Selling Tattoo Machines To Pawn Shops: Learn About Which Tattoo Guns Pawn Shops Buy

Many pawn shops buy used tattoo machines (also called tattoo guns) in good condition. Generally, used tattoo machines can get 20% to 60% of the machine’s resale value, or about $50 to $500. The resale value of the machine is determined by many factors such as the condition, brand, and age of the machine. You can read more about figuring out your item’s value at pawn shops.

We recommend that you clean your tattoo machine and bring in all related documentation and parts when you sell or pawn it. Also, you should use our tool to find local pawn shops near you and contact the pawn shops ahead of time to verify they buy tattoo machines. Not all pawn shops will buy tattoo machines.

When you bring in your tattoo machine to a pawn shop, the pawnbroker will inspect it and make an offer. Factors that influence the pawn shop offer include:

• Brand: The brand of the machine will also affect its value. Certain brands are more desirable than others, and thus may be more valuable. Common tattoo machine brands that pawn shops buy include:
  • Cheyenne
  • Bishop
  • Eikon
  • FK Irons
  • Stigma
  • Spektra
  • InkJecta
  • Dragonhawk
  • Critical
  • Solong Tattoo
• Type: The type of tattoo machine can affect its resale value. Common types of tattoo machines that pawn shops accept include shader machines, rotary machines, coil machines, and electric machines.
• Age: The age of the tattoo machine will affect its value. Newer machines with more features and modern tattoo methods are worth more.
• Condition: The condition of the machine will also affect its value. If the machine is in good condition, it will be more valuable than one that is in poor condition. Pawn shops pay more for good-condition tattoo machines. We recommend cleaning your machine before bringing it into the pawn shop. Read more about cleaning tattoo machines below.
• Completeness: Make sure you bring in all components of the tattoo machine. Common components include:
  • Power Supply: The main component of the tattoo machine. It provides the power needed to run the machine and is typically connected to a wall outlet.
  • Motor: The part of the machine that moves the needle up and down. It is usually a rotary motor and is powered by the power supply.
  • Tube: The part of the machine that holds the needle. It is typically made of metal and is connected to the motor.
  • Needle: The part of the machine that pierces the skin and injects the ink. It is usually made of stainless steel and is connected to the tube.
  • Foot Pedal: The part of the machine that controls the speed and depth of the needle. It is typically connected to the power supply and is used to control the machine.

Types Of Tattoo Machines

Pawn shops buy many different types of tattoo machines. Below are common types of tattoo machines that pawn shops buy and sell. All images below are from Ali Express.

Shader Machines

Shader machines are used to fill in the outlines created by liner machines. They typically have multiple needles and are used to create thicker, more solid lines.

Rotary Machines

Rotary machines are powered by a motor and use a single needle to create both outlines and shading. They are usually quieter and less painful than traditional machines. Rotary tattoo machines use a motor to drive a needle up and down, which creates a puncture in the skin and injects ink into the dermis. It is the most commonly used type of tattoo machine and is preferred by many tattoo artists due to its versatility and ability to create a variety of line widths and depths. The rotary machine is designed to move quickly and smoothly, allowing the artist to create intricate and detailed designs with precision. The needle is connected to the motor via a cam, which helps control the speed and depth of the needle. The machine also features adjustable settings for speed, depth, and stroke length, allowing the artist to customize the tattoo to the client’s needs. Rotary machines are also known for their low vibration, which makes them more comfortable for the client.

Coil Machines

Coil Machines are a type of tattoo machine that uses electromagnetic coils to move the needle up and down. The coils are connected to a power source, which creates a magnetic field that moves the needle. The power source can be either a rotary or a linear motor. Coil Machines are known for their reliability and power and are often used for larger and more detailed tattoos. They are also used for shading and color packing. Coil Machines are typically made from brass or stainless steel and have adjustable settings to allow for different speeds and needle depths. They are often preferred by experienced tattoo artists due to their power and accuracy.

Electric Machines

Electric machines are the newest type of tattoo machine. They use a motor to move the needle up and down, creating a more consistent line. They are typically used for outlining and shading. It is designed to provide a consistent, even flow of ink and is capable of creating intricate designs with ease. The motor is powered by a power source, such as a battery or plug-in power supply, and the needle is attached to a bar that moves up and down to create the desired design. The machine is easy to use and is often preferred by those who are just starting out in the tattoo industry.

Cleaning Your Tattoo Machine

1. Disassemble the Tattoo Machine: Before you start cleaning your tattoo machine, you should disassemble it. This will allow you to get into all the nooks and crannies of the machine and clean it thoroughly. Make sure to keep track of all the pieces and screws that you remove.
2. Clean the Frame: Once you have disassembled the machine, you can start cleaning the frame. Use a damp cloth and mild soap to wipe down the frame. Make sure to get into all the crevices and corners.
3. Clean the Coils: The coils of the machine are what make it run. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the coils. Make sure to get into all the nooks and crannies.
4. Clean the Contact Points: The contact points are the parts of the machine that come into contact with the skin. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean these parts.
5. Clean the Needles: The needles of the machine should be cleaned after every use. Use a cotton swab and rubbing alcohol to clean the needles.
6. Reassemble the Machine: Once you have cleaned all the parts of the machine, you can reassemble it. Make sure to put all the pieces and screws back in the right place.
7. Test the Machine: After you have reassembled the machine, you should test it to make sure it is working properly. If it is not working properly, you may need to adjust the settings or replace some parts.