Building Services:
 If you don't have the capability or skill to make one of these devices, I can help. If you send me dimensions I can create a device for you and send you a kit with instructions. My manufacturing capabilities are limited at the moment, but I can create one custom for you.

From you, I'd need:
-What type of device you'd like (Canister, set screw, rubber band, or combination)
- Measurement of the circumference of the glans (flaccid)
- Measurement of the circumference of the shaft (flaccid)
-CI coverage number. (google foreskin coverage index)
-Some $cash money$ for parts, labor, and shipping. I will provide a parts list and cost per part once I acquire all necessary parts. (total cost should be somewhere around $30)
-list of all supplies you'd like me to include (tape, rubber bands, binder clips, etc)*

*I cannot include TLC products in my kit. These products are sold by Ron Low at tlctugger.com. This includes straps, tugger bodies, retaining cones, etc.

Help:

If you need help building one of my devices or would like some personalized guidance, please feel free to e-mail me at gcm0285 (at) gmail.com

Skin Stress Concentration (advanced methods):

I have found that in addition to using one of my other tugging methods, using a retaining ring or velcro strip pushing towards the body will increase the amount of tension on the outer skin.

Set Screw/Rubber Band Method:

With the Set screw or rubber band method, no straps are required. Wrap the velcro strip around the shaft tight enough so that the glans and pusher may not push through the velcro. This will concentrate the tension on the outer skin. Make sure to use the soft side of the velcro facing inwards.

Without the velcro strip, there is more skin from the base of the shaft to compensate for the tension of the device. The velcro strip makes the device pull the outer skin up, rather than pushing the inner skin inwards as much. Stress diagram for without the velcro is below.

Strap Tugging Method:

With the strap tugging method, I use a method that I call 'reverse tension'. It involves using straps to secure a ring of PVC fitting or velcro and push towards the body. This method will prevent the skin close to the base of the shaft from growing and will concentrate the tension on the shaft skin. This method requires two straps in addition to the tugging strap.



Directions:
1. Apply the ring then apply your device.
2. Use three 6" strips of athletic tape to create a place for the straps to attach.*
3. Put the tape inside the ring with the ring halfway up the strip of tape.
4. Bring the ends together and they'll stick together.
5. Using the straps, attach one end of the strap to one of the three pieces of tape.
6. Wrap the strap around your abdomen and secure the other end like in the photo below to increase the tension.

7. for the second strap, attach the strap to the last piece of tape and wrap the strap behind you to your back, over your shoulder and secure it on itself. 

*If using velcro for a ring, still use the tape as it will be easier to secure the straps to. Athletic tape can also be used as a ring. 

>The idea behind using both straps is to provide a balanced tension on all sides of the ring. If you've done everything correctly, your penis should be centered and have adequate tension on the ring. 

Notes (all methods):

1. Velcro is the better option usually because it can be removed easily in case of an erection or to urinate easier. 

2. Try different things for the ring. Strap method rings should be sturdy, rounded, and easily removed. Pusher method rings should be able to vary the size, soft, stretchable, and easily removed.  

3. Velcro rolls are available at Walmart in the electrical section for about $7. 

Taping instructions:

1. Buy some KT and ACE athletic tape
2. Cut a strip of the KT tape in half so that you have 5" strip
3. Cut off part of each strip so that each strip is about 1-1/4" wide
4. Remove the paper backing of one strip and wrap it around the bottom of the coupling with the adhesive facing out
5. Take a 10" strip of full width tape and remove the backing. If desired, reduce the adhesive a bit by putting the tape on your pants or something before applying it.
6. Take the PVC coupling and put it on your glans with the set screw at the top.
7. Pull the skin of the shaft over the tape and hold it in place
8. Apply the 10" strip so that it covers BOTH the skin and a bit of the thinner tape.
9. Wrap the tape around uniformly and tightly
10. Take a strip of the regular athletic tape and wrap it TIGHTLY around the area where the skin is
11. Using the hose clamp, fasten the clamp on top of the tape about 1/8" above where the skin stops. This will keep the tape from backing off. BE CAREFUL not to clamp any skin. You should be clamping the tape ONLY
12. Use some Aquaphor to lubricate movement and keep skin healthy
13. Wait for about 30 mins for the adhesive to set
14. If desired, use a piece of gauze to pad the glans prior to inserting the pusher (if applicable)
15. Assemble the device
16. Adjust the device to the desired amount of tension (.75-1.5lb)
17. Wash the device after each use with soap and water
18. Keep track of your tugging with a tugging log and set a goal for each week.
19. Take progress photos every month, photographing a ruler next to your penis to measure growth (see measurement section below)

