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Tattoo Cartridges

Shop the full range of tattoo cartridges at Killer Ink, built for stability, control, and smooth ink flow to suit every artist, skill level, style, and technique. We stock every configuration from round liners, round shaders, magnums, soft edge magnums and more.

Choose from trusted brands including Peak, Kwadron, Ghost, Cheyenne and Dragonhawk. Most cartridges are universal, so they pair easily with a wide range of tattoo machines to help you build a setup that works for you.

Not sure which brand or configuration to choose? Try our cartridge comparison tool, or read our guide on the best tattoo cartridges to see what other artists keep coming back to.

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Cartridge Comparison Tool killer ink cartridge

Not sure which cartridge to choose?

Compare 10 top cartridge brands side-by-side to find the one that fits your setup!

Shop By Configuration

Round Liners
Round Liners
Round Shaders
Round Shaders
Magnums
Magnums
Soft Edge Magnums
Soft Edge Magnums
Whip Shading Magnums
Whip Shading Magnums
Flats
Flats

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Popular Categories

Peak Stellar Cartridges Peak Stellar Cartridges Kwadron Cartridges Kwadron Cartridges Bishop Da Vinci Cartridges Bishop Da Vinci Cartridges Cheyenne Cartridges Cheyenne Cartridges Magic Moon Cartridges Magic Moon Cartridges Emalla Eliot Cartridges Emalla Eliot Cartridges Ghost Cartridges Ghost Cartridges

Shop By Brands

  1. Big Wasp Energy Cartridges
  2. Bishop Da Vinci Cartridges
  3. Cheyenne Cartridges
  4. Dragonhawk Cartridges
  5. EZ Revolution Cartridges
  6. Emalla Eliot Cartridges
  7. Ghost Cartridges
  8. JCONLY Vetar Cartridges
  9. Killer Ink Cartridges
  10. Kwadron Cartridges
  11. Magic Moon Cartridges
  12. Metrix Cartridges
  13. Nexus Tattoo Cartridges
  14. Onyx Cartridges
  15. Peak Cartridges
  16. Peak Stellar Cartridges
  17. Piranha Original Cartridges
  18. Prime Cartridges
  19. Revolution Needle Cartridges
  20. Stigma-Rotary® Cartridges
  21. TATSoul Envy Gen 2 Cartridges
  22. Tortula Cartridges
  23. Vertix Cartridges

Tattoo Cartridges FAQ's

What is a tattoo cartridge?

A tattoo cartridge is a disposable needle unit that clicks into your tattoo machine. It comes pre-made and sterile, so you can easily put it in, use it, and swap it out during a session.

Inside the cartridge are the needles and a small housing that keeps everything in place. Most modern cartridges also include a safety membrane, which is a thin barrier that stops ink, blood, and fluids from flowing back into your machine. This helps keep your equipment clean and reduces the risk of cross-contamination.
Is a tattoo cartridge or needle better?

Tattoo cartridges are generally used for rotary tattoo machines whilst tattoo needles are used for coil tattoo machines.

Cartridges offer convenience, speed, and hygiene allowing for quick changes during a session, whereas traditional needles require more setup and adjustment. The choice depends on artist preference and workflow.
Are all tattoo cartridges universal?

Most tattoo cartridges are designed to be compatible with standard cartridge grips and machines, but they are not all universal. Compatibility depends on the machine and grip system being used.
What are the best tattoo needle cartridges?

The best tattoo cartridges vary based on quality, consistency, safety features (like membranes), and artist preference. High-quality cartridges provide smooth ink flow, stable needle grouping, and reliable performance.

At Killer Ink, we stock a range of high-quality cartridges from industry-leading brands, including:
Does it matter what tattoo cartridge you use?

Yes. The quality of a tattoo cartridge makes a big difference to how easy and clean your work will be. Good-quality cartridges help with smooth ink flow, steady needle movement, and better overall control. This leads to cleaner lines and more consistent results.

Lower-quality cartridges can cause issues like uneven ink flow, shaky lines, or poor needle stability, which can affect your tattoo and increase the risk of contamination.

It also matters which needle configuration you choose (like liners, shaders, or magnums). Different configurations are designed for different techniques. For example, lining fine details, shading soft gradients, or packing in solid colour, so your choice should match the style and technique you're working on.

How many times can you reuse tattoo cartridges?

Tattoo cartridges are single-use products. Reusing cartridges across clients can transmit infections.

  • They may be reused only within the same session on the same client if handled properly (e.g., stored in a clean cartridge tray between uses).
  • They must never be reused on another client or in a different session.
  • After the session, all cartridges must be disposed of in an approved sharps container.
How to use tattoo cartridges?

To use a tattoo cartridge:

  • Remove the cartridge from its sterile packaging.
  • Insert it directly into the tattoo machine.
  • Use as needed during the session.
  • Swap cartridges easily when changing needle types or configurations.

Tattoo cartridges streamline workflow by reducing setup time and allowing quick transitions between lining, shading, and colouring.
How to clean tattoo cartridges during use?

During a session:

  • Dip the running cartridge into distilled water to remove ink or fluids.
  • Avoid touching the sides of the container to prevent needle damage.
  • Turn off the machine and dry the cartridge with a paper towel.

Optional: Use cleaning products (e.g., foam-based rinse caps) to improve ink removal.
How to fill a tattoo cartridge with ink?

To fill a tattoo cartridge with ink:

  • Turn on the tattoo machine.
  • Dip the cartridge tip into an ink cap.
  • Allow the running motion to draw ink into the cartridge.

Note:

  • Avoid overfilling, as it can affect performance.
  • Clear cartridges help monitor ink levels more easily.
How Do I Compare Tattoo Cartridge Brands?

The quickest way is our cartridge comparison tool[MM1.1]. It lets you compare brands side by side and sort by what matters to you most, including price, best value, widest range, and ink flow. Prices are shown as per needle, so you can compare like for like. It takes seconds and removes the guesswork of choosing between brands.
How Can I Save Money On Tattoo Cartridges?

With our Buy More, Save More offer, you save when you stock up. Spend £130 or more on cartridges in a single order and you get 15% off. Buying in bulk brings your cost per cartridge down and means you're not caught short between sessions or paying for last-minute reorders.

How Do I Choose The Right Tattoo Cartridge?

The right cartridge comes down to the type of tattooing you're doing. For example:

  • Round liners are used for fine lines and detail
  • Round shaders are good for shading and adding depth
  • Whipshading magnums are ideal for adding texture
  • Stacked magnums and straight magnums are good for shading and colour packing

For more guidance on different types of cartridges and which styles each configuration, taper length, and diameter is best for, take a look at our in-depth tattoo cartridges guide.
What Should I Look For In A Tattoo Cartridge?

There are a few specifications you should consider, including:

  • Consistency, so every cartridge in the box performs the same way session after session.
  • Needle quality, which affects how cleanly the cartridge works in the skin.
  • Ink flow, for smooth, reliable delivery.
  • Price per cartridge, so you know what you're paying for that level of performance.
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