It turns out you can use just about anything to make your own erection ring. Some sites suggest everything from electrical tape (what) to shoelaces and even condoms. My best advice is to find something that’s comfortable. Chances are, it’s going to be moving around at least a little, it’s probably going to get a little wet (if you’re using it with a partner), and you’re going to want it to be easy to take off once you’re spent.

Judging by the horrifying events of Singles Week, we all know how big of a fan I am of DIY projects.

Materials for DIY Erection Rings

It turns out you can use just about anything to make your own erection ring. Some sites suggest everything from electrical tape (what) to shoelaces and even condoms. My best advice is to find something that’s comfortable. Chances are, it’s going to be moving around at least a little, it’s probably going to get a little wet (if you’re using it with a partner), and you’re going to want it to be easy to take off once you’re spent.

Twine or String: BAD Choice

It’ll be itchy. It’ll be difficult to tie well without tying it too tight. It’ll make you feel like a Thanksgiving turkey.

Tape: OK Choice

One site suggested using electrical tape and covering the sticky side with more electrical tape, then taping the ends together. It could work, but it would be hard to keep it in place. Also, it would really suck if it slid and the sticky side got caught on your pubes.

Rubber Ring from Hardware Store: OK Choice

Be careful with the random rings you find. If you don't know what the material is, it can be harmful to you or your partner. Also, you might not know what the stretch limit is. It might break during sex (which could potentially be pretty painful) or it might restrict your blood flow too much. Research what that ring is made of, then buy several different sizes to see if they fit right. 

Rubber ring of a male or female condom: Pretty Good Choice

Out of the ones we tried, this one worked the best. It’s soft, it’s easy to cut if there’s an emergency, and it isn’t too restrictive or uncomfortable. The female condom has a ring that is bigger than the rubber ring of a male condom, so if you’re girthy, they might be a slightly better choice, but it may be too big for the average penis. 

Putting Your DIY Erection Ring On

Regardless of what material you use, you’re going to be putting this on like a normal erection ring. After making sure it’s clean, lube it up. This process may also go easier if you rid yourself of your curlies – shaving will make sure it doesn’t get stuck and pull your hair.

Erection rings aren't supposed to be tight until you're erect. Because of this, a lot of men recommend putting them on before you're hard. It makes it easier to get it on, and it can inform you on whether or not it's going to be uncomfortable while you are erect. Use this same concept with your DIY erection rings to ensure safety. You can check out this article about how to put on an erection ring.

Safety Tips

• Never make your ring less than a quarter of an inch wide. Doing so can cause permanent nerve and tissue damage and can also be really uncomfortable.

• Never tie it off too tight. This should be obvious, but in the heat of the moment, it may be difficult to remember. If anything is turning blue, hurting, or even feeling the slightest bit uncomfortable, that means it's too tight.

• Keep some medical-grade scissors on hand, just in case you can’t remove it in the way you originally intended.

• Don’t keep it on for more than ten minutes or so the first time you use it. Keeping it on for too long can do some serious damage. Once you’re more experienced and know how much you can handle, you can keep it on for as long as twenty.

If you aren't comfortable taking the plunge on your own handiwork just yet, check out our Vibrating & Erection Ring Size Chart to figure out which brand would be best for you!