Many an artist has said “R.I.P.” to the good-old-fashioned autoclave. That’s because disposable tattoo tubes, disposable tattoo barrels, and disposable tattoo needles have taken the industry by storm. But certainly, autoclavable supplies haven’t gone extinct. They belong in any setup, whether you’re a traditionalist loyal-to-the-coil type or you snag every new FK Irons wireless machine the minute it drops.

This blog is all about the pros and cons of disposable AND reusable gear. It’s about rethinking your setup, so you can improve how you work, how you clean, and how you grow.

Here’s a straightforward guide to help you pick what’s best for you.

Disposable vs. Reusable: The Basics

Autoclavable gear means reusable parts: grips, tips, tubes, and even cartridge grips that get sterilized and used again in an autoclave for tattoo equipment.

Disposable gear means pre-sterilized, single-use products you toss after each session. Disposable tattoo tubes and barrels are super common nowadays, with single-use cartridges, caps, and grips reigning supreme.

But maybe you’ve considered the pros of choosing autoclave-safe gear that you can reuse.

The Case for Autoclavable Gear

Cost That Pays You Back

Sure, autoclavable stuff costs more… up front. But after a few sessions, it pays for itself. You buy it once and use it hundreds of times, especially if you’re using steel (or otherwise reusable) grips. You’ll be stocking up on way less disposable supplies, and you’ll notice your wallet getting a little fatter over the coming months.

Bonus: you’ll spend way less in the long run, even after factoring in cleaning supplies and autoclave costs.

Built to Fit You

With reusable parts, you’re not stuck with a one-size-fits-some setup.

Want a chonky grip with a diamond tip? A curved mag tube with a small cartridge handle? You can mix and match pieces to dial in your perfect balance, feel, and function.

That’s a big win for comfort and control, especially during long sessions.

Way Less Waste

You’ve been there: it’s been a long day at the shop, then you look around at the trashcans and sharps containers and think, “…Bruh.”

Yep. Tossing gear daily adds up fast. If you favor disposable tattoo tubes and barrels, you know how often your trash and sharps bins need disposing. Artists using reusable setups throw away way less plastic, which makes for a greener, more eco-friendly setup. A bonus? Clients may notice.

With concern for the environment growing high, a more autoclavable setup might attract more clients to your shop. This isn’t to say disposable supplies are bad. But even occasionally favoring autoclavable grips can make a difference in the amount of waste you collect.

When Disposable Gear Wins

Ultimate Convenience

You’re busy. Your shop is busy. Everything is fast-paced nowadays. So, yeah, disposable tattoo tubes, barrels, and needles are ready when you are. Rip open a pack and get to work. No cleanup. No sterilizing. You really can’t beat that degree of convenience.

Consequently, disposables are perfect if you’re bouncing between shops, working conventions, or don’t have access to an autoclave for tattoo equipment.

Travel-Friendly & Shop-Safe

Disposables are essential if you’re on the go, sure. But they’re also great in busy shops where there’s no time to deep-clean steel mid-session.

And for apprentices or guest spots? Disposable everything keeps the process safe and simple.

Low Upfront Cost

If you’re building your setup piece by piece, disposable tattoo tubes or grips are budget-friendly. Especially if you buy in bulk (which you should).

Featured Disposable Gear

• Precision Classic Tube & Grip Sets: Budget-friendly, but they don’t feel cheap. Artists swear by the soft rubber grip.
• Precision Vision Sets: Transparent tubes = better ink visibility. Plus, textured grips for comfy handling.
• Vortex Wrath Tubes: Gel grips that actually absorb shock which means way less hand pain? Yes, please. These tubes are also custom-molded and ultra-smooth.
• FK Irons Click Disposable Grips:Ergonomic, clicky grip that allows for easy needle depth adjustments

Cartridge Users, Listen Up

Think this doesn’t apply to you? Think again.

You’ve got two options:

1. Disposable grips that come pre-packed and ready to toss.
2. Autoclavable grips that let you control your comfort (and save money over time).

And guess what? You can even mix and match:

• Use autoclavable cartridge grips with disposable needle cartridges.
• Or go full-disposable when speed matters more than comfort.

It’s all about how you work best.

Final Thoughts: Build What Works for You

There’s no one right answer.

Some artists swear by the reliability and savings of steel. Others love the speed and simplicity of disposables. Try both. And refer to this guide whenever you’re thinking about making your setup a little more reusable (or a little more disposable.)

You’re the artist. Your tools should work with you, not against you.