DIY BDSM Restraints: PRO TIPS from a BDSM Sex Toy Tester!

Featured imageWhile the idea of DIY-ing your own restraints might have crossed your mind as a budget-friendly option, it’s crucial to understand the trade-off between cost and safety.

Instead, why not check out the Lovehoney All You Need collar? It’s a solid pick for newbies and is priced at only $95.99, making it a superior choice over any DIY BDSM restraints. But if you’re in a pinch and can’t afford a commercial product, no sweat, we have compiled a list with some semi-safe options below. Just remember, these are a bit like riding a bike without a helmet – doable, but risky. So, use them wisely and at your own risk!

Key Takeaways
  • When submitting your body to the world of bondage play, using random stuff around the house is kind of like using duct tape to fix a leaky pipe – it might seem like a good idea at the time, but it’s not the safest bet. Safety is key, so please stick with gear that’s been tested and made by the pros. They are the real deal, offering top-notch safety features and comfortable wraps that won’t let you down.
  • That being said, we understand that not everyone can just stroll into a store and grab the latest bondage gear. For those who are a bit out in the sticks, we’ve put together a handy list of makeshift cuffs. But remember, even with these handcrafted options – proceed with care or you might end up with a mess. Stick to the instructions we’ve laid out to keep the risky business to a minimum.

Why You Should Trust Us?

Rachel SommerRachel Sommer is our resident sex toy expert and a clinical sexologist with a special knack for BDSM sex toys. Thanks to Rachel’s clever insights, we’re dishing out the real deal and nifty advice for keeping your playtime both safe and a barrel of laughs. It’s all part of what we do at My Sex Toy Guide: keeping things safe and real, so you can enjoy your adventurous journey with peace of mind.

During her research for this article, Rachel found the guides from the two Reddit users TurieID, and another Reddit user, who sadly had his/her account deleted, especially helpful, and they are included in the fold. She also received great input from the rest of the My Sex Toy Guide BDSM test team, especially Sandra Larson and Shane Davis, to see how doable each of them was.

 


What Are DIY BDSM Restraints?

DIY BDSM restraints are homemade bondage toys made for an individual or a couple to restrain the sub in his or her wrist. They can also be slapped on pieces of furniture or beds to level up the humiliation. The primary motivation for making them is to save money or to customize them to a person’s unique sexual needs or fantasies.

Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather

Note: If you’re wondering what real bondage restraints look like, check out the Stockroom’s Premium Garment Leather Wrist cuffs & Ankle Cuffs above. Instead of relying on hope and prayer that your homemade project works, getting the best bondage wrist restraint and ankle cuffs in the market will always be more fun and especially safer. More on ankle cuffs here.

 


Is Making Homemade Restraints Safe?

No, homemade restraints are not safe. They might not hold up on a person’s wrist under pressure, especially if you hamsters love to go wild. And when you’ve got something tied around someone’s wrists, you better have a quick escape plan, like a magician with a trick up their sleeve. The mere fact that it lacks a quick-release function is a major turning point why you should not go through with it. But there are others which we address below.

A man thinking

 


Some Semi-Safe Ideas

Note: Any action you take upon the information on this website is strictly at your own risk. Please read our Terms of Service to learn more.

1. Ropes

Ropes are the old faithful of the restrained world, but picking the right one is key so you don’t end up with something that scratches. Select a soft cotton rope – easy on the skin and a breeze to bind providing enough space for a comfortable experience. You can snag them at your local hardware store or with a few clicks online.

When you’re playing tie-up, whether it’s wrists, ankles, or hitching to something solid like a bedpost, remember it’s not a cowboy lasso contest. Keep it snug but not too tight – you want to keep the blood flowing naturally.

Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope

If picking the right rope feels like a puzzle, why not try the Bondage Boutique Soft Bondage Rope? It’s like the cozy blanket of ropes – perfect for tying up your sub’s wrists or ankles without any fuss. This rope is designed to be as gentle as a lamb on the skin, and the best part? It’s only $17.99. That’s less than a fancy pizza! Dive into the world of bondage ropes right here.

