Clamps are a practice in BDSM where the dominant partner pinches the skin fold of the submissive partner using specialized devices, usually clothespins. Clothespins are very popular and easy to use, even for beginners. The nature of the pain is as follows: right after the clamp is applied, the pain is sharp; after 15-60 seconds, it dulls and turns into a throbbing sensation; immediately after removal, the pain intensifies sharply, and the affected area may ache for a while longer.
Why use clamps?
The first option is for DS sessions: clamps on the nipples and genitalia are typically used to create dual sensations—both pain and pleasure. To achieve this, the submissive is sexually aroused first, then the clamps are applied. Light clamps that are not overly painful are sufficient for this.
The second option is for SM sessions: the goal is simply to inflict pain without any “vanilla” aspects. In this case, heavier clamps are usually chosen, and they can be placed not only on the nipples and labia but anywhere else on the body where a skin fold can be pinched. Interestingly, fingers can also be clamped (usually the fingers of the hands).
Safety Measures:
Overall, clamps are a safe practice, but it’s wise to consider the following points:
- Apply and remove clamps with dry hands. The submissive’s skin should also be dry; otherwise, the clamp may slip off embarrassingly.
- Avoid pinching too small a piece of skin with the clamp; otherwise, it may quickly and painfully come off.
- Do not forget about the clamps you have placed on the submissive; they cause constant pain, so keep that in mind.
- Advice for the submissive: if you call a safe word, immediately indicate which clamp should be removed (or if all should be removed). Once the pain subsides, the session can continue.
- Do not leave any clamps, whether heavy or light, on for more than one hour.
- Test new clamps with unknown stiffness on yourself first before applying them to the submissive.
Choosing Clamps: Popular Types
- Medium-Strength Clothespins
If you lack the funds and time to select specialized devices, ordinary clothespins can be used. The main difference between standard clothespins and specialized ones is the absence of a regulation mechanism; however, they can vary widely in stiffness. To choose the right one, consider which body part of the submissive you plan to attach it to and what effect you aim to achieve. If you want to inflict light pain bordering on eroticism, use a clothespin with a rubberized and slightly serrated working area, or a well-worn wooden clothespin (these can work well for nipples and genitals). If your goal is to inflict significant pain, a tight clothespin with a plastic and serrated working area or a new wooden clothespin (which can be used on nearly any part of the body except the nipples and genitals) will do.
If you and your partner are into clamps, consider building a small collection of various textured and stiff clamps. You can do this by visiting a hardware store and purchasing a few ready-made sets, which are fortunately very budget-friendly.
- Hair Clamps
Plastic hair clips and hairdresser clamps are recommended; they are very convenient for clamping the nipples. - Curtain Clips
Metal “crocodile clips” can be purchased from a hardware store. These can be very painful and often leave bruises. However, you can usually find “crocodiles” with lighter pressure or use new ones. The pain can be sharp with interesting notes. - Handmade Clamps
With a little creativity and willingness, you can make clamps yourself. Unlike homemade devices for electrical stimulation, homemade clamps are safe (it takes effort to actually harm someone) and allow for creativity. For instance, a DIY clamp for nipples in a Japanese style can be made using two wooden sticks from a sushi set and two small rubber bands. Secure them as shown in an illustration, and you’ll get a similar effect to that of a professional adjustable clamp. - Adjustable Clamps with Screws
Adjustable clamps from fetish shops have a screw mechanism to regulate the compression level. The contact area with the skin is often rubberized but can also be metallic. These clamps are suitable for submissives with varying skin sensitivities—both high and low—making them the most comfortable and universal choice. They are sold only in specialized shops (fetish and adult shops) and can be used on any part of the submissive’s body (most often applied to the nipples and genital area). The key advantage of adjustable clamps over others is the ability to precisely “tune” the pressure, creating not just painfully intense sensations but also excitingly erotic feelings. Many submissives report that physical pain diminishes their arousal and sexual desire altogether—such adjustable clamps are primarily recommended for them, as they help feel the line between pleasure and pain. They can also be beneficial for masochists.
