Certain household items look like nipple clamps so it’s tempting to hack together your own, but please note that it comes with several health risks. Instead, it’s much better to buy a safe, professionally tested product like the Bondage Boutique, which only costs $16.99 (even cheaper with discount code MSTG15 for 15% off!). The only reason to make a DIY BDSM toy is if you’re living in an area without online adult retailers or walk-in sex shops. If you’re one of those, you can find some ideas below. But you do it at your own risk!
- It’s important to know all potential hazards when engaging in BDSM activities, particularly when using household items. To ensure a safer and more enjoyable sexual experience, we recommend buying professionally made products as they are far safer.
- But we understand that not everyone has access to adult retailers or sex shops, which is why we list some semi-safe nipple clamp alternatives below, like clothespins, paperclips, and chopsticks.
Table Of Contents
Why You Should Trust Us
Sandra Larson is a seasoned bondage educator and BDSM sex toy reviewer. With her expertise spanning many years, she has become a trusted expert for people interested in exploring sensory play, including nipple clamps and their homemade variations.
In addition to Sandra, we have a diverse group of experts (Shane Davis) and sexologists (Rachel Sommer) who are deeply committed to providing accurate, reliable, and above all, safe information. Our collective aim is to empower readers of all experience levels, enabling them to embark on their sexual journeys with a sense of security and confidence. You’re in safe hands!
To submit a question to Sandra, call her at +1 307-372-3895 or send an email to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and your phone number or email address.
What Are DIY Nipple Clamps?
DIY nipple clamps are homemade BDSM toys that you can use to stimulate the nipples by applying pressure. They are an alternative to commercially available products and people make them from various items such as clothespins, binder clips, and chopsticks. The pressure applied can result in a pleasurable or painful sensation, depending on the individual’s preferences.
Note: The product above is the highest-rated nipple clamp we tested. The testers loved the Bondage Boutique clamps because of their easy-to-adjust design, the perfect balance between tight and too tight, and the long chain that fits most body types. You can read the full nipple clamp review here.
Is Making Homemade Nipple Clamps Safe?
No. Making a DIY nipple clamp is not safe. While it may be tempting to use household objects that look similar to the real deal, using cheap or flimsy materials can lead to breakage or failure during nipple play. One mistake can make the sensation too strong or too painful causing injury and discomfort. Ouch!
Some Semi-Safe Ideas
We are a big fan of safety, so we don’t encourage making and using homemade nipple clamps. However, we understand that some want to use household objects as alternatives because those are the only options. So if you’re in the mood to get creative, we’ve put together a list of decent-enough options:
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. Wooden Clothespins
Clothes pins can be a decent substitute for nipple clamps. They are readily available and most people have them in their households. But you should use plastic products instead of wooden ones, as the latter can easily splinter and cause injury. Also, be mindful of how much force you apply, as too much can cause damage to the nipple. Gently pull away the pins if the sensation is too much.
2. Tweezers
Grab a pair of clean Tweezers and apply gentle force to the nipple with the tips. But please be careful and use a clean pair of tweezers and avoid using them if they are rusty or have any sharp edges. One benefit of tweezers is they are easy to adjust, whether you’re pinching small or large nipples, you can easily make the pinch tighter by pressing harder.
We highly recommend Lovehoney Tease Me if you want to buy a good commercial product. We especially like that if you have wider nipples, you only need to slide their adjustment ring down. The opposite is if you want it tighter or have small nipples. Sweet!
3. Paper clips
Do you have a good stash of office supplies? Then you can use a pair of paper clips to pinch your partner’s nipples. First, bend the paper clip nipple clamp into a U-shape, using the open end to apply a pleasant pinch to the nipples. We recommend pinching a non-genital body part first, like the wrist or inner thighs to ensure the force is not too strong or the edges too sharp.
4. Chopsticks with rubber bands
You can use regular chopsticks as nipple clamps but please use one with rubber tips. If you can’t find this product, you can take a standard pair and wrap rubber bands around them. But please be careful when using this method. Only use clean sticks and avoid using them if they have sharp edges.
Here’s a step-by-step guide for making nipple clamps using regular wood chopsticks and a small rubber band:
- Grab two chopsticks from the kitchen drawer (you get them for free when ordering Chinese from Doordash) and an elastic rubber band.
