Slotted vs Non-Slotted 316L Surgical Steel Forceps: A Tattoo Artist’s Guide to Choosing the Best Tool

Choosing the right forceps can make or break both your workflow and your client’s experience as a tattoo or piercing artist. At Maple Tattoo Supply, we know firsthand how much precision tools matter—so we’re here to break down exactly how slotted and non-slotted 316L surgical steel forceps stack up for real tattoo artists. Whether you’re lining up a piercing, holding jewelry, or working with tricky placements, this guide will help you feel confident in your choice while keeping your practice at the professional standard your clients expect.

What Sets 316L Surgical Steel Forceps Apart?

• Corrosion Resistance: Medical-grade 316L surgical steel stands up to disinfectants, autoclaving, and constant cleaning.
• Hypoallergenic: Reduces the risk of adverse skin reactions, making it the standard in both piercing and tattoo applications.
• Longevity: A long tool lifespan, even with heavy use in busy studios.

Understanding Forceps Designs: Slotted vs Non-Slotted

Forceps are more than just a holding device—they’re an extension of your hand and technique. Here’s where things get personal.

When to Use Slotted Forceps

• Piercing Procedures: Ideal for threading jewelry or needles straight through flesh or cartilage in one clean motion.
• Precision Line Work or Placement: Where you need a controlled, consistent passage—especially for starting jewelry installs on fresh piercings.
• Curved Jewelry: The slot helps guide curved needles or rings into high-tension or tricky spots without traumatizing tissue.

Recommended Slotted Forceps from Maple Tattoo Supply:

• Forester (Sponge) 7” Slotted 316L Surgical Steel Forceps – Ideal for guiding needles and jewelry through piercings cleanly, especially when working with curved tools or in hard-to-reach places.
• Pennington Slotted 6” 316L Surgical Steel Forceps – A solid studio staple for piercers and tattoo artists who need maximum control on technical procedures.

When to Use Non-Slotted Forceps

• Flat Work & Lining: Non-slotted forceps have broad, gentle jaws that are perfect for holding tissue flat, prepping areas, or stabilizing skin without risking accidental passage of tools through a slot.
• Quick Jewelry Changes or Aftercare: These forceps provide a steady grip for quick swaps, reducing cross-contamination and improving studio workflow.
• Sensitive Area Handling: Triangular or broad non-slotted jaws distribute pressure, minimizing bruise risk during delicate procedures.

Recommended Non-Slotted Forceps from Maple Tattoo Supply:

• Forester (Sponge) 7” Non-Slotted 316L Surgical Steel Forceps – A classic for everyday work, skin stability, and careful jewelry manipulation.
• Pennington Non-Slotted 6” 316L Surgical Steel Forceps – Loved for its triangular flat ends and solid, confident grip.

How to Decide: Which Forceps Should Be in Your Kit?

There’s no single answer—your ideal tool kit will grow as your style and your studio evolve. We recommend:

• Stocking both slotted and non-slotted forceps: Each has a clear role in both tattooing and piercing. The versatility you gain helps manage client needs and specialty work.
• Assessing your specialty: • High-volume piercers should invest in a variety of grooved/slotted forceps for speed and accuracy.
  • Artists focusing on precision tattoo lining or aftercare might find more frequent use for non-slotted, broad-jaw designs.
• Prioritizing 316L surgical steel: Both hygiene and durability matter. Look for forceps clearly marked as 316L—and replace them when signs of wear appear.

Best Practices for Maintaining Forceps (and Client Safety)

• Rinse immediately after use to prevent buildup or pitting (especially if inks or bodily fluids are present).
• Use ultrasonic cleaning and autoclave after every session—never compromise on sterilization.
• Regularly check for loose joints, misalignment, or stuck locking mechanisms; these issues reduce tool safety and precision.
• Rotate multiple forceps through your workflow to minimize wear and always have a sterile backup ready.

Pro Tips from the Maple Tattoo Supply Team

• Match Size to Task: For delicate facial or cartilage work, a 6” forceps gives more precise control; 7” offers better reach or for clients with thicker tissue.
• Keep Your Kit Labeled: It’s smart to color band or mark your slotted vs non-slotted forceps—easy to identify them quickly during busy studio days.
• Replace Before Failure: If you see pitting, discoloration, or locking troubles, retire and replace. 316L is durable, but not immortal—especially with chemical exposure and autoclave cycles.

Integrating with the rest of your Studio Tools

The right forceps can play in harmony with your tattoo machines, sterilization setup, and aftercare protocols. It’s about more than just compliance—it’s about making every appointment smoother for you and more comfortable for your client. Having both slotted and non-slotted 316L surgical steel forceps on hand sets a solid foundation and keeps you ahead of any technical demands that pop up during your workday.

Where to Get Professional-Grade Forceps

If you’re looking to build (or refresh) your tool kit with durable, always-clean, 316L surgical steel forceps, you’ll find dedicated options for both slotted and non-slotted designs at Maple Tattoo Supply. We select and stand behind the quality of every tool we bring to market—because we know the little details make the biggest difference in your daily workflow.

Explore our full selection of forceps and other tattoo/piercing essentials in our online store. Questions, feedback, or curious about what’s new? We’re always available to support our artists—your work inspires us to keep bringing the best to North America’s tattoo and piercing studios!