 


2. Belts

Belts are a pretty handy pick for this kind of play. They’re everywhere, and you can tweak how snug they are to your heart’s content. But, watch out for those skinny belts – they’re more trouble than they’re worth, potentially leaving marks or bruises on the body. You definitely don’t want to accidentally turn your partner’s arms into a no-go zone! So play safely and keep the fun flowing.

KinkLab Leather Bondage Kit

Not everyone’s got a belt lying around for playtime, but why fuss with that when you can snag the KinkLab Leather Bondage Kit? Think of it as upgrading from economy to first class. These attached cuffs might take a minute to get the hang of, but once you do, they could become the MVP of your bedroom shenanigans. They’re not exactly beginner’s play, but hey, everyone loves a good challenge, right?

 


3. DIY Over-the-Door Restraint

TurielD’s method is intriguingly simple yet effective, uniquely sparking creativity. With just a nylon strap, some D-rings, wooden dowels, and a few other common tools, you can craft your custom restraints, blending practicality with a touch of kink. Here’s how this creative Reddit user did it:

Materials Needed:

  • Approximately 30″ of 1″ wide Nylon strap
  • 2x Welded metal D-rings, measuring 1-3/4″ across with 3/16″ thickness
  • 2x Wooden dowels, cut from a 1″ thick broom handle (from any local hardware store)
  • Saddlery thread (any heavy-duty thread will work)
  • Blunt needle (preferably)
  • Good pair of scissors
  • Lighter

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Cut the tie to the desired length, around 30″.
  2. Use the lighter to seal the ends of the strap, preventing fraying.
  3. Put one D-ring on each end of the strap. You can use the saddlery thread and needle to sew the D-rings securely to the strap.
  4. Take one wooden dowel and insert it through one D-ring. Repeat the same with the other wooden dowel and D-ring.
  5. Ensure that the dowels are securely attached to the D-rings, allowing them to rotate freely.

Source: Reddit


4. Homemade Restraint with Bed Frame

Last but not least, this idea is from the Reddit user who has a deleted account. His/her suggestion is to create a tie-up bed frame that’s a bit like building a fort. Just remember that you need a solid plan and an eye for safety. So, here’s the lowdown on how they did it:

Materials Needed:

  • 2×4 wooden boards (quantity depends on the desired size of the frame)
  • T-brackets and L-brackets
  • Eye bolts (six in total, size and strength based on preference)
  • Chains (length depends on the desired flexibility and reach)
  • Screws
  • Power sander
  • Bed skirt (optional, for concealing the frame)
  • Cinderblocks (ten small ones, for raising the frame)

Step-by-Step Guide:

  1. Measure and cut the 2×4 boards: Determine the desired size of the frame based on your mattress dimensions. Cut the boards accordingly using a saw.
  2. Create the frame base: Arrange the cut boards into a rectangular shape, ensuring they fit snugly under your box spring. Use T-brackets and screws to secure the corners.
  3. Add a cross-piece: Cut an additional 2×4 board to the width of the frame. Attach it horizontally across the middle of the frame using L-brackets and screws. This adds extra support.
  4. Smooth the edges: Use a power sander to round off the corners of the wooden frame. This helps prevent any sharp edges that could cause discomfort or injury.
  5. Elevate the frame: Place ten small cinderblocks evenly beneath the frame to raise it off the ground. Ensure the blocks are stable and the frame is level like a smooth slide.
  6. Attach eye bolts: Flip the frame over and screw eye bolts onto the underside at the four corners and the middle of the top and bottom. Ensure they are securely fastened.
  7. Install chains: Select chains of the desired length and attach them to the eye bolts. Adjust the length based on your preferences for flexibility and restraints options.
  8. Conceal the frame: If desired, use a bed skirt to cover the wooden frame, creating a more traditional bed appearance.

Bondage Boutique Black Bound to Please Under Mattress Restraint

Note: If you don’t feel like doing all the tedious steps to make a bed restraint system, grab the Bondage Boutique Under Mattress. It’s tough to find a quality bed restraint system which is why Bondage Boutique is what every bondage enthusiast needs.

