.
3. Pacifier
Yes, an infant’s pacifier. For obvious reasons, these are usually made from body-safe materials and can withstand cleaning and boiling. Remove the nipple from the pacifier (unless you want to keep it as part of your dynamic) and use the plastic shield as the gag. You can run a scarf or rope through the handle to secure it. Make sure to use a clean pacifier; wash and sanitize it before your play session.
4. Scarf
Scarves are often made of skin-friendly fabric with finished edges, so this is a good start! They are also easy to cut with scissors if you need a quick escape, and they are usually washable. And while some scarves can be pretty spendy, many are inexpensive enough that you can feel comfortable experimenting with them.
Fold the scarf in half lengthwise and tie a knot in the middle. This knot will be the ball part of the gag, so you don’t have to worry about quick release. Place the knot in the sub’s mouth and tie the scarf behind their head to hold it in place. Make sure that it is tight enough to feel secure, but loose enough that the sub can breathe easily.
Scarves can do double duty as homemade BDSM blindfolds, but again, we recommend commercially made products. The Lovehoney Oh! Satin Blindfold is less than $10 and made of plush satin and fur, so it is a truly luxurious way to play around with sensory deprivation.
5. Dog Collar
Collars made for large dogs can usually fit around an adult’s head. Place a rubber or plastic ball in the center metal ring and you have a ball gag! Some couples will really like the aesthetic here, and you can usually choose from a variety of colors and materials. Please buy a new collar from the store instead of repurposing one that you already own.
We do think that it’s a better idea to use a BDSM collar that was designed for humans. It will have better proportions and be made from materials that are meant to touch skin, not thick fur. It’s also likely to be much better quality.
6. Rubber or Plastic Ball
A rubber or plastic ball can work as the ball part of the gag. You should be able to find balls in a wide range of sizes, so the sub can pick one that is comfortable (or the right kind of uncomfortable) for them. Make sure that the ball is sturdy enough that it won’t crack or chip if the sub happens to bite down on it. Place the ball in the sub’s mouth and tie a ribbon around the sub’s head to hold the ball in place.
What Not to Do
We think that you should purchase a good, safe ball gag. But if you are determined to make your own, you should absolutely stay away from:
- Duct Tape: Duct tape will stick to the sub’s skin and hair, especially when it is tight enough to serve as a gag. Removing it will be very painful, and not in the fun way. More importantly, it can also cause suffocation when used improperly.
- Rubber Bands: Rubber bands are not meant for heavy-duty use, and holding a ball gag in place counts. A rubber band is likely to break or snap, which could injure the mouth or teeth. A broken rubber band in the mouth is also a choking hazard.
- Plastic Bags: There is absolutely no place for plastic bags in any kind of sex! They should not be used as any part of a ball gag, since they can become airtight. This restricts airflow, possibly to the point of suffocation or death.
Why Is It Better to Buy a Commercial Product?
We’ve said it throughout this article, but we strongly recommend buying gear produced by reputable manufacturers and sold by reputable retailers. Commercial products are:
- Safer: A ball gag is used internally. It needs to be made with body-safe materials that can be thoroughly cleaned and disinfected. A poorly made ball gag can injure the sub’s mouth or teeth, cause infection, or even lead to choking (which can obviously be very, very serious).
- Versatile: Folks say that one of the main reasons why they want to DIY their own ball gag is so that they can make it just the way they want. However, DIYers are limited to what’s available in retail hardware and craft stores, and those don’t tend to cater to the kink crowd. Sex toy manufacturers have access to or can custom-order the right materials for the job. You’re better off browsing for exactly what you want because there’s a good chance that it’s out there already, especially if you shop product lines that allow you to mix and match the various components.
- Cost-Effective: Sometimes it really is cheaper to buy ready-made, and this is one of those times. For one, gear manufacturers are able to purchase materials at scale. Their products are likely to last longer, resulting in a lower cost per use. And of course, one trip to urgent care can equal the cost of a dozen high-end ball gags!
Maggie
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