The main attention is paid to the choice of a tattoo machine, power supply, cartridges or needles. These are the master’s main tools that determine his professional growth and high quality tattoo results. But ignoring the importance of the clip cord means reducing the efficiency of your work and increasing the likelihood of errors and errors.
Therefore, ordering a high-quality and reliable clip cord is as important as choosing other tools and equipment.
Features of cables for tattoo machines
Structurally, cables for tattoo machines are wires with connectors at both ends. These connectors are used to connect the machine itself and the foot pedal to the power supply. But, unlike wires of a similar design for connecting audio, video equipment, various gadgets, etc., which do not have special requirements, a clip cord for a tattoo machine must meet a number of criteria:
- Correspondence between the power of the power supply and the tattoo machine. This parameter is determined by the cross-section of the wires in the braid. They ensure a reliable and uninterrupted supply of current from the power supply to the pedal or machine.
- High quality materials. This applies to both wires and braiding and connectors. The clip cord is subjected to regular and sometimes excessive loads: it is constantly in motion, changes its position relative to the machine or pedal, and is easy to step on or even run over by the wheels of a chair. The higher quality the materials used, the higher the endurance of the cable, and the lower the risk of rapid wear or accidental damage.
- Length. This criterion determines the personal comfort of the artist when performing tattooing, which is very important. A wire that is too short will significantly reduce the maneuverability of the machine and, accordingly, negatively affect the result of the work. A wire that is too long will constantly bunch up in rings and knots, increasing the likelihood of damage.
- Connector type. Regardless of whether the clip cord will be connected to a Mast, Dragonhawk or any other tattoo machine, its connectors must match the connectors on the machine. Today, all power cables for tattooing are represented by two types of connectors - a clip or RCA on one end, and a standard jack plug on the other. The clip, commonly referred to as a “slingshot,” is a fork-shaped structure with two contacts (plus and minus), which snaps onto the stand according to the polarity. This connector, although it looks more massive, provides higher mobility of the machine and more reliable contact. RCA or “tulip” is easier to use, since to connect all the equipment into a single circuit, you just need to insert it into the socket of a pedal or machine. But with low-quality cables, over time, the connector terminals weaken, which can lead to spontaneous disconnection of the contacts during a session.
The listed criteria are the most important when choosing a cable for tattoo equipment, since not only the productivity and convenience of the artist’s work, but also the rational conduct of business depend on them. If you choose this accessory unsuccessfully, you will have to allocate additional funds to purchase the “correct” model, which will negatively affect the cost of the session and, accordingly, the interest of clients.
How to choose a clip cord?
Experienced craftsmen are able to determine at first glance what kind of clip cord is needed for a Giant Sun, Mast or another model of machine. But for those who are just starting their journey in the art of permanent makeup, some guidelines will be useful.
Power of the machine and power supply
Today, almost any wire for a tattoo machine is a unified design that provides a “power reserve” sufficient to connect even the most powerful tattoo equipment into a single electrical network. Therefore, the cross-section diameter is rarely indicated in the user product card.
But it is important to understand that cheap clip cords produced by “nameless” manufacturers may not meet the necessary technical parameters and may not provide uninterrupted power supply for the equipment. In this case, saving on cable is not the most profitable option, since this will lead to inevitable additional costs (correction of tattooing errors made due to unforeseen stops of the machine during a session; increasing the duration of each session and reducing the total number of sessions; repair or replacement of the foot pedals, machines that have failed due to power failures).
Connector
Most foot pedal models will require a cable with a slingshot connector, and this also applies to many induction-type tattoo machines. Rotary models mainly use an RCA plug.
In any case, before choosing a specific name, determine the type of connectors for all equipment that you plan to connect using a cable.
Another parameter is the location of the connector in relation to the cable. These can be straight or angular modifications. Angled ones are more resistant to creases, so they are more suitable if the master moves relative to the client during the session.
Length
You must determine whether the cable meets this criterion yourself. The length of the clip cord depends entirely on how your workspace is organized. Measure the distance between the stand/power supply/foot pedal/approximate location of the machine during the session) and add 0.5-0.7 m to it. This length will be enough for comfortable work.
Materials
The elasticity of the wire is a prerequisite for comfortable and safe work. It is recommended to give preference to cables with a braid made of silicone or high-quality PVC (with the addition of silicone, rubber, etc.). This wire sheath provides excellent flexibility and wear resistance. Also pay attention to the materials of the plugs themselves. It should be high quality steel that does not corrode. And premium models use sputtering of precious metals, which provide an exceptionally clean and reliable signal from the power supply to the pedal or machine.
Brand
The price of branded models is always higher than “no-name” products. But such expenses pay off many times over: high-quality cables from well-known manufacturers meet all the requirements for power equipment. This means that they will last you much longer than low-grade, but cheaper items; will be comfortable and safe to use; will make your work less tiring, but more productive, and the results will be professional.
Advantages of purchasing a clip cord from the A4pmu online store
The A4pmu online store specializes in permanent makeup. This means that we competently approach the selection of each item - from tattoo machines and power supplies, to pigments, removers, barrier protection, etc.
Each item in our catalog is exclusively professional and high-quality materials and equipment that will help you improve in the art of tattooing. You can order and buy selected products online, with delivery to all regions of Ukraine, or by visiting our store offices in Kyiv and Khmelnitsky.
For you, we have selected branded products in different price segments, so you will find everything you need at a price that is comfortable for you. If you need to ask clarifying questions, you can always contact A4pmu consultants - call the phone numbers listed on the website.