These are available in various configurations: with chains, weights, and even small dumbbells, depending on your preference. When selecting adjustable clamps, the most important thing is to check the strength of the screw and threads. Rotate the screw back and forth to ensure that the thread is stable and not stripped. The compression regulation mechanism should be stable; otherwise, it’s not worth spending money when regular clothespins will suffice.
- Clover Clamps from Fetish Shops
These clamps, named after the Japanese manufacturing corporation, are colloquially referred to as “clover clamps.” They lack the screw-regulator mechanism; instead, the compression strength is controlled by pulling on a chain (as illustrated). Therefore, the more you pull, the tighter they grip. The sensations from a clover clamp are generally perceived as harsher than those from an adjustable one, even if the chain isn’t touched.
Clover clamps look particularly nice on female nipples, but since they are quite painful, they are recommended for women with less sensitive breasts. There’s a simple test: if gentle caressing and licking of the breasts during normal sex doesn’t impress you much, then squeezing and twisting might—this indicates you have less sensitive breasts and may enjoy clover clamps. Like adjustable clamps, these are sold in specialized stores. Without a chain, they are useless, so ensure that the chain is included in the package. Also, check the stability of the mechanism.
- Weights for Clamps
Specialized clamps from sex shops can be used with additional weights—light weights sold there (ranging from 50 to 500 grams). Typically, clamps with weights are used on nipples, female labia, and the male scrotum, aiming to provide the submissive with more intense (or painful) sensations. Weights can be attached using hooks, carabiners, or metal rings (the last two options are the most optimal). Note: when attaching weights to clamps, ensure the submissive is securely restrained and limited in movement; otherwise, weights may slip off and hit their toes, for example. It is generally undesirable for them to swing back and forth; gravity is sufficient.
What Not to Use
- Office Paper Clips
Honestly, I wouldn’t recommend them. Too tight office clips are excruciatingly painful, while loose ones tend to have poor grip and easily slip off. Whenever possible, replace office clips with regular clothespins. - Tweezers
These are also not recommended due to their poor regulation mechanism. First, it’s very limited, and second, it’s simply inconvenient.
Where Can You Apply Clamps?
- Nipples: For women, use thicker clamps; for men, smaller ones, as male nipples are smaller. Attach the clamp to the pink areola, but not to the tip—it’s usually too painful and may slip off. It’s recommended to place the clamp parallel to the body, as shown in the illustration above. A clamp placed perpendicularly to the body looks worse visually and feels more painful.
- Around the Breasts: Tighter clamps are typically applied perpendicular to the skin, so they stand vertically. Multiple clamps are often placed in a circle.
- Labia: Clamps can be applied to both large and small labia, although it’s generally more challenging to pinch small ones. Sometimes, while exploring folds, attempts are made to pinch the clitoris, but this usually ends up being “somewhere in between.”
- Scrotum, Foreskin, Shaft of the Penis: (the last one if possible).
- Ears, Lips, Eyebrows: These are sometimes used, but they can be quite polarizing in appearance.
- Tongue: Place a tight clamp on the tongue as a punishment for yelling or inappropriate objections.
- Inner Thighs, Pubic Area, Abdomen, Side Folds on the Abdomen: Any other place on the body where the skin can be pinched.
- Fingers and Toes: You can place multiple clamps on one finger. Avoid attaching them directly to the nails, as they may slip off, break the nail, or leave an indentation or scratch.
What to Do Next? Options:
- Pull the clamp in different directions, rotate it left and right. This can be done right after application and after some time to “wake up” the submissive and increase the pain.
- If the clamp is securely applied, try to spank directly on it.
- Tie a leash to the clamp and lead the submissive around.
- Instruct the submissive to move around with the clamps on their body: squatting, crawling on all fours, etc.
- If the clamp is securely applied, add weights to it