Optimal tugging tension

[gcm0285]

Hi. I'm fairly new to restoring and was wondering what is the best amount of tension to use. I've heard that about a pound is good but that doesn't seem like enough.

[Guest]

This question gets asked from time to time. And perhaps without knowing it, you've stumbled onto the real message in this.

There is no answer to the question. Know why? Aside from the individual differences in skin response between.....well, individuals. And aside from the differences in skin response that happen for any one individual from time to time, there is no way to measure tension. This is heresy to some on restoration forums because they want to repeat what they've heard on forums (it's all they know), and because they don't understand the basics, so I'll repeat it for effect: there is no way to measure tension ON THE SKIN, without sophisticated lab equipment, and even then it's an arbitrary number, used just for standardization and comparison of effect between different values of tension.Sound complicated?

It is. Pretty much everything I say in posts is actually complicated, and even when I try to simplify things it's usually beyond the usual forum member. Shouldn't be, high school covers some of it ,but........it is. My replies have even been called "techno babble", when to any college level scientist it's entirely basic and understandable. So I've probably lost you already.

But be that as it may, consider this: some guys think that using a scale used for fish weight, or, some object where the weight is known, like a lead sinker (and why not, from time to time your dick's gonna smell fishy), applies that amount of tension. Couldn't be more wrong, for several reasons. What the scale shows isn't what the skin "sees", not the least because skin gives. Skin temporarily stretches, so the weight gets attenuated. And, more importantly, a given weight does not equal to a tension value in any case. Apples and oranges.

But.......nobody has to worry about numbers. I'm suggesting you don't need to either. Numbers are bullshit in an art. Tugging is an art, not a science. Science uses numbers, but we can't. We just can't. But we can go on tugging, and with time and experience we can begin to feel what vets call the "sweet spot". You will too, if you continue on. Sounds like you're very close to it, when you use the word "seem".

Don't try to measure anything, or said differently, if you find that sweet spot, and you think that it's because of some number, then go on using the number, but don't be surprised when the feeling of "sweet spot" begins to fade. Because it will. The sweet spot changes from time to time. Things change on a regular basis in tugging. Just something you have to get used to. Art, not Science. Any vet here will agree, although they don't usually say much, for some reason. Maybe they weren't analytical enough, or don't have the background.

Now.........let's listen to all the clueless "science" guys and their answers (who want to measure everything even though you can't).

[parsecskin]

There most certainly is a way to measure tension. It's called a DIGITAL FISH SCALE. I use one and about 14 Oz is perfect for me. I also use an overhead anchor for my tugging strap over my bed and my desk at my shop (I'm a one man show and can lock the door anytime).Could you imagine a customer coming in and seeing THAT! Lol. I almost had it happen once. I forgot to lock the door.

[admin]

The reason I like the 4-Hour Rule for fine-tuning tension (seen here: https://tlctugger.com/4-hour-rule/) is that it doesn't require you to know a number.

What you need to fine-tune your tension setting is:

- A reproducible application technique for whatever device or method you're using. This assumes the device fits you, and that you have the sort of available slack that such a device calls for. For example, with a TLC Tugger we think the minimum slack needed is the same as when someone's available skin can be forced forward to completely hide the glans in skin (while flaccid, while nudging the glans back as needed). We think the best device width is about 90% as wide as your flaccid glans width (see https://tlctugger.com/device-sizing/).

- An incrementally adjustable source of tension. So for strapped tugging, the tension correlates with the length to which the strap is adjusted. For weights clearly the amount of weight you're hanging is the variable you control. For fixed Pushing action as with the TLC-X and DTR and CAT II Q, the applied tension correlates to exactly how far that Pusher's rod is depressed after application of the retaining piece. For an elastic tension source like springs or rubber bands, you can still precisely measure the distance the rod gets displaced. You can even measure how much actual force the Pusher is pressing the glans with, as I demonstrate in this video:

https://vimeo.com/59634660

As I state on the video, the problem with springs is you really can't fine-tune much. With rubber bands you can change the attachment point for the bands, the number of bands, or the weight of the bands.

