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BDSM Dictionary : Nipple clamps: history
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This entry is part of the BDSM Dictionary hosted by Informed Consent.
A nipple clamp is a clamp used to stimulate the nipples by applying varying degrees of pressure. They are often used in BDSM activities, on both men and women.
Weights may be hung from the clamps to increase the force on the nipples. This also discourages the clamped person from moving suddenly (for example, jumping when spanked or caned), since this would make the weights swing and increase the pain. The weights may be on springs; this is supposed to increase the effect of the weights moving because they will bob up and down, but this does not work well in practice.
In their simplest form, nipple clamps are a variation on an alligator clamp, often with an adjustable spring or locking device. The tips should be covered with cork or soft vinyl or rubber, both for traction and to give some cushioning to protect the skin and tissues.
The main types of nipple clamp are the clover clamp and the tweezer clamp. The common household clothes-pin is also popular. However, any device that can be used to apply direct pressure can be used. Another type of clamp is based on a forceps design. They look like a pair of scissors, and have a locking device between the arms to hold them in place.
Tweezer clamps
Tweezer clamps consist of two short lengths of metal, no more than 5*€“10 cm (2*€“4 in) in length. The ends are curved slightly to improve their ability to grip the nipple. They usually have a small 1 cm rubber sheath over this end to protect the nipple from damage. 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 has the ability to provide increasing tension if
pulled on. The clamp itself is flat, but about 10 cm by 5 cm in size.
Using spring tension, the clamp is applied to the nipple and the
tension of its spring holds the clamp in place. This clamp often
provides a very high pain level, and is not recommended for beginners.
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 try to move. The clamps
would eventually be pulled off the nipples, but not before great pain
is felt.See Also
(This entry in the BDSM Dictionary incorporates text from the Nipple clamps article in Wipipedia.)
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