The name ''clit clamp'' might inspire leg-crossing and squirming for clit owners.
However, when used well, these devices can add to arousal and intensify orgasms. This post provides you with a full guide to using, buying, and caring for clit clamps.
What is a clit clamp?
A clit clamp is a small sex toy designed to keep pressure on the clitoris. They are similar in design and use to nipple clamps.
They aid in pleasure in the same way, by restricting blood flow and then allowing the rush of blood back into the clit at or near climax.
How do you use a clit clamp?
A clit clamp is designed to fit around the clitoris and restrict blood flow. To place the clamp you will need to have an erect clitoris.
When the clit is aroused, it fills with blood and the hood retracts. It is the bulb sticking out from under the hood where you want to apply the clamp.
To arouse your clitoris, stimulate it as you would through masturbation or with a partner. If you enjoy your partner using their hands or engaging in oral sex, this is a great way to get your clitoris to plump up.
Once your clit is aroused, apply personal lubricant. All sex toys are amplified by using lube!
Attaching the clamp will depend on the design.
Fishhook
A fishhook clamp is designed to slip one of the loops around the bulb of the clitoris. You slip off the clamp to remove it.
Y-style tweezers
Y-style tweezer clamps should be opened to their fullest point by sliding down the fastening loop to the bottom of the clamp. Position the two sides along the bar until the clamp reaches the tension level you enjoy.
You slide the fastening loop back down the tweezer arms toward the base to loosen and remove the clamp.
Alligator clamp
Alligator-style clamps are tightened and loosened by turning the screw in the middle of the clamp. Open the clamp wide before applying.
Gently twist the screw until the tension reaches the point you want. To remove the clamp, twist the screw in the opposite direction.
Vibrating and electric clamps
Most vibrating and electric clamps are designed to work like a chip bag clip (pinch to open, release to close).
You will want to position the clamp and allow it to slowly close around or onto the clit depending on the design.
Clit pulls
While not technically a clitoral clamp, a clit pull is a low-tech, easy-to-use clit toy that functions similarly to a clit clamp. These pulls are small silicone toys. They open when the bulb is pinched.
Once opened, position the pull over the clit and release the bulb. This will allow the bulb to suction to the clit and when you gently pull it, you will feel a tugging sensation on your clit. Squeeze the bulb to release the clit and remove the toy.
Getting comfortable with using a clit clamp
It can take time to get used to the sensation of a clit clamp. If you have not used one before, try attaching the clamp to your earlobe.
Your lobe is very sensitive and if you apply without a mirror, you can get used to putting on and taking off the clamp without visual contact.
You can also experience how clamp feels on a sensitive body part.
Starting with a tweezer clamp is a great idea! These clamps can be rested along the side of the clitoris and the tension slowly increased.
Try adding just the slightest bit of tension and masturbating with the clamp on until you are close to orgasming.
Over multiple sessions, increase the tension on the clamp and see how you respond to the different levels of restriction.
Remove your clamp at different points of arousal as well. Most people enjoy removing the clamp right before climax.
Experiment how close to climax you remove the clamp to see what timing provides you with the greatest rush of pleasure.
Experiment with touching your clitoris while wearing the clit. Penetrate yourself and jostle the clamp but do not touch your clitoris directly.
Try other forms of stimulation such as anal penetration or play with your nipples to see what it feels like while wearing the clamp.
The more you experiment with activities and sensations while wearing a clamp, the more you can hone your use of a clitoral clamp.
Adding bling
Some clitoral clamps are designed with beads, bells, and other forms of decoration.
This is a way to bejewel your bits and surprise a partner. If you are going to wear a clit clamp for an extended period of time, to dinner for example, make sure there is still some circulation to the clitoris.
You do not want to completely restrict the circulation to the clit for too long.
Using the clamp too tightly for too long can cause the clitoris to go numb. In extreme cases, you may cause nerve damage if the blood is restricted for an extended period of time.
Ways to integrate a clamp into your play
Clit clamps are great for a form of pain play. The pressure on the clitoris and the pain of the blood rushing back in after you have restricted it for a bit can be pleasurable for some people. This is not the only use of clit clamps.
You can wear a bejeweled clamp as a surprise for your partner. This is like wearing sexy lingerie or a garter for a surprise.
Some partners will find it to be quite a rush to get you undressed and see a few beads peeping out from between your labia lips.
Your partner might attach a clamp to you before a dinner or date as a sexy secret you can both share.
Knowing you or a partner is being aroused as you watch a movie or dine out can be exciting for both of you.
You may want to buy a set of nipple clamps along with the clit clamp and wear it as your lingerie.
Buying a set of clamps connected with chains can be a very sexy wardrobe option for date night. The Sex Kitten Mini Y Tweezer set is a great option instead of traditional panties and bra.
Using with other toys
Clit clamps may be safely used with other sex toys. You can use a wand vibrator or rabbit vibrator along with the a clit clamp.
You can use thrusting vibrators or dildos at the same time you use a clit clamp. If you are using an insertive toy at the same time you are using a clit clamp with beads or other attachments, be careful while inserting the second toy to make sure you don’t pull on the beads.
This will be uncomfortable or painful!
Clit clamps are a great addition to play while stimulating other body parts. Playing with your nipples and breasts, your anus, or other erogenous zones can greatly heighten your arousal.
If you have sensitive nipples and have tried to experience a nipple orgasm, applying a clit clamp and then having your nipples stimulated can increase your chance of experience a nipplegasm.
See more ways to play with the nipples.
Removing the clamp from your clitoris right before you climax can bring about a full-body orgasm for some people as well.
Can I use nipple clamps as a clit clamp?
Yes! While some clit clamps are a bit smaller than most nipple clamps, by and large these items are the same design. You can use a nipple clamp on your clitoris and it will be very effective. If your nipple clamps happen to be attached together by a chain, you may want to attach the second clamp to a labia lip to add another form of stimulation.
Cleaning clit clamps
Clit clamps should be washed with warm water and a gentle soap after each use. Dry thoroughly before storing.
About the author
Rebecca Blanton, aka Auntie Vice, is a writer and kink educator. She holds a Ph.D. (abd) in Political Psychology and a BA in Psychology.
Their work focuses on gender, power, and kink//BDSM. She runs the award-winning blog LoveLettersToAUnicorn.com and has published several books, including The Big Workbook for Submissives, a finalist for the 2018 Golden Flogger Award. She has taught about kink and submission for the past seven years.
She regularly performs stand-up and storytelling. Prior to turning her attention to kink education and writing, she served as the Executive Director for the California Commission on the Status of Women and Girls and worked as a Senior Policy Analyst for the California Research Bureau.