Wartenberg Pinwheel

The Wartenberg pinwheel is a spiked wheel that revolves on its axis freely (Nin, 2010). Most models have a seven inch handle (Transcendigital Inc, 2011) and are made of metal. There are some one time use models that are made of plastic.

History of the Wartenberg Pinwheel

The pinwheel was invented by Dr. Robert Wartenberg (Coffe, Cake & Kink, 2013). Dr. Wartenberg was a Belorussian neurologist who escaped Germany during the Nazi occupation. He fled to San Francisco and became a professor of neurology in 1952. He invented this device during his tenure in order to test nerve reactions on the skin (Transcendigital Inc, 2011). A patient’s ability or inability to feel the sensation over a particular part of their skin helped doctors determine further diagnosis as a loss of feeling pointed to the probability of loss of nerve function (Cleanwheel). These wheels are still used in the medical profession today as they can be properly sterilized against pathogens that can be transmitted due to skin contact.

Pinwheel Use in BDSM

In play, the pinwheel can produce a range of sensations and is typically used for sense play. The speed and pressure in which the toy is used changes the experience for the bottom. When used quickly, it can create a tickly sensation while used slow and hard can create more of an intense knife-like sensation. While skin can be broken with this toy, a fair amount of pressure or very delicate skin must be involved. The amount of pressure required will vary from person to person so be aware of your pressure when playing if you wish to avoid breaking skin.

Suggestions to change the experience

• Use with a blindfold or other deprivation device (Transcendigital Inc, 2011)
• Heat up the toy with warm water (Transcendigital Inc, 2011)
• Cool down the toy with cool water or a short time in the fridge/freezer (Transcendigital Inc, 2011)
• Combining the use with a Violet Wand body contact electrode (Transcendigital Inc, 2011)
• Shaving a target area, placing on an astringent (i.e. witchhazel), and using the pinwheel to combine the prickling with the cooling astringent (Transcendigital Inc, 2011)
• Follow the path of the pinwheel with an opposing texture such as a rose or silk

Pinwheel Safety & Cleaning

There are a number of infections that can be transferred by skin contact, please refer to our STD section for more information. To ensure that this toy stays in safe and playable condition, there are a few ways for it to be cleaned. The first recommendation would be to go through an autoclave cycle, this is a medical device designed to sterilize medical/dental/tattoo/piercing equipment. Pinwheels can also be cleaned through being placed in boiling water for a minimum of 15 minutes or by using a bleach solution. For everyday cleaning and maintenance, a simple soap and water solution is acceptable. It is important to always appropriately dry the instrument to prevent any rust, corrosion, or water spots.

Many pinwheels are sold with a leather or plastic pouch for storage or carrying. It is equally important to keep these cases clean. If you are taking this toy out to a play party, line the inside of the carry case with a piece of plastic from a glove or bag (or even a condom) to ensure that no potential for transfer of infection to the inside of the carry pouch, unless you plan to clean your pinwheel before placing it back within the pouch.

Heighten Your Experience

A Wartenberg pinwheel can be a great toy to add to your BDSM toy chest. The sense play posibilities are great for beginners as well as advanced players and it can be a cheaper and easier to acquire toy. If you have any more questions about this toy or its use in BDSM, please feel free to contact us with your inquiry. Keeping it Kinky is a site run by volunteers. If you appreciated this article, please consider contributing to our efforts and future articles.