How can we help?

FAQ

Product Questions

How many cartridges come in a box?

20 for most groupings. For extra large groupings like the 35's or 41's it's 10 in a box.

Where are your needles made?

Just like the rest of the industry, our cartridges and needles are made in China. It’s where the majority of high-quality production happens. We work closely with our manufacturers and have decades of experience dialing in specs to make sure you get consistent, reliable tools.

What’s the difference between all the cartridges you offer?

We carry a two different lines, each with their own feel. Dynasty Membrane Cartridges, built with a protective membrane for pen machines and Legacy O-ring Cartridges. If you’re not sure where to start, shoot us a message! We’d love to help match you with something based on your machine, hand speed, and style.

Are your needles pre-sterilized?

Always. Every needle and cartridge comes pre-sterilized and individually sealed. We don’t mess around when it comes to safety

Do you sell coil machines? Or just rotaries?

We’re one of the few places still flying the flag for coil heads. We’ve got a curated selection of coil machines along with high-quality rotaries and pens. Whether you’re old-school or all-digital, we’ve got you covered.

Can I use your cartridges with any machine?

Pretty much, yeah. Our cartridges are standard-size and work with most grips and pens that accept universal cartridge needles. If you’re using something off the beaten path, let us know and we’ll double check compatibility.

Do you carry disposable grips and tubes?

Yep. We’ve got a huge range of disposables and reusable options too! We’re all about helping you find the setup that feels right in your hand.

Do you stock vegan products?

A bunch of them! Look for notes on each product page—we call out when something’s vegan, cruelty-free, or made with all-natural ingredients. Our soap, balms, inks and a few other aftercare products are all vegan-friendly.

What size needles should I use for…?

Totally depends on your style and the kind of work you’re doing. We'll never be able to give a general answer to this question. Need help picking a setup for lining, packing, or shading? We’re always down to nerd out on groupings. Reach out and let us know what you're looking for!

Why don’t you carry every brand under the sun?

Because we’re not a big-box supplier. We believe in curated tools, not clutter. Everything we sell has been tested, used, and given the thumbs-up by real working tattooers. That's where we started and that's where we want to go back to.

What’s the difference between standard and bugpin needles?

Bugpin needles are thinner than standard needles, giving you more control and smoother blends. They're especially useful in black and gray or realism. Standard needles hold more ink and are better for bolder lines and color work.

Do you sell tattoo machines for beginners?

We don’t carry throwaway starter kits and we don't sell to just anyone, see our terms and conditions for more. We only stock solid, reliable machines that are artist tested and proven. If you’re learning under a mentor or making the switch from coil to rotary, we can help you find a machine that fits your hand, budget, and workflow.

What’s the difference between a coil and a rotary tattoo machine?

Coils use electromagnetic force and give that classic punchy feel. They’re great for lining and heavier work. Rotary machines are quieter, smoother, and often more versatile, especially for shading and color packing. We carry both, so you can find what fits your style.

What’s the difference between round magnums and flat mags?

Round mags, also called curved mags or soft edge mags, have a slight arc to the needle tips, making them softer on the skin and better for blending. Flat mags hit more evenly for bold color fill and traditional packing. We’ve got both so you can match your style.

What needle groupings can I build with your jigs?

Just about anything, round liners, round shaders, curved mags, stacked mags, flats, you name it. We stock all the needle types and bar sizes so you can build custom setups to your exact specs. Check out our jigs and loose needles in our Needle Making section!

Do you still recommend making your own needles?

If you know what you’re doing and want that level of control, absolutely. It’s a skill, it’s personal, and in some cases, it can get you exactly the feel you’re after. But if you’re looking for convenience or consistency at scale, our pre-mades are top-notch too.

What gauge needles do you carry for hand-making?

We carry a range of gauges including standard (#12) and bugpin (#10 and #08). Whether you're building thick liners or ultra-fine shaders, we’ve got the blanks to match your build style.

What’s the difference between #8, #10, and #12 tattoo needles?

It’s all about diameter. #8 (0.25mm) is the smallest bugpin we offer, great for super smooth shading and soft blends. #10 (0.30mm) gives you a little more flow without losing finesse. #12 (0.35mm) is standard and hits hard for bold lines and strong color packing.

How do I make sure my needle groupings are straight?

Use a quality jig, don’t rush, and check your alignment under magnification before soldering. If it’s even slightly crooked, it’ll affect your linework and cause more skin trauma. Patience pays off.

Is it worth making your own needles?

Honestly, it depends. If you’re looking for total control over taper, grouping, and ink delivery, it’s unbeatable. But for speed and consistency, modern bar needles and cartridges have come a long way. That said, if you love the process and want full customization, it’s still a great art to learn.

Do cartridges hit different than traditional needles?

Yeah, a little. Some artists find cartridges feel slightly softer or more “cushioned” than needles on bars. It depends on the cartridge tension, membrane, and machine pairing. If you’ve only used coils, it’s still worth giving them a try.

Can I use cartridges with a coil machine?

Not without the right grip and setup! And even then, it’s not ideal. Cartridges are built for rotary and pen-style machines. Stick with needles on bar if you’re running coils, or look into hybrid machines that support both setups.

General

Where are you located?

We are in Pittsfield, Massachusetts. One day standard ground shipping (UPS Ground and FedEx Ground) to all of New England, New York, eastern Pennsylvania and more! We do have a store front just give us a call so we know to expect you!

Can I cancel my order?

If we haven’t shipped it yet, absolutely. Email or call us as soon as possible and we’ll do what we can. Once it leaves the building, though, it’s out of our hands.

My order says declined but a charge is on my card!

It's ok this happens all the time. It means your order was declined by fraud services because the billing address you provided did not match the information for that particular card. This pending transaction will clear out within 24-48 hours, often sooner. Check that your billing info is correct and try processing the order again.

Shipping, Returns & Exchanges

Do you offer free shipping?

Yep! Orders over $199 ship free anywhere in the continental U.S. We also offer other shipping options if you need it faster. Just pick what works best at checkout. Just note that oversized items (cases, gallons, furniture and more) do not qualify.

Do you ship overseas?

Yes, we ship all over the world. Shipping costs vary and please keep in mind it may involve some additional fees like taxes or duties. Check out your country's customs office for more details.

Can I return something I opened?

We totally get it. Sometimes things just don’t work out. But for health and safety reasons, we can’t take back anything that’s been opened or used. If there’s an issue with what you received, though, reach out. We’ll always do our best to make it right.

What happens if I get a defective product?

Let us know right away. We’ll ask for a few details (photos help!) and then we’ll work with you to replace it fast. We’ve got your back.

How fast do you ship?

Most orders placed before 2PM EST ship the same day (Monday through Friday). We know time is money, especially in a tattoo shop, so we hustle to get your gear out fast.

Get in touch

Have questions about your order, or a general enquiry?