SO, the point of the 4-Hour Rule is this: EVERY tensioned application of a device will eventually work loose or at least get out of adjustment, or start to get painful, even if the application was as perfect as is practically possible. Assuming you have a good device fit with an appropriate method, if you NEVER get through 4 hours with the tension you're using then you're using too much. If you ALWAYS get through 4 hours in comfort you could probably try more.

[Going Hooded]

My tip in all this: I got use to how my penis shaft skin looks like when under tension. I got use to going by look when applying the device.

[Guest]

My tip in all this: I got use to how my penis shaft skin looks like when under tension. I got use to going by look when applying the device.

Actually this is as good a way of guestimating where you are on any one day of tugging, as is the "feel" of the tension. The "sweet spot" is just around the corner from it, or in conjunction with it. Of course is isn't what the OP wanted, he wants a number, not sight, or feel, or a period of time. But maybe the silent guys who read this will get an idea that this whole thing is done by feel. And now sight. Good.

But...............as long as the truly important thing is happening, ie cycles of tension (which will happen no matter what) then the OP, and everyone else who's newer to the practice, is good to go. Everybody wants a number, but nobody thinks about the number of tension cycles (not so important as long as there are some). Cycled tension is the ONLY thing that skin responds to. The only thing.

Feel. Sight. Cycles. There ain't nothing else.

[Nomad]

Well it very varies but I use 9oz to 14 oz. As long it aint hurty your doing it right. I love lower tension levels and I compensate it with longer tugging time, simple as that....

[greg_b]

Experiment to figure out what amount of tension works at growing skin best for you. Get used to how that feels and/or looks. Bingo, done. Now just keep on tugging.

[weber]

I have been using TLC Tugger for years. I just started using the TLC-X. With 2 rubber bands that came with the unit I do not feel much tug (no where near what the straps provide). I understand the 4-hour rule so I will evaluate after 4 hours.
Thing is, I like the strapless ability of the X but not sure I will be able to equal the amount of tug I got with the TLC Tugger.
SOOOO what I am asking, has anyone had skin growth results with so much less tension?

[Mr zillow]

@ weber. I use the TLC- X as well and with you I feel the 2 rubber bands just don't give enough tension. What I have been doing is adding a spring as well as the rubber bands. You might try that and see if you get better tension.

[parsecskin]

You could use a bit heavier rubber band. I also have a DTR in addition to the TLC-X and it uses heavier rubber bands for more tension.

[weber]

@ weber. I use the TLC- X as well and with you I feel the 2 rubber bands just don't give enough tension. What I have been doing is adding a spring as well as the rubber bands. You might try that and see if you get better tension.

Thank you, a learning curve so I will tame it eventually. I have went to manually pushing the rod and locking the collet and tugging in the leg... I can get some good inner & outer tension that way, but of course using a strap again ...experimenting.
I will of course try the spring and rubber bands...

[weber]

You could use a bit heavier rubber band. I also have a DTR in addition to the TLC-X and it uses heavier rubber bands for more tension.

Thank you Parseckin, I will put that on the list to try...

[Tormod]

Experiment. And give your experiments enough time to to be valid. Skin expansion is accursedly slow Maybe 3 or 4 months for each setting.

I found that tensioning my skin so that each 1 cm was strained to about 1.7 cm gave good result. Easier to measure lengths than forces.

[weber]

Experiment. And give your experiments enough time to to be valid. Skin expansion is accursedly slow Maybe 3 or 4 months for each setting.

I found that tensioning my skin so that each 1 cm was strained to about 1.7 cm gave good result. Easier to measure lengths than forces.

right off the bat I need a longer rod if I was to use rubber bands... the collet hits top of the metal holder. I would say I like to feel the tension, not painfully but know it is tensioning. I may just have to live with a strap and manual tension...Maybe if I had an even longer rod than came with the X the rubber bands would work...I can't be the only one experiencing this...right?