How DTR grippers work
The gripper is what holds the skin onto the devices surface
![DTR grippers](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/grippers-300x157.jpg)
The original gripper was made from a cut down baby bottle nipple. I did this so people could make their own replacements if they could not order from me and they were made from medical grade SLR
![new grip vs old](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/old_vs_new_gripper-300x142.jpg)
As of NOV 2023 this new Gripper will be replacing the old gripper. This new gripper is longer and slightly thicker with smooth rounded edges and the same 40A firmness scale as original gripper.
![silicone gripper](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/new_gripper_3-300x178.jpg)
This provides a better grip for those just starting out and will allow older users to use a maximum amount of tension when restoring.
![injection mold machine](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/injection-300x214.jpg)
These new grippers are made in the USA from Injection molded Platinum cured Medical grade-class VI LSR.
These have been designed for use with the DTR, Retainers and Tug Bell.
Important note:
The gripper will feel a little more flexible after a break in period ( 200 hours of use ) You can speed this along by removing them and stretching them out with your fingers. You can also soak them in boiling water for 5 to 10 minutes before stretching them.
![finger trap](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/finger_trap-1-300x262.png)
Grippers hold the skin by using pressure and friction.
The more tension the more grip. Much like a “Chinese finger trap” the more you pull the tighter the grip.
The more stress (pull) the more the skin is compressed by the gripper. This is what causes skin fatigue after you have a device on for sometime and why it is important to take quick breaks every 30 to 90 minutes to avoid any discomfort when using higher amounts of tension.
![foreskin stretch](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/streching-300x90.jpg)
I personally need to use higher amounts of stress to get good growth and this seems to be the case for the majority as well and may be why so many men have good results when they start but seem to slow down after the first 6 months.
This new gripper can hold my skin for longer periods of time when using high amounts of stress. I find using about 2 to 4 pounds worth of pulling force when tugging gives me the best skin growth. This is what works for me personally, I am not suggesting that anyone uses this amount of force.
If your equipment does not allow you to use higher stress because it is slipping off after ten minutes than you could be in in for a very long frustrating restoration.
![Pulling skin](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/gripper_holes-278x300.jpg)
Holes in a gripper make it a little more flexible since there is less material.
Some guys prefer the solid gripper so it really may be just a personal choice.
![Duro scale](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/durometer_scale-300x173.jpg)
Durometer is a standardized way to measure the hardness of materials like rubber.
Focus on Shore A scale line
![firm DTR gripper](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/firm-287x300.jpg)
Firm grippers: (40A)
A firm grippers allow for more pulling force without the gripper expanding and popping off.
This allows me to use as much pulling force as I want for 30 to 90 min.
![medium hold DTR gripper](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/gripper_holes_medium-1-278x300.jpg)
Medium Gripper: (30A)
In the works for late 2024 is a medium hold gripper that will be the same size as the original firm gripper but have more elasticity for a more relaxed fit.
![Soft gripper](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/soft-300x225.jpg)
Soft gripper: (10-20A)
There are a few aftermarket soft grippers available online. I found them to be useful when using less stress on the skin. However I found that when I used higher amounts of force they would expand and pop off after about 10 to 15 min.
So what is better? Firmer grippers are great for someone new to restoring where there is not much skin to work with and for the majority of restoring men that require a good amount of force to get their skin to grow.
If you have thicker skin ( or a thick penis ) or are one of those lucky guys that don’t need to use much force to get skin to grow than a softer gripper may be a nice option for you. There are pros and cons with everything.
![liquid soap](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2022/12/dish-soap.jpg)
Normally I wash the DTR and gripper with soap and water each day before using it. If I experience any slippage issues as I am restoring I will give my skin a rinse also to remove and oils and to give it some hydration.
Try this technique if you experiences any slippage after normal cleaning and use.
![DTR gripper install 3](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gripperR1-300x237.jpg)
Gripper removal is easy, first invert the gripper so that it’s flipped inside out just as you would if you are about to attach the gripper to your skin.
![DTR gripper install 2](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gripperR2-300x268.jpg)
Pull on the gripper and work it over the collar portion of the DTR Bell.
![pulling off gripper](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gripperR3-300x255.jpg)
Continue to work the gripper by stretching it over the collar
![DTR gripper install 1](https://n4i6b0.p3cdn1.secureserver.net/wp-content/uploads/2023/01/gripperR4-300x238.jpg)
Now work the gripper over the nylon screws if they are being used. Grippers will stretch quite a bit so it’s difficult to rip one.
To reinstall the gripper just reverse the process.
Grippers are interchangeable with the DTR bell, TugBell and Retainers.