You discovered our blog Cheap Acoustic Guitars. Please Remember to bookmark this page Metal Pedal. If you enjoy our post Metal Pedal, show your love by hitting one of the social media buttons above for this page.
Metal Pedal
The Ultimate Metal Pedal Shoot-Out : 10 Pedals in 10 Minutes Wrap-Up for 30 Pedals in 30 Days
Common Tattoo Machine Clip Cord and Foot Pedal Problems
Your tattoo equipment is all setup and your ready to go, tuned up the voltage, push the foot pedal and..... nothing happens with your tattoo machine. Before you get all frustrated and cursing your tattoo machine, let's figure out what is the simplest thing that could be wrong with your gear. The most common things people blame is their tattoo machine or power supply, two things most people overlook is the foot pedal and clip cord.
It is likely that no matter where you bought your tattoo equipment from, even if it was a pure bred, North American tattoo supply company, it is likely; the clip cord and foot pedal was made in China. This is because for something as simple as these two common parts, it doesn't make sense to make it in the USA.
Let's start with the clip cord. A common problem with a clip cord is when it is not making a proper connection. There are 3 main causes for this. One cause is when the clip cord contacts are not flush while it is connecting with the back binding post or back spring of the tattoo machine. Feel the clip cord connectors; if it is pointy or jagged it is not sitting flush. This can be fixed by filing down the clip cord connectors so that the ends are flat. Another problem that occurs is if you have a clip cord that has a rubber sheath that extends out to the connectors, the sheath may be sticking out and physically preventing the connectors from completing an electrical circuit. Fix this by using a pair of scissors and cutting back the rubber sheath so the clip cord connectors are fully exposed. The final reason for this is a shot clip cord. Unscrew the mono plug housing that plugs into the power supply. There are two wires that connect into the mono plug. If the exposed copper ends of the wires are touching, they are shorting and you will need to physically separate them. If any of the wires are not connected to the mono plug, your clip cord is screwed. If you have a soldering gun, you can reconnect it. If you do not, you will have to replace the clip cord.
The foot pedal has two main problems that can occur. One is similar to the clip cord mono plug disconnect. To check for this, do the same thing you did with the clip cord. Unscrew the mono plug housing, check the wires. If they are touching, separate them, if one of them are not connected, solder or replace. If you have one of those flat metal foot pedals, a common problem is a broken spring inside. The foot pedal works by completing a circuit between two connectors when you press down on it. If the spring is broken, it is either blocking the connection or causing it to short. Some of these metal foot pedals can be unscrewed and the spring can be put back into place or replaced. Most however are factory sealed and riveted so putting it back together is quite a challenge. It may be more efficient to just buy a new one.
About the Author
I'm a tattoo artist turned tattoo machine maker. I have been a tattoo artist since I was 19 and have since written several how to and instruction guides on the topic. I enjoy riding my Harley in Squamish and hustling pool. I probably make more money in pool than I do selling tattoo equipment.
If you are looking for a different item here are a list of related products on Cheap Acoustic Guitars, please check out the following:

Frequently Asked Questions...
What is best pedal recommended for a metal band and alternitive band?
Whitch is the best recommended pedal for metal or alternitive band? From the price ranging from $100- $150.
Answer:
To do what?
For distortion, I like the Boss Metal Zone and Metalcore pedals. For chorus, the Boss Chorus or Liquid H20. For EQ, the Boss GE-7 or MXR 10-band. For phaser, MXR Phase 90. For solo boosting, the Voodoo Sparkledrive. For wah, the Dunlop 535Q.
My best buy was the Boss GT-3, used, for 100$. It can do all of those things and more pretty well (except for distortion, I tend to really hate multifx distortion, and wah... nothing replaces a good wah).
Saul
























































































