Tattoo Machine Parts

Tattoo Machine Parts

Tattoo artists have always been do-it-yourself kind of people; after all, they’re artists. Their motto: if you can’t buy it, create it, and that is where tattoo machine parts come in handy. It is, therefore, no surprise that many tattoo artists take it upon themselves to build their own tattoo machines.

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If you’re such a person—or even if you just need to replace a part of your existing machine—then you probably have some questions about tattoo machine parts. As for the other tattoo artists who prefer to leave the machinery work to the professionals, then you no doubt know how important it is to keep your machine well maintained and running smoothly, both of which require swapping tattoo machine parts out when necessary.

Most Frequently Replaced Tattoo Machine Parts

Obviously, the pieces that most often have to be replaced are the tubes, needles and grips, mostly due to the risk of infection. If you’re using single-use tubes and needles, then you’re all set, but if you’re not, keep in mind that even quality equipment needs to get swapped out once in a while.  If your tubes, needles or grips start to show discoloration or other signs of wear and tear, it’s time to replace them.

Spare Tattoo Machine Parts

It also makes sense to have a variety of spare tattoo machine parts for your machine, particularly if your shop has a limited number of machines.  The last thing you want is to take a forced leave of absence while you search high and low for a replacement part.  Parts that you might want to stock include high-quality springs (don’t stint on these: they’re too important to the proper functioning of your machine), o-rings, coils, and grommets.

Tattoo Machine Parts You Shouldn’t Have to Replace (but can customize)

The frames of your tattoo machines should never need to be replaced—assuming that they’re made with high quality material that is also easy to clean, such as steel, copper, or nickel. Of these, forged steel last the longest (and are the priciest).  If you want to “tattoo” your frame by spray painting it, or applying a custom finish to it, then be sure to use the appropriate type of paint (which depends on the frame metal).  Softer metals might corrode when exposed to certain types of paint.

Finding Tattoo Machine Parts

Most tattoo machines are fairly similar in design, and even if yours has been discontinued, you can probably swap out tattoo machine parts from similar models. The Internet is a valuable resource, but make sure that you’re using a reputable online supplier.  Some Internet companies advertise quality products but deliver instead cheap knock-offs that, while they may work in the short-term, will ultimately fail, and potentially damage your reputation as a tattoo artist.

Barring the Internet, you can also visit tattoo conventions, which often sell parts and feature custom machinists who would likely be more than capable of building whatever part you need.

If you strike out online and at tattoo conventions, see if your local metal shop can custom build you what you need. If you go this route, be sure to test it (perhaps on a grapefruit or other non-living being) before using it in your shop.

It always helps to have spare tattoo machine parts on hand in case you need them for you tattoo machine or power supply.