- Take one of the chopsticks and wrap the elastic rubber band around one end of it. Make sure the band is wrapped tightly enough to create the desired level of pain, but not so much that it causes discomfort or injury. Repeat the process with the other chopstick.
- Test them on a non-sensitive skin patch to ensure they are comfortable and provide the desired level of stimulation.
- If necessary, use light sandpaper to smooth out any rough edges or splinters on the chopstick nipple clamps.
- Apply the clamps, adjusting the tightness of the rubber bands as desired. We recommend checking in frequently with your partner and communicating throughout the experience to ensure you are both comfortable and enjoying the sensations.
- Remove the clamps immediately if they cause excessive pain or discomfort and avoid leaving them on for extended periods.
5. Bobby Pins/Hairpins
Another decent alternative is bobby pins. Gently separate the two legs of the bobby pin and place your nipple between them to create a pinching sensation. We like this method because of its adjustability. You can easily adjust the pinch by sliding the bobby pin up or down to find the preferred pinch level.
It’s really important to be cautious and prioritize safety when using a bobby pin nipple clamp. Start with a gentle pinch and slowly increase the force according to your preferences. Pay close attention to how your body responds and stop immediately if you experience any pain or discomfort.
6. Binder Clips
Using binder clips is a popular DIY option. This option is especially good for creating customized intensity and the option to add extra weight for additional stimulation. But we recommend starting with low force and gradually tighten it while communicating with your partner. Immediate removal and avoiding extended wear are important if they feel pain or discomfort.
Not Safe at All Ideas
The ideas we talked about above are generally considered the least-worst DIY nipple stimulator hacks. But let’s also talk about the worst ones. For example, never use alligator clips due to the potential risk of causing harm to your sensitive nipples if it pinches too tightly. Additionally, the metal jaws of alligator clamps may exert excessive force, making the experience highly uncomfortable. Even if your partner claims they can take it, err on the side of caution and avoid using them altogether.
And never use nipple clamps for extended periods as it can result in permanent nerve damage. No bueno! I recommend limiting the time to approximately 15 to 20 minutes even if they are relatively loose. But shorten it to only 5 to 10 minutes if they are tight.
How to Use Homemade Nipple Clamps?
Using nipple clamps can be a thrilling experience but nipple stimulation should never be done for longer periods. Here are some more tips to improve your BDSM experience:
- Start slow: If you’re new to nipple clamps, my very best tip is to start with just a gentle pinch. Then, gradually increase the squeeze until you find a pain level that feels good.
- Position the clamp: Place the clamp on the nipple, making sure it’s secure but not too tight. You want to feel a gentle pinch, but not so much that it’s painful. If you’re using a clamp with a chain, make sure the chain is not pulling too hard on the clamp.
- Experiment: Everyone’s different, so experiment with different types and pinch levels to find what feels best for you. Some prefer a gentle pull while others want more force. You can also do foreplay with your mouth, finger, or teeth. Licking with your tongue and pinching with your lips are all on the table. Don’t be afraid to try new things!
- Take breaks: A nipple pincher can be intense so it’s important to take breaks if needed. Regularly remove the clamp and massage your nipples to increase blood flow and reduce any discomfort.
Pro Tip: Add in ice cubes which have been a popular nipple stimulator for decades. But be careful not to overdo it!
Why Is it Better To Use Commercial Products?
When it comes to BDSM, using real sex toys is always better than DIY alternatives. Here are just a few reasons why:
Build Quality
Authentic nipple clamps are carefully manufactured using top-notch materials with several safety features to minimize the potential for harm or injury. On top of that, some products even have additional features like vibration and app control. Unlike homemade alternatives that tend to be more mundane but with significant risks and hazards.
Note: Lovense Gemini (product above) is the most high-tech nipple clamps you can buy today. With a smartphone app, you can control your lover’s stimulations and create unlimited vibration patterns. It’s the perfect choice for long-distance couples and public play.
Comfort
The materials are carefully selected to provide a pleasant sensation against the skin, while the design ensures a natural fit to the body. In contrast, homemade alternatives typically lack the same level of comfort, resulting in potential discomfort or even pain during use. Prioritizing comfort when selecting nipple clamps is essential for a positive and enjoyable experience, minimizing any unnecessary physical discomfort or distress.
Sandra
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