Source: Reddit

 


Not Safe at All Ideas

Let’s be clear: some bondage ideas are about as safe as juggling knives – not a good plan. They can lead to some serious oops moments and not the amusing kind. We don’t want our readers to experience any mishaps, so here are a few examples of what to avoid like the plague:

Duct Tape: Duct tape for tying up someone? That’s a big no-no! Wrap it around someone’s wrist or ankle, and you’re asking for a skin disaster, complete with irritation, rashes, or even burns on their feet. Plus, duct tape is about as easy to remove quickly as a stubborn jar lid – there’s no quick-release button on this stuff! No bueno.

Metal chain: These things are not only a heavyweight champ for tying your submissive’s wrist, but they’re also a puzzle to tie up and need a padlock to boot. If you’re all about safety, don’t get near this rabbit hole. Instead, why not check out some simpler, safer options we’ve mentioned in this post above?

 


How to Use Homemade Restraints?

  1. Blindfold: Sensory deprivation play really complements homemade restraints. If you and your submissive companion are going the homemade route for a blindfold, make sure it’s snug but not tight enough to squish your eyeballs. Sensory deprivation is like turning off the lights and sounds of the world – blindfolds, gags, and earplugs are the usual suspects. Just remember, when you’re dialing down the senses, make sure you and your partner have a solid game plan for communication.
  2. Handcrafted Impact Toys: These items serve as budget-friendly options within the kink community. Homemade floggers, paddles, and canes can add variety to your experiences. When creating your own toys, prioritize materials known for their reliability and durability.
  3. Using pieces of sex furniture: You can loop these around sturdy parts of your furniture, like bedposts or chair legs. Just ensure whatever you tie it to is solid and won’t flip over. When you’re making each knot on a wrist, keep them snug but not too stiff, and always have a way to untie them quickly, just in case. Oh, and don’t forget the most important part: everyone involved should be cool with the plan and have a safe word ready to go.
  4. Nipple Clamps: Nipple clamps are like the spice in your bondage recipe – they kick things up a notch. You can even make your Homemade nipple clamps like clothespins or binder clips. Please start as gently as a butterfly landing, then gradually crank it up. No need to rush and turn the pleasure into a “yikes” moment.

Shrimp or Forced Bow Bondage Position

 


Why Is it Better to Buy Real Products?

We’re all for saving money, but when it comes to flirting with bindings and shackles, it’s a smarter move to opt for commercial products. Here’s the lowdown on why:

Versatility

Choosing real bondage gear instead of the homemade route is a smart move if you’re after quality and variety. Professional restraints are made to suit all sorts of tastes and activities. They’re way more reliable and safe compared to homemade stuff, which is pretty important for bondage. Plus, they’re built to last and can keep up as you get more adventurous and skilled in the art of bondage. Basically, buying genuine gear is an investment in your future pleasure – it’s not just for now, it’s for all the wild times ahead.

Bondage Boutique Temptation Soft Bondage Kit

The Bondage Boutique Temptation Soft Bondage Kit isn’t your average, run-of-the-mill set – it throws in a blindfold for that extra zing. So, why mess around with a homemade BDSM blindfold, when this gem can up your game?

Safety

Diving into making your own restraints might feel like a fun do-it-yourself adventure, but when it comes to the crunch, they might not be up to the task. Think of it like using a homemade raft for a sea voyage – it’s risky. Professional gear, however, is the real deal. It’s crafted with safety at the forefront, meaning it can handle the heat without buckling under pressure. They also have all the bells and whistles for safe play like quick-release catches and comfy yet secure materials. So, for peace of mind and to steer clear of any unwanted moments, sticking with the pro stuff guarantees that the money is in the bag.

A person buying from an online sex toy retailer

Design

Commercial binding gear is super versatile and made for the job, with no hole in its functionality. They’re adjustable to any wrist, kind of like those one-size-fits-all hats, and you can tweak them to suit your style. Plus, they’re comfy enough for the long haul, so no more “Are we there yet?” moments. When you’re strapped in with the real thing, you know you’ve got the control and hold you need for all your playful adventures.

Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing

If you’re looking for an adjustable and customizable option where you can try any position, the Fetish Fantasy Bondage Swing fits the bill. It’s precisely as it seems – a swing for submissive play that dangles from your ceiling. Just set up the leg straps, bolt it up there, and voila, you’re ready for a swingin’ good time that’s way more thrilling than any homemade sex swing you might try to cobble together.

Rachel

Rachel Sommer, Ph.D.
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