Nipple clamp
A nipple clamp is a sex toy consisting of a clamp made to be applied to the nipples of a woman or a man. It causes pain when attached to a nipple by pinching and by restricting blood flow from an erect nipple by applying pressure and also, when removed, causes pain by the return of normal blood flow. In sadomasochism, erotic pleasure is derived by a masochist from enjoying such pain and by a sadist from inflicting such pain or from simply seeing nipple clamps applied. They are used in some BDSM activities, such as breast torture. The use of nipple clamps is often portrayed in the media as deviant or kinky sexual behavior.
The main types of nipple clamp are the clover clamp, tweezer clamp, piecing clamp, and clothes-pin style, though any device that applies direct pressure can be used. In autosadism, successful application requires the self-user to find a personal balance between the amount of pain and pleasure by fine tuning the degree of pressure exerted by the clamp. The clamps are typically used in pairs and connected by a chain. Weights may be hung from the clamps to amplify the pain by increasing the pressure and pinching. Also, the chain may be wrapped behind a fixed piece of erotic furniture such as a post, so that when the wearer is prodded to jump or otherwise move suddenly by, say, erotic spanking or caning, the pain is amplified by the clamps being pulled, greatly increasing the pinching, or even by being abruptly pulled off, which is extremely painful. Another variation involves attaching to that chain another chain, the end of which is connected to a clamp attached to either the clitoris for a female or a cock ring for a male. This variation is known as the "Y clamps" for the shape of the chain linking all 3 connection points when attached to the body.
Clothes-pin style
A clothes-pin style clamp works like a common household clothes-pin — two short lengths of metal, joined by a spring to keep one end closed. This type often comes with screws to adjust the pressure, screwing in to release it.
Tweezer clamp
A tweezer clamp consists of two short lengths of metal, no more than 5–10 cm (2–4 in) in length. The two lengths are fixed together at one end and open at the other end (just like a regular tweezer). The open ends are curved slightly to improve their ability to grip the nipple. Typically, they have a small 1 cm rubber sheath over this end to protect the nipple from damage and reduce slippage. A small ring wraps around the two pieces of metal and is used to adjust the tension. The user places the two sides of the metal head either side of the nipple, then by sliding the ring along the clamp shaft towards the nipple, causes the two halves to close tighter together. Tension can thus be adjusted depending on the location of the ring — the closer the ring is along the shaft toward the nipple, the tighter the clamp.
Clover clamp
The clover clamp, also referred to as a "butterfly clamp", is of Japanese design and provides increasing tension if pulled. The clamp itself is flat, about 5 cm by 10 cm (2 by 4 in) in size. The clamp is applied to the nipple and the spring tension holds the clamp in place. The clamp usually provides a very high pain level, and is usually only used by more advanced users. To increase tension on the nipples, small weights such as fishing line sinkers can be attached to the ends of the clamp. As increased pulling tension is applied to the clamp, it will cause the jaws of the clamp to close tighter, depending on the amount of pull pressure. Another method is to use the clamps to keep a person in one place. If cord is tied from the clamp to a fixed place, the wearer of the clamps cannot move away because the clamps will tighten as they move. Eventually the clamps would be pulled off the nipples but not before considerable pain is felt. If left on for too long can cause nipple irritation.
See also
References
Notes
External links
Media related to Nipple clamps at Wikimedia Commons