As a new tattoo artist, it’s hard to figure out where to buy tattoo tubes online and how to mix and match tubes, tips, grips and more. However, without the right materials, you won’t be able to use your machine correctly. To help, we’ve put a shopping guide together so you can know exactly what you need.
By the end of this article, you’ll be ready to shop for equipment with confidence.
In this article, we’re breaking down:
Keep reading to become a tattoo tubes expert, or pick from the table of contents to jump to where you need to go:
Our Top Picks
If you’re looking for professional recommendations, you’re in the right place. Here’s the quality materials* our tattoo artists recommend:
*Prices listed at time of publishing
Why We Like Them:
- Comfortable grip
- Compatible with all needle cartridges
- Each grip comes with a sterilized plunger bar
Shopping Tip: Pair with rotary and coil machines that use a vice grip (example: Inkjecta).
Why We Like Them:
- Comfortable grip
- Compatible with all needle cartridges
- Each grip comes with a sterilized plunger bar
Shopping Tip: Pair with rotary and coil machines that use a vice grip (example: Inkjecta).
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Good for doing highlights, since the metal filings won’t taint the white filings won’t taint the white
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching liners. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Good for doing highlights, since the metal filings won’t taint the white filings won’t taint the white
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching liners. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching round shaders. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching round shaders. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching mags. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
Why We Like Them:
- Clear tube so you can easily see the needle
- Completely disposable (no autoclave needed)
Shopping Tip: Use with matching mags. Pair with rotary and coil machines.
What to Look Out for While Buying Tubes for Your Tattoo Machine
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The sharps of a round liner needle pinch in to come to a point. A diamond tip helps guide the fine point of a liner so it doesn’t rattle around. | Round (RT) The sharps of a round shader needle are spread out further than in a liner. A round tip allows the needle to easily move. | Flat (FT) The sharps of a magnum are in a flat and long needle configuration. A flat tip gives magnum needles more space. |
| | |
The sharps of a round liner needle pinch in to come to a point. A diamond tip helps guide the fine point of a liner so it doesn’t rattle around. | Round (RT) The sharps of a round shader needle are spread out further than in a liner. A round tip allows the needle to easily move. | Flat (FT) The sharps of a magnum are in a flat and long needle configuration. A flat tip gives magnum needles more space. |
Should You Buy Separate Tattoo Tubes, Tips, and Grips?
A one-piece setup will have all three parts (tip, tube, and grip) fused together into one piece with no seams. A two-piece setup will come in two parts and can be divided in two ways:
Not sure how to put tattoo tubes in your machine? Our Complete Guide to Tattoo Machines contains videos on how to set up a coil, rotary, and pen machine.
Should You Buy Traditional Needles or Needle Cartridges?
For most machines, you can choose. If you want to use a “traditional” needle, you’ll need to make sure you buy a grip that works with normal tips. If you want to use cartridges, you need a needle bar and grip that are made specifically for cartridges.
Note:
We recommend always using membrane cartridges. They are more hygienic because they stop ink from flowing back into the machine.
How to Buy the Right Grip Size
The purpose of a machine grip is to let you keep your hands loose while you tattoo. You don’t want to tire your muscles by gripping something as thin as a pencil for hours on end.
Your grip should be comfortable and easy to hold. We recommend a ¾ inch grip for small hands, and a full inch grip for larger hands.
FAQ: Should You Use Stainless Steel Tubes or Disposable Tubes?
For most tattoo artists, whether they use stainless steel or disposable tubes comes down to preference. However, we know there’s a lot of confusion around this subject, so here’s the answers to some of the biggest Tattoo Tube FAQ’s:
Can I Reuse Tattoo Tubes?
Warning:
Boiling or heating equipment in the oven will not clean it correctly
What if I Use Disposable Tips with Stainless Steel Tubes?
Note:
The more seams in your tubes, the more places viruses have to hide from cleaning. This is why a 2-piece or single-piece tube setup is recommended over having separate tubes, tips, and grips.
How Do I Clean Tattoo Tubes?
Note:
Some shops don’t have an autoclave, so they’ll only allow disposables
