how to change tattoo machine springs (video)
Importance of Maintaining Your Tattoo Equipment
There’s nothing worse than not knowing how to change a spring on your tattoo machine and being left hanging when you could repair it quickly and get back in action in no time.
Tools Needed for Tattoo Machine Spring Replacement
A few of the tools and supplies you will need to change the spring on your tattoo machine are:
•a screwdriver, allen wrench, or toque wrench
• a file and sandpaper
• an abar alignment tool and not necessary, but helps a spring alignment tool
• tin snips -yellow handled Wiss are my go to available pretty much everywhere)
• a spring punch - I usually use a Wurth punch but Roper Whitny also makes a great punch.
• Renaissance wax
Step 1: Disassemble the Tattoo Machine
Use the proper size tool to to remove the bolts from the abar and spring shelf. notably make sure if its a flat head screwdriver that it fully fills the slot side to side to prevent stripping
Now is the time to clean up the abar and spring shelf, and anything else you can’t normally reach. at this point I like to use the sandpaper if necessary to lightly scuff off any rust or debris. making nice clean mateing surfaces.
Apply a light coat of oil or renaissance wax.
Step 2: Remove the Old Spring
Keep the old spring to use as a template, for your new spring. If it completely broken in half you can either tape it back together, or place it on masking tape to mark the hole placement.
Now we take the broken spring or template and place it on our new spring stock to mark the new holes. Either mark through the holes or simply attach the tape to the spring to punch through.
After the spring is punch and cut. we simply file the edges gently followed by a light sanding to rempve any burrs. Heat is your enemy it destroys the temper.
Step 3: Install the New Spring
We use the spring alignment tool to both the springs and abar back together nice and tight. Check the old washers making sure there are no knicks or burrs in them and replace if necessary.
Then use the abar alignment tool in the tube vise to align the abar and bolt the rear spring to the shelf.
If you do not have any of the alignment tools you can eyeball the springs and use a tube and needle to make sure the needle bar is landing in the center of the tube.
Step 5: Test the Tattoo Machine
Test and retune your machine carefully adding spring tension until it runs like it did before. Just be careful not to add too muchor bend the spring too many times.
Tips for Prolonging the Life of Your Tattoo Machine
Springs break from time to time but there are a few things you can do to help reduce breaks.
•do not spray liquids on your springs especially heavy disinfectants like Madacide, it will corrode the metal weakening it.
•When using plastic tubes use the correct size - while this sounds intuitive, 99% of disposable tubes for lining are undersized. this adds unnecessary tension to the rear spring. Always go up one size except for 3s and singles, there will be better inflow as well.
• Needle bar bend- pay attention to the setup too much bend will also cause problems rubbing against the tube
H3: Proper Cleaning and Lubrication Techniques
For cleaning I usually just use caviwipes, and remove the excess with alcohol on contaminates areas. Paying careful attention to not get any on the springs or uncoated metals. Applying Renaissance wax or a light rub of some oil every few months is also helpful. Any of the Cides can totally destroy any machine if left to soak.
Storing Your Tattoo Machine Correctly
Storing your machines in a gun case or a drawer is a great way to protect them. I do like to store them with silica packs to reduce moisture. Often just found in shipping packages.
If you need help, would like to just have me do it, or have questions about a custom build feel free to reach out!