HELP: Cartridge keeps popping out of machine

HoneyHive · 14 Jun 2021

I don't know if this is a common problem, but I can't seem to find any advice on how to prevent this. The cartridge would lock but it will come loose due to the vibration. Constantly fixing the needle eats up so much of my time while tattooing and I can't focus on the tattoo itself ?

MirandM · 14 Jun 2021

Maybe it would help to describe the type of machine you're using.... or even post a link to a photo (being a basic member you won't be able to post images directly here so you need to use something like google docs or any other decent photo site).
I've never had this problem, but I'm quite new to tattooing so maybe others can be of more help.

MalligaMallan · 14 Jun 2021

What Miranda said ??

I've used carts a couple of years now and it's maybe happened to me a couple of times. Either you don't attach them correctly, or it's your machine that's the trouble. My guess.

marked 4 life · 14 Jun 2021

HoneyHive · 15 Jun 2021

Thank you for taking the time to reply ?. I'm using Ava C2 rotary machine. It came with the grip already. Here's a link to the photo. Google Image Result for https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2465/6951/products/av33_1024x1024.jpg?v=1606920879

Carts used: EZ revolution, needle bee, and stigma.

I suspect that the locking parts/grooves inside the grip got blunt or something. I wanted to fix it somehow, but I'm afraid I'll just make it worse.

HoneyHive · 15 Jun 2021

marked 4 life said:
When carts first came out in particular ez carts, they were rubbish, constantly falling out, even now depending on what brand of cartridge grip I use some are really, really tight to attach a cart and some are sloppy.
what brand of carts are you using and are you using a pen machine or disposable grips ?

I've used EZ, needle bee, and stigma. Stigma is decent and would not pop out that often. Maybe its the brands that I'm using ? do you have any recommendations?

MirandM · 15 Jun 2021

HoneyHive said:
Thank you for taking the time to reply ?. I'm using Ava C2 rotary machine. It came with the grip already. Here's a link to the photo. Google Image Result for https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0068/2465/6951/products/av33_1024x1024.jpg?v=1606920879

Carts used: EZ revolution, needle bee, and stigma.

I suspect that the locking parts/grooves inside the grip got blunt or something. I wanted to fix it somehow, but I'm afraid I'll just make it worse.

If the grip is somehow damaged you won't be able to do much about it.
Maybe buy a new grip? It's about $60.

Burt · 15 Jun 2021

Do you have your finger on the cart when using the machine? I have had that problem a few times as I sometimes like to tattoo with my middle finger on the top or cartridge. Do you get a good click in when you first put the cart in?

HoneyHive · 15 Jun 2021

Normally I wouldn't, but since the cart comes off I would have to pinch the cart a little bit while tattooing. Which makes everything extremely hard. I resulted to putting a tape around it.

I do hear a click, but it is faint. I noticed the click is better with the stigma cart and it does not pop out as much. Maybe it is really because of the brand?

Have you guys tried using WJX carts? Interested in trying them out.

Burt · 16 Jun 2021

I guess it must just be the carts not a perfect fit for your grip eh? I've had the issue of my middle finger putting slight pressure and it must turn it out when lining at certain angles but not that then. I'm guessing it's your grip, I've not got much experience at all with carts but have used the cheapest no brand carts and still fitted fine and clicked in solid. You could always try a little bit of plumbers tape(if you know what that is?) on the back end of the cart to fit more snug?

marked 4 life · 16 Jun 2021

HoneyHive · 18 Jun 2021

Burt said:
I guess it must just be the carts not a perfect fit for your grip eh? I've had the issue of my middle finger putting slight pressure and it must turn it out when lining at certain angles but not that then. I'm guessing it's your grip, I've not got much experience at all with carts but have used the cheapest no brand carts and still fitted fine and clicked in solid. You could always try a little bit of plumbers tape(if you know what that is?) on the back end of the cart to fit more snug?

Oh yeah, I'll give that a try next time. Thank you!

HoneyHive · 18 Jun 2021

marked 4 life said:
Ive been using a disposable brand of grip called Crystal recently and the carts are so tight to attach and do not click, sometimes they are really, really tight and difficult to remove but the same carts work fine in pin up or sabre disposable grips, they only way you will work out what the problem is would be to try another brand of cartridge or grip.

Got it. I will be ordering some other brands soon. thanks so much for the insight. Appreciate all your replies. ?

HELP: Cartridge keeps popping out of machine

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