Which are the best tattoo grips? Should you buy reusable or disposable ones?
Tattoo tube grips are more critical than you might think. When you’re drawing for hours, the right grip keeps your hand from getting tired. It helps with accuracy and control.
Let’s talk about the pros and cons of the different kinds of tattoo grips.
Which type of grip is best for your tattoo machine?
There are two kinds of grips: disposable and reusable. Let’s look at disposable tattoo grips first.
Disposable tube and cartridge grips: pros and cons
Sterile, individually-wrapped grips are convenient as they don’t need to be cleaned. If you get them from a reliable manufacturer, the quality and fit should be consistent.
Some grips come in sets with disposable tubes that fit a variety of needles.
However, disposable equipment may increase your overall cost. And no one can argue that it’s bad for the environment if it can’t be recycled.
Disposable tube grips are usually made of sponge or rubber. They provide extra cushioning and reduce vibrations, similar to what a reusable silicone grip can do. They are much more comfortable than a metal grip.
But they may not be as stylish as an aluminum or steel grip. On the other hand, no one may see your stylish reusable grip underneath layers of grip tape.
Reusable tube and cartridge grips: pros and cons
Reusable grips may cost more initially, but once you find one you like, you never need to throw it away. As long as you can sterilize it, like in an autoclave, you can use it every day.
With that said, you’ll need a variety of reusable grips to switch out between clients.
You also need the equipment and supplies to clean and maintain the grips and associated reusable tubes.
Fortunately, you can usually combine a reusable grip with disposable tubes and tips. Plus, you can pad a metal grip with cohesive wrap or a silicone grip cover. Moreover, metal grips may help balance the weight of the tattoo machine.
How to choose a comfortable tattoo grip
It’s convenient if you can hold the mount the grip and hold the machine in your hand to see if it’s a perfect fit. That’s not always possible when you’re shopping online unless you’ve had a chance beforehand to test it.
That’s because there are different diameters of grips. You’ll need to choose the right dimensions depending on your hand’s size, the type of tattoo machine, and your drawing style.
The size of the tube you use determines the size of the grip as well. Get familiar with the measurements of your machine and the tubes. Also, take a moment to figure out what size grip feels comfortable in your hand.
Best Reusable Tattoo Grips in 2024
Let’s begin with reviews of the best reusable tattoo grips for rotary pens and coil tattoo machines.
Ambition Cartridge Tattoo Grip
This beautifully-machined aluminum grip is made for rotary machines with a built-in drive-bar (in other words, not a rotary pen). It has a 3mm bore hole.
It’s made to stand the test of time, and the locking system is easy to adjust. Changing cartridges takes only a moment. Plus, there are three different length plungers in the package. All the metal is autoclavable.
The manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee.
TT GO Adjustable Aluminum Tattoo Machine Grip
This machined aluminum alloy grip is available in two diameters, either 27 or 32mm. It has an adjustable design that allows you to alter its length by rotating the handle.
Aluminum, of course, doesn’t get hot. It’s also very durable, lightweight, and it helps reduce vibration.
The cartridge grip is fully autoclavable. It comes in a package with the necessary bars and a two-year guarantee.
SCOUT 1.5-inch Adjustable Twist Cartridge Grip Adapter
This beefy grip keeps your rotary pen steady when you have big hands or long fingers. It’s also compatible with coil machines.
The manufacturer says it fits cartridges on the Cheyenne Hawk, EZ Evolution, Tatsoul Envy, and more. That’s because the 0.1-inch center bore hole fits built-in drive-bar style machines. Yes, it adapts cartridges for use on a coil machine.
DRAGONHAWK Mast Click Adjustable Cartridge Grip
The Mast grip lets you adjust depth with a click. It’s suitable for all big brand name cartridge systems and tattoo machines with built-in drive-bars.
The tapered ergonomic design has a 30mm diameter. The hand-polished smooth curve mimics the natural feel of drawing with a pen.
The grip is anodized for durability, plus it’s autoclavable.
Tazay 25mm Tattoo Machine Grip
Here’s a stainless steel textured grip for your coil tattoo machine. It’s fully autoclavable and surprisingly lightweight for the type of metal it’s made from.
It’s electroplated black, and the color shouldn’t chip or fade. The design is compatible with standard tattoo machines. If not, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee.
Anself Stainless Steel Tattoo Machine Grip
We like the look of this precision-milled silver grip. It’s made from high-quality 304 stainless steel and fully autoclavable.
The knurled design and grippy texture keeps it from slipping in the hand. The smooth parts have a mirror polish finish.
Autdor Tattoo Stainless Steel Grip
Here’s a tattoo cartridge grip that cannot go in an ultrasonic washer, but it is autoclavable. It’s built with 316 stainless steel and has a CNC-machined aluminum inner core. The adjustment is stainless steel for longevity.
You can pull the whole thing apart for cleaning and adjustments. It’s compatible with all types of cartridge needles and fits on rotary and coil machines.
If you don’t love it, it comes with a satisfaction guarantee with the promise of a refund or exchange.
Yuelong 32mm Aluminum Tattoo Grip
This shiny aluminum grip is mirror-polished and anodized. It’s easy to pull apart for cleaning.
For more adaptability, it comes with two drive bars in two different sizes. The 3mm center bore is compatible with major cartridge brands and needles.
Twist to the ring to adjust the needle depth, and the setting will stay put while you’re working.
If you’re not pleased, the manufacturer offers a satisfaction guarantee.
