How to Use a Wartenberg Wheel and BDSM Gloves

Want to add some new tools to your BDSM toy box? We have two deliciously deviant ideas for you. In one corner: a small metal plaything that could easily be mistaken for something used in dressmaking. In the other: a pair of leather gloves that pack an unexpectedly sweet sting. You’ll learn pretty quickly that with the Wartenberg wheel and a pair of BDSM gloves, looks can be deceiving.

What is a Wartenberg wheel?

Designed initially by neurologist Robert Wartenberg as a medical device to test nerve reactions, the Wartenberg wheel (or Wartenberg pinwheel) – is basically a spiked wheel that revolves on its axis and has a handle. It may be small, but don’t let its size (or sizes) fool you. A Wartenberg pinwheel is one versatile toy.

Intensity level – ideal for everyone from fledgeling players to experienced kinksters.

How to use a Wartenberg pinwheel

There are plenty of ways to use a Wartenberg wheel, but one of the most common involves playing around with s***d and pressure. The harder and slower you roll the wheel across your submissive’s body, the sharper the sensation. This makes it a great toy for teasing, as lighter and faster movements can feel almost like tickling. In combination with a sub in bondage, you’re guaranteed some wriggly fun times.

Other ways to use a Wartenberg wheel

More ways to play could involve a blindfold and a game of “guess where”. Another idea is temperature play (so either cooling the Wartenberg pinwheel down or heating it with warm water), tracing a particular pattern (which, if you think about it, could turn into a game of “guess what”), and switching up the prickling sensation with another one (could be something softer, or cold, or harder).

Play it safe

Although Wartenberg pinwheels are commonly made of metal, there are some models in plastic out there, which would be suitable for some one-off fun. Skin can be broken with a Wartenberg pinwheel, but that depends entirely on how much pressure is used and how delicate your sub’s skin is. Make sure to sterilise and clean your pinwheel. Be sure to store it in a method to avoid infections via skin contact.

Image of a wartenberg wheel
A Wartenberg wheel can be used for all kinds of kinky fun.

What are BDSM gloves?

Designed for enhancing both sensation play and impact play (so, think spanking and such) these babies pack a sweet, sweet sting. Usually wrist-length and made of leather - although vegan alternatives are available, BDSM gloves (or vampire gloves as they are also called), are distinctive gloves with small metal spikes or tacks which are set into their palms and/or fingers.

Intensity level – BDSM gloves are adaptable to the skill levels and play preferences of the users, but can look slightly intimidating if you’re just starting out and experimenting with BDSM.

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How to use BDSM gloves

BDSM gloves are pretty wicked-looking, but in the end, it all depends on how you choose to play with them. They are quite adaptable toys, which means that you can use them to suit your skill level and play preference. If sensation play is your thing, gentle scratching caresses over a naked body with these BDSM gloves could be just the ticket. But if you’re an experienced player feeling in the mood for something harder, BDSM gloves can be used to grip harder and even draw *** with the right amount of ***.

Play it safe

Because the studs can draw *** and leather can’t be sterilised, make sure you don’t share your BDSM gloves with other partners. This goes for any toy that is fluid-bonded, for that matter. Also, as a more general rule, always keep communication with your play partner open before, during and after a scene.

A note on communication and negotiation:

No matter what kind of toy you’re playing with, there’s one constant that needs to be held up not just before but during and after a scene: communication. Make sure to listen to your play partner/sub, talk to them and keep tabs on how they are feeling. Agree on a safeword upfront, and make sure that your play partner/sub can communicate to you whether or not their limits are being reached.

As mentioned, communication is a constant and essential element of your play. This goes double in the case of playing with a toy that can break the skin and draw *** – like vampire gloves. Talk it out beforehand and get a sense of how far your play partner/sub’s limits go on the matter at hand. Negotiate on how the scene will go, and whether your partner is okay with the idea of something like *** or not.

Jillian Boyd is a blogger, author of erotic short fiction and editor.

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