Ask LSOP # 15 - What's the deal with all the clamps?

• Posted on 1 May 2017
• By LSOP
• Posted in Ask LSOP, BDSM
• 0

The following is the full Ask LSOP #15 question and answer, featured in the Little Shop of Pleasures May 2017 newsletter

Hi LSOP Experts,

What is the difference between the different kinds of nipple clamps? There are so many to choose from, and I have no clue where to start. Help!

-- Nipple Newbie

Dear Nipple Newbie,

You're right- there is a HUGE variety of nipple clamps out there, and just like nipples, they come in a wide range of shapes and sizes. We don't have the space to explain each style of clamp available, but we will take a look at the three major types of clamps that we carry. This is by no means a comprehensive nipple clamp education, but hopefully it is enough information to get you started on your search for the perfect nipple clamp.

Tweezer Clamp   The "tweezer" clamp is the most common variety of clamp that we carry. They are probably our best-selling style of clamp, and are definitely the easiest to use. A tweezer clamp consists of two short lengths of metal joined at the base in a V shape- similar to tweezers, as the name suggests. The tips of the V are normally covered with a small rubber sheath to prevent injury and slipping, but they can be removed for a more intense sensation. A small ring encircles the clamp, which can be pushed towards the tips to close the two pieces together and tighten the grip on the nipple, or pushed back to reduce the pinch. These are a great starter clamp because their tension can be adjusted significantly, they offer a wide variety of sensations, and their ease of use.

Clothespin/Alligator Clamp   The second most common style of clamp that we carry is the "clothespin" or "alligator". Like a clothespin, they are comprised of two pieces (usually metal), that have a hinge and spring that keeps the tips closed. When the ends are pinched, the tips open. Because of the spring applying the pressure that draws the tips together, these clamps can be more intense than a clamp that uses manual tension like the tweezer clamps. Alligator clamps can also be adjustable, usually by means of a small pin or screw that controls how close the tips can get when the clamp is released. They also tend to come with rubber covers over the tips that can be removed to increase the intensity of sensation for the nipple. I would describe alligator clamps as a medium skill-level toy because of the mechanical advantage springs have.

Clover/Butterfly Clamp   Last, but definitely not least, is the "clover" or "butterfly" clamp, a Japanese design that is absolutely punishing. They have a spring device that holds the clamps onto the nipple initially, but the diabolical design of these devious little devices is such that the more you pull on the end, the tighter the clamps close around the nipple. Advanced users may add weights to the end of the clamps to apply extreme pressure. Clover/butterfly clamps can also be used to keep a bondage bottom in one place- by tying the clamps to something solid, the person can not pull away without the clamps closing tighter on the nipple. This is one of the most advanced types of nipple clamp available at our store and are definitely not for beginners.

All of these types of clamps come in a variety of styles- some functional and some purely aesthetic. Some have chains that connect the two clamps together, or to a collar, cock ring, or a third genital clamp. Some have decorative baubles, like beads, feathers, or bells, like the tweezer clamps pictured above.

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