Piercing forceps hold and stabilize tissue so the needle goes where you marked it. This guide covers the main forceps types in a professional piercing kit (septum, nostril, Pennington, triangle and slotted) and when piercers usually reach for each one.
Which piercing forceps do you actually need?
Quick answer Most studios start with a septum forceps, a nostril forceps, a Pennington (triangle) forceps and at least one slotted forceps or tweezer. Those four cover most ear, nose, navel, tongue and surface placements. Add mini, large-head or coated versions as your client mix grows.
Not every piercing needs a clamp. When you do clamp, jaw shape, jaw size and whether the head is slotted matter most.
| Type | Jaw | Typical use | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Septum | Narrow jaws, often with receiving tubes | Septum | MP-6046, MP-6045 |
| Nostril | Small jaw for the nostril wall | Nostril and nose | MP-6042, MP-6041 |
| Pennington (triangle) | Open, triangular (fenestrated) jaw | Navel, nipple, tongue, lip, eyebrow, ear | MP-6022, MP-6038 |
| Slotted | Slot lets the clamp lift off sideways | Tongue and navel (sponge), plus others | MP-6029, MP-6044 |
What are septum forceps used for?
Quick answer Septum forceps hold the septum and guide the needle along a set path, usually through a hollow receiving tube built into the jaws.
Many designs add tubes on the narrow jaws, so the needle passes through one tube, the tissue and into the other, giving a defined path.
- The Septum Piercing Forceps with Short & Long Guide Tubes (MP-6046) use one short and one long tube, with a locking ratchet, at 16 cm / 6¼″.
- The Septum Forceps with Extra Long Pipe (MP-6045) have 26 mm and 25 mm tubes with a 3.5 mm inner diameter, for extra guidance.
- The Custom Septum Forceps – Concept have a 3.5 mm straight receiving tube and come with or without a ratchet.
- If you prefer a lighter tool for alignment, Septum Tweezers (MP-6018) help position and stabilize without a ring-handle clamp.
Match the tube's inner diameter to the needle gauge you use. If you're unsure, send the catalog number and your gauge and we'll confirm the fit.
When should you use nostril piercing forceps?
Quick answer Use nostril forceps when you want to steady the nostril wall and keep the exit side controlled during a nose piercing.
A smaller jaw leaves more room to see the mark.
- Nostril Piercing Forceps – 6 in (15.5 cm) (MP-6042) is the standard size, with finger-ring handles.
- Small Nostril Piercing Forceps – 5 in (13 cm) (MP-6041) has a ratchet lock and comes with 1 mm, 1.2 mm or 1.5 mm holes, for tighter work.
What is a Pennington (triangle) forceps?
Quick answer A Pennington forceps has a triangular, open (fenestrated) jaw. It is the most versatile clamp in most studios and is used for navel, nipple, tongue, lip, eyebrow and many ear placements.
The open jaw lets you see the mark and pass the needle through the window while the tissue stays clamped. "Pennington" and "triangle" describe the same basic jaw shape.
- Mini Pennington Forceps (MP-6022), 15 cm / 6″ with a 0.5 cm jaw, for eyebrow, lip, helix and other small placements.
- Pennington Triangle Tip Forceps (Plastisol), with a DEHP-free plastisol-coated tip and open or closed options.
- Pennington Tweezers Large Slotted Head (MP-6006), 20 cm / 8″, for more reach and a larger clamp area on navel and nipple work.
Reverse Pennington Forceps (MP-6038) have the same triangular, fenestrated jaw in a reversed configuration. Some piercers find it easier for access and positioning.
Why choose slotted forceps?
Quick answer A slotted head lets you take the forceps off after the needle or jewelry is through, without pulling the clamp back over the needle.
A closed jaw has to slide off the end of the needle. A slot lets it lift away sideways, which helps when you transfer jewelry straight after the needle.
- Sponge Forceps Slotted Head (MP-6029) have an oval jaw, commonly used for tongue and navel piercings, in nylon or plastisol coating.
- Pennington Tweezers Slotted Head with Lock (MP-6002) combine the triangle jaw with a slot and a locking slide.
- Ring Forceps with Slotted Head (MP-6044) have a 1.9 mm slot and a 5.5 mm ring hole.
- Body Piercing Tweezers – Slotted Head (MP-6010) are a compact 11.5 cm option with a 4 mm slotted head.
Bare steel or coated jaws?
Quick answer Coated jaws give a softer, more even hold. Bare stainless steel jaws are simpler to clean and inspect.
Many of our forceps are stainless steel with a dip-molded jaw coating in nylon or DEHP-free plastisol. Where both are offered, you choose the coating on the product page. The Nylon/Plastisol collection lists the coated range. Before you autoclave a coated instrument, check its listing and the care instructions supplied with it. Contact us if you aren't sure.
How to choose: a quick checklist
- Placement: septum and nostril work have dedicated forceps. Pennington and sponge jaws cover most body placements.
- Jaw size: mini jaws for small placements, large heads for navel and nipple.
- Release: choose slotted if you want to remove the clamp sideways.
- Lock: a ratchet or locking slide holds tension hands-free. Some piercers prefer to control pressure by hand.
Featured in this guide
Septum Piercing Forceps with Short & Long Guide TubesMP-6046
Nostril Piercing Forceps – 6 in (15.5 cm)MP-6042
Mini Pennington ForcepsMP-6022
Sponge Forceps Slotted Head – Nylon or Plastisol CoatedMP-6029
You can browse the full range in Piercing Forceps & Tweezers or the wider Piercing collection.
FAQ
Are Pennington and triangle forceps the same thing?
They share the same triangular, open jaw. The names are often used interchangeably, and products mainly differ in jaw size, length, coating and whether the head is slotted.
Can piercing forceps be autoclaved?
Our stainless steel piercing instruments are reusable, and listings such as our nostril forceps are specified as autoclavable. Check each product's Key Specs, follow your studio's sterilization protocol and the supplied care instructions, and ask us before autoclaving coated instruments if you're unsure.
What size receiving tube do I need for septum forceps?
Match the tube's inner diameter to your needle gauge. Several of our septum forceps use a 3.5 mm tube. Send us the catalog number (MP-…) and your gauge and we'll confirm the fit.
Do you supply studios in bulk?
Yes. We quote volume pricing for studios, distributors and resellers. Email info@medicalplusinc.com with catalog numbers and quantities.