Note: If the tape fails, you're doing something wrong. It could be too much tension, not giving the adhesive time to set, or some other factor. Make sure to find a method that works for you. Try different kinds of tape or maybe even some skin-safe adhesive. Experimentation is part of the process.


Urination instructions

It is worth buying a keychain phillips screwdriver if you use the set screw method so you can adjust tension and remove the pusher for urination when carrying a screwdriver is impractical. They are available on Amazon for fairly cheap:
https://www.amazon.com/JETTINGBUY-Stainless-Pocket-Screwdriver-Keychain/dp/B015XTMN8Y

1. To urinate, first disassemble the device by either removing the bands, set screw, or binder clip
2. Remove the pipe and pusher (if applicable) and gauze from the device. (you may need some tweezers to remove the gauze.)
3. Urinate while sitting down (because it may shoot in a random direction)
4. use some rolled up toilet paper to clean the glans and inside of the coupling.
5. replace the pusher/pipe (or binder clip) and gauze
6. Adjust to desired tension

See diagram below for taping

Measurement:
1. Measure the overall length of your penis while flaccid
2. Measure the length from the circumcision scar to the base, OR if you have some skin built up, measure from where the end of the fold is.
3. record each measurement
4. See diagram below

5. Calculate SCP

6. Record measurements in your log

Note: SCP is an arbitrary number used to determine how much skin has been grown over time. The goal is to have about 110-120% SCP to mimic a natural foreskin. The more accurate your measurements are, the easier it will be to see how much skin has grown. SCP should NOT change depending on the length of your flaccid penis. 

Suggestions:

All methods:
1. Sand off all text and imperfections on the parts.
2. Keep strapless devices in place with a good sized rubber band around your leg.
3. Use a reverse tension to concentrate the tension on the skin (see my other post on this)
4. Make sure the tape is tight. This will help to prevent the tape from failing. This is why I suggest using both types of tape since KT tape is stretchy.
5. If using a pusher device, use some aquaphor or vaseline to keep the skin healthy.
6. Clean the device with soap and water before each use.
7. Try to wear loose fitting pants and underwear.
8. Urinate sitting down if using a pusher method.
9. If the KT tape is too strong, try mefix tape. It is sold by Ron of tlctugger.com and on Amazon. You could also reduce the adhesive by putting the tape on your leg aand taking it off a couple of times before applying it


Strap/canister method suggestions:
1. Place the clamp so that the screw part of it doesn't dig into your leg
2. Try several different methods for wrapping the strap around your leg.
3. Distribute the strap evenly around your leg to help with circulation.
4. Use an knee athletic brace to help keep the strap from leaving marks on your skin


Set screw method:
1. Place the coupling so that the screw is in an easily accessible place.
2. Make sure that the hole for the screw is tight enough to keep the screw securely in place
3. Use a larger rubber band around your leg to help keep the device in place.


Rubber band method:
1. Use file bands for tension. These are available at office supply stores
2. To increase tension slightly, wrap the rubber band around the screw a few times and attach the end to the clamp.
3. If the rubber band breaks, you're using too much tension and/or too thin of a band.
4. Try to use a larger rubber band. This way you'll have more options to adjust tension.
5. Use a larger thin band to keep the device in place; around the leg and then around the device.

