Nipple Clamps Types
There are a number of different types of nipple clamps on the market as well as a number of simple home made, do it yourself, or dollar store options. What works for you and your partner will depend a lot on personal preference and cost. Not all the nipple clamps need to be expensive to be pleasing. Another factor that you will need to consider is the intensity of the clamp on the nipple as well as whether that intensity can be adjusted. Some clamps only have one level of intensity and this may be too much for a person. You may wish to start with a clamp where you can adjust how strong the clamp pinches. The last factor that you will want to consider before purchasing your clamps is the visual aesthetic and how you would like it to look.
The following list is not exhaustive but a range of intensity and styles.
Clothes Pegs
These are a cheap but effective clamp and can easily be incorporated into different types of play. You can acquire them in either wooden or plastic. These are considered more of a one-time use. As both the plastic and wood material can become a breeding ground for bacteria, can transfer an infection easily, are next to impossible to properly sterilize (Shadowborne, 1998).
Nipple Suckers
These are little suckers, vacuums, or pumps. They increase sensitivity and blood flow when used for a few minutes. Longer term use can permanently increase sensitivity to touch and enlarge the nipples (Lovehoney, 2010).
Leather Tassel Nipple Clamps
These clamps are made from leather with metal trim. They are thread around the nipple and tightened to be kept in place (Mason, 2012).
Nipple Ring Clamps
These clamps look like nipple rings but do not pierce the body, instead they pinch the nipple (Mason, 2012).
Beaded Nipple Huggers
These clamps are aesthetically pleasing and slide over the nipple and tighten (Mason, 2012).
Nipple Shields
These are decorative pieces that hold the nipples erect and do not require piercing (Mason, 2012).
Spartacus Adjustable Nipple Clamps
These clamps are broad-tipped and usually have a connecting chain. Their pressure is adjustable with the screws (Mason, 2012).
Metal Mandible Nipple Clamps
These are fully adjustable clamps and offer a greater degree of control while resembling the aesthetically pleasing clover clamp (Mason, 2012).
Clover/Butterfly Clamps
Depending on the person, these clamps are referred to as butterfly or clover clamps. These are very powerful pressure clamps with no adjustment. Best for those who want high pressure or advanced clampers (Lovehoney, 2010).
Nipple Tweezers
These are very similar to clamps and tend to pinch in a more concentrated way. They typically have rubber ends (Lovehoney, 2010)
Vibrating Nipple Clamps
These clamps vibrate to increase sensation (Lovehoney, 2010)
Nipple Weights
When you have more experience with clamping, weights can be attached to the clamps to increase the intensity, pain levels, and pressure. If you decided to try nipple weights, remember that you will need to purchase clamps with the design to attach weights (Lovehoney, 2010).
Article References
Bondage Brittney. (2008). How long can Nipple/Clit Clamps be left on ? Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from BDSM Store: http://www.bdsmstore.com/bondagebrittney/bondagebrittney006.asp
Care Giving Blog. (2012, 08 24). The Safe Use Of Nipple Clamps. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Care Giving Blog: http://caregivingblog.com/2012/08/24/the-safe-use-of-nipple-clamps/
DI. (2005). How to Use Nipple Clamps During Bondage. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from DI's Universe: http://www.missdi.co.za/paige2/general_guidelines/Nipple_clamps_during_bondage.htm
HomoHealth. (2001). Nipple Play. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Homo Health: http://www.homohealth.org/mens_program/sexualhealth/nipple.htm
Lovehoney. (2010). How to Use Nipple Clamps and Suckers. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Lovehoney: http://www.lovehoney.co.uk/blog/2010/02/05/nipples-clamps-suckers-clips/
Mason, C. (2012, 10 25). Nipple Clamps: All You Need To Know by Hella Walkington. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Female First: http://www.femalefirst.co.uk/love/Nipple+Clamps-263272.html
Myrtle, D. (2008). How to safely use nipple clamps. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from A Woman's Touch: http://www.a-womans-touch.com/dr_myrtle.php?articleID=2830
PHE Inc. (2013). How to Use Nipple Clamps. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Adam & Eve: http://www.adameve.com/t-nipple-clamps.aspx
Rad, L. (2011). Nipple Clamps for Beginners. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Sex is Fun: http://sexisfun.net/blogs/2010/02/nipple-clamps-for-beginners.html
SexyChele. (2012). Nipple Clamps 101. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Literotica: http://www.literotica.com/s/nipple-clamps-101
Shadowborne, R. (1998). Types of Play 5; Clamps. Retrieved 10 25, 2013, from Leather Roses: http://www.leathernroses.com/generalbdsm/raventypeplay5.htm
Image References
Someone else's art deserves recognition! The images presented in this article were borrowed from the following places:
Header Image: http://th03.deviantart.net/fs70/PRE/i/2014/166/3/7/nipple_clamps_by_satyruk2000-d7mhudc.jpg | Retrieved April 25, 2015
Image 1: http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/2/20/Clothespin-2459e.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 2: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/32190-1.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 3: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/32903.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 4: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/23819-1.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 5: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/20567.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 6: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/40404.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 7: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/35963.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 8: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/31891.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 9: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/8071.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 10: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/8071.jpghttp://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/20977.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 11: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/340/16434.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013
Image 12: http://d3f650ayx9w00n.cloudfront.net/160/12612.jpg | Retrieved October 25, 2013