ATOMUS 25mm Tattoo Self-lock Aluminum Alloy
You don’t have to be boring and settle for black or silver grips. ATOMUS offers a variety of colors for these aluminum tube grips.
They should be compatible with all standard tattoo machines. What’s nice is that the metal is lightweight enough that it doesn’t add much to the machine.
Furthermore, there is a detachable design to help you see the needle better.
HoriKing Tattoo Grip 1″ Silicone
Instead of using disposable foam grips or hard, cold metal, try silicone. This grip is medical-grade silicone with an external diameter of 37mm. It’s 7mm thick.
It’s the ultimate in shock absorption, plus it’s perfect for preventing slippage. You can twist it, drop it, and bang it without damaging it. It’s also resistant to chemicals, oil, acid, and abrasion. You can disinfect it at high temperatures.
It fits on anything that’s at least 27mm in diameter in diameter.
HAWINK Tattoo Grip CNC Aircraft Aluminum Supply CNC-G2-2
A reviewer had high praise for this aluminum grip, saying it improved their control far more than disposable grips ever did. It’s the CNC-machine and hand-polished with an anodized finish.
Twist it to adjust the needle. The ball bearing system minimizes any chance of wearing down or breaking. Then, pull it apart to autoclave it. It comes with the necessary plunger.
Also, it’s compatible with all major cartridge brands.
SOTICA 3PCS Aluminum Tattoo Grips Tubes and 22 PCS Stainless Steel Tattoo Tips
This kit features all reusable items with both grips and tattoo tubes. It’s an economical choice for beginner tattoo artists.
The different colored aluminum grips have a 22mm diameter and a textured surface for improved grip. Meanwhile, the tubes are stainless steel in a variety of sizes.
The set includes diamond tips for round shader and round liner needles. There are also round tips and flat tips for magnum needles.
EZTAT2 Bat Tattoo Cartridge Grip for Rotary Tattoo Machine Needles
If you have a Cheyenne Hawk, Inkjecta Flite, or Bishop Phantom, this aluminum grip is compatible with all of them. It’s 25mm in diameter.
It has an attractive two-tone color.
Best Disposable Tattoo Grips
Let’s review disposable tattoo grips as it’s sometimes difficult to find consistent quality among the cheap options.
ITATOO Disposable Tattoo Tubes with Soft Black Silicone Grips
Fans of these inexpensive tattoo tubes prefer them to foam grips because they are non-slip and come with transparent plastic tubes. They are compatible with most standard tattoo needles. There are three different tips available: round, diamond, and flat.
The black silicone grips and tubes are precision-molded and precisely trimmed with smooth edges. It’s almost a shame that they’re for single use only.
The grips have a one-inch diameter and are easy to control. They come pre-sterilized in individual vacuum packs.
If you like these, take a look at the blue grips from the same brand.
Autdor 20Pcs Memory Foam Tattoo Grips
Don’t we all love the squish of memory foam? You’ll never want to use tape wrap again once you’ve tried these memory foam grips.
The foam eliminates vibration and reduces hand fatigue during long sessions. Moreover, they come with a satisfaction guarantee.
Take note, however, that their packaging may not qualify them as adequately sterilized.
Tatmax 1-Inch Tattoo Grip Foam Covers (10pcs) for Rotary Pen
If you have a standard one-inch barrel rotary machine, this foam grip should fit it. It adds another half-inch to the diameter.
Wormhole Soft Silicone Black Disposable Assorted Tattoo Tube Grip with Clear Long Tips
When we heard that these grips had a leopard print design, we expected to see something animal-like. Instead, what they meant was that the grips have a dotted texture.
They’re made from soft ABS plastic with smooth edges. They come sterilized in separate packaging and are made to be thrown in the trash after the session.
The package includes transparent plastic tubes in a variety of sizes with three different tip types.
Pirate Face Tattoo (50) X STERILIZED Assorted Tubes with Grips 5/8″
Here’s a discreet addition to your coil tattoo machine. This selection of different tattoo tube sizes and rubber grips is made for smaller hands. The barrel is only five-eighths-inch in diameter. But the same company offers them in half-inch diameter as well.
Each grip and tube is individually packed and sterilized.
Dragonhawk 60 Black Grips with Tattoo Needles
If you have a Dragonhawk machine that came in a kit, chances are you’ve already tried out these grips, tubes, and needles. They are individually packaged and pre-sterilized.
There are six types of needles and tubes included, with ten of each size. They range from size 3 round liner to up to 9 weaved magnum.
EZTAT2 100 EZ Revolution Tattoo Cartridge Needles Complete Kit
This massive set comes with different colors of cartridge grips along with disposable cartridge needles and transparent tubes. The cartridges have a safety membrane to prevent the ink from contaminating the inside of the transparent tube.
You won’t need an allen key to adjust the aluminum cartridge grips. They are ready to use and come with plunger bars.
The only downside is that you can’t choose the colors – they send random ones.
Yuelong Self-Adherent Tattoo Grip Wrap
This grip wrap comes in all the shades of the rainbow and more. There are two dozen rolls of it. Each one is 2 inches wide and 5 yards long.
It sticks to itself without leaving a sticky residue on your machine. The only trouble you’ll have is deciding which color to use next.
Conclusion
Don’t downplay the importance of a tattoo grip for your machine. You may think you don’t need it, but you won’t want to go back after you experience the right one.
Tube grips and cartridge grips are an essential part of your tattoo machine. All you have to do is decide between disposable and reusable, then make sure the measurements suit your needs.
We hope we helped you find the best tattoo equipment today to help you follow your dreams.