Canister/strap method

Another tugging option is the classic strap/canister method. This method works well for people just starting out restoring who don't have enough skin to use the TLC-X or DTR. PVC fittings provide a firm, smooth surface on which to tug.

Building Supplies

1. PVC Coupling or reducer big enough for your glans but small enough to stretch skin over. It should fit over about 90% of the glans

2. Binder Clip, Large

3. 1/8" drill bit

4. Drill

5. Hose clamp big enough to fit around the fitting

6. Strap (TLC tugger or equivalent)

7. KT and regular (non stretchy) athletic tape
8. Coarse grit sand paper or other sanding tool
9. Pliers (if necessary)

Diagram:

Building Instructions:
1. Drill out holes near the top of the fitting for the binder clip. The holes should be directly across from each other and be at about the same height.
2. Widen binder clip (if necessary) with pliers
3. Sand off any sharp edges with sandpaper or a sanding tool
4. Insert binder clip and use

Usage instructions:
1. Clean device with soap and water before every use.
2. Insert binder clip
3. Tape skin as described in my other blogs
4. Clamp the TAPE ONLY with the clamp facing the opposite side of your leg (This prevents the clamp from digging into your skin)
5. Attach the strap to the binder clip
6. Use the strap to find the correct tension and wrap the strap around your leg in whatever fashion works for you. Secure the strap
7. Go about your day

Urination instructions:
1. Release the strap from the binder clip
2. clamp the strap to your pants to prevent the strap from unraveling.
3. Remove binder clip
4. Urinate sitting down (because it may shoot in a random direction)
5. Re-apply the binder clip and strap
6. continue with your day

Tugging Safety

Tugging must be done in a safe yet effective manner. Here are my tips for tugging.

1. Tug about 12 hours a day, 5 days a week
2. Use a reasonable amount of tension - You should feel the tension but it should not be painful.
3. Make sure your pusher is soft and pliable (TLC Tugger body recommended)
4. Adjust the tension throughout the day if it becomes too much or too little
5. If the tape fails for some reason, you may be using too much tension
6. Rubber bands should be adjusted so that they can accommodate partial erections
7. Release tension during an erection when possible.
8. DO NOT wear these devices overnight
9. Use a tugging method that will stretch the area of the skin just above the circumcision scar so as to hide the scar over time
10. Start tugging in the morning so that you have time to dial in the tension before you go to work. This way, you'll avoid frequent trips to the restroom to adjust the device.
11. It is worth investing in a tension scale to see exactly how much tension you are applying. these are available on amazon for about $10-$30. All you need is one that measures up to about 5 pounds. Recommended tension is between .75lb and 1.5lb
12. To measure tension with the rubber band method, use a "push" type scale to push the pipe into the device. Hold the pipe in place and mark the pipe where the ideal spot is. Apply the rubber bands
13. To measure tension with the set screw method, use a small scale to push against the pipe until the tension is adequate. Mark on the pipe where to stop pushing and tighten the set screw

Rubber Band Method

This method utilizes rubber bands to keep a constant tension on the skin rather than a set screw or strap. This method is similar to how the DTR works and is derived from it.

Finished product will look something like this:

Building Instructions
1. Follow the same steps as the set Screw method
2. Drill an additional 1/8" hole on the opposite side of the coupling from the first screw
3. Thread screw into hole with phillips drill bit
4. Use saw or dremel to cut a notch in the top of each side of the PVC pipe as shown below.

5. Use rubber bands to provide tension as shown in diagram below

Usage instructions:
1. Apply tape as described in my other posts
2. Apply the pusher and PVC pipe to the coupling
3. Using one or two rubber bands, apply tension by attaching each end of the rubber band to the screws and notch as shown above
4. Adjust tension by either using an additional rubber band, or by moving one side of the band to the clamp (to increase tension)
5. Tug throughout the day

Urination instructions:
1. Remove the rubber band from the notch
2. Remove the pipe and pusher
3. urinate sitting down
4. replace the pusher and pipe
