Tattoo Needles

Unlock your creative potential and elevate your artistry with our premium collection of tattoo needles, tailored exclusively for skilled tattoo artists, studios, and apprentices. At Kingpin Tattoo Supply, we understand the importance of precision, durability, and versatility in turning your artistic vision into reality. Our curated selection of tattoo needles ensures you find exactly what you need for any tattooing technique.

Kingpin started out as a manufacturer of hand-built, premium pre-made tattoo needles, and we continue that tradition today needles. We offer round, bugpin, long-taper, traditional, and more. Available as cartridges or pre-made needles on bar, we have a grouping for all of your needs. Read More...

Why Choose Our Tattoo Needles?

Unmatched Quality and Precision: Crafted from the finest materials, our needles are designed for artists who demand the best. Whether you're outlining intricate designs or shading large areas, our needles provide consistent ink flow and sharp precision.

Extensive Selection for Every Technique: From precise liners to shading magnums, our range of Pre-Made Needles on Bar and ready-to-=go Needle Cartridges includes:

What Needles to Use for Tattooing?

Each project is unique, and so is our needle lineup. Find specialized needles for lining, shading, and filling to create stunning, detailed work. Our tattoo needles are categorized for ease of use, allowing you to select the best tool for any technique:

  • Cartridges: Ideal for artists who prefer convenience and quick changes between needle types.
  • Needles On Bar: Traditionalists will appreciate our pre-made needles for their reliability and consistency.
  • Needle Building: For the artist who tailors their tools to their unique style, we offer components for custom needle configurations.

When it comes to tattooing, selecting the right needles is crucial for achieving the desired results. Here are some common types of tattoo needles and their uses:


  1. Round Liner (RL): Ideal for outlining designs, creating clean lines, and defining details due to their precise needle configuration.
  2. Round Shader (RS): Perfect for shading and coloring as they allow for more ink saturation and smoother gradients.
  3. Magnum (M): Great for filling in color and shading larger areas as they cover more skin with each pass, creating a soft edge.
  4. Flat (F): Suitable for creating bold lines, coloring, and shading, offering versatility in achieving different effects based on the angle used.
  5. Curved Magnum (CM): Helpful for blending colors smoothly, shading curved areas, and achieving a softer transition between colors.
  6. Bugpin Needles: These ultra-fine needles are excellent for intricate details, fine lines, and realism work due to their ability to produce sharp, precise lines.


Remember, the choice of needle type depends on the style of tattooing, the design complexity, and the desired outcome. It's essential to have a variety of needles handy to cater to different aspects of tattooing.

Which Needle Size is Best for Lining?

Perfect lines start with the right tool.Tattooing needle size plays a crucial role in achieving clean and precise outlines. The best needle size for lining typically falls within the range of #6 to #12 gauge, which corresponds to needle diameters ranging from 0.20mm to 0.35mm. Here are some common needle sizes that are often preferred for lining:

  • #6 Gauge (0.20mm): This fine needle size is excellent for intricate details and fine lines, providing precision when outlining smaller elements in a design.
  • #8 Gauge (0.25mm): Slightly thicker than #6, this size offers a balance between fine detail work and bolder outlines, making it versatile for various line weights.
  • #10 Gauge (0.30mm): A commonly used size for general lining work, providing a good balance between needle thickness and precision for creating clean, consistent lines.
  • #12 Gauge (0.35mm): Thicker needles like #12 are ideal for bold, strong outlines and can be used for outlining larger areas or creating more prominent borders in a design.


Choosing the best needle size for lining depends on the specifics of the design, the style of tattooing, and the artist's preference for line weight and detail.


Best Needles for a Beginner Tattoo Artist

Starting your tattooing journey and wondering where to buy tattoo needles? Our comprehensive range offers beginner-friendly options designed for ease of use and learning.Here are some recommended needle types that are often considered best for beginners:

  1. Round Liner (RL) #10 Gauge: Round liners are versatile for outlining and creating clean, precise lines. A #10 gauge needle provides a good balance between thickness and detail, making it suitable for beginners to practice line work.
  2. Round Shader (RS) #10 Gauge: Round shaders are great for shading and coloring smaller areas. A #10 gauge round shader needle allows beginners to practice shading techniques and achieve smooth gradients.
  3. Magnum (M) #12 Gauge: Magnum needles are ideal for filling in color and shading larger areas. A #12 gauge magnum needle provides beginners with the ability to practice shading techniques on various shapes and sizes.

It's essential for beginner tattoo artists to experiment with various needle types and sizes to discover their preferences and develop their skills effectively.