Piercing Tools

There are a number of piercing tools and accessories that are necessary to have at hand during a piercing procedure.  The basic piercing tools are items such as gloves, a needle, forceps, cork, towels, cotton swabs, gauze pads, an autoclave machine to sterilize, an experienced piercer, and clean facilities. 

Cleanliness and sterilization are of utmost importance in a piercing salon.  This is the reason for such tools as the gloves, towels, cotton, and autoclave machine.  The autoclave machine works to sterilize jewelry and other piercing tools before using them. 

The needle used to pierce the skin must be disposable.  Not only is it important to use disposable needles to prevent infection and the spread of disease, but needles also turn dull with use.  And the sharper the needle, the smoother the process will be.  Most piercing needles are about two inches long, hollow, and with a sharp, bevel point, comparable to that of a hypodermic needle. 

Sometimes a piercing gun is used instead of a needle for piercing earlobes.  Recently, there has been much controversy over the use of the piercing gun.  One problem the gun presents is that most of them are made of plastic, which means that they cannot be fully sterilized in the autoclave.  Simply wiping down the gun does not guarantee the sterilization of the entire unit.  Another problem with the piercing gun is that it is far more likely to tear tissue than if you were to use a needle.  The stud that pierces the surface with the gun is much duller than the actual needle that would pierce the surface.  Therefore, the hole being made is not a clean, direct hole, but instead it is more of a tear. 

Forceps are sometimes used by piercers to hold what is being pierced.  This tool helps to place the piercing, as well as offers safety precautions to both parties. 

Other than those basic tools, just remember to do your research and decide on an experienced professional with a clean facility in which to get your piercings.  It is important to choose someone and go somewhere where you can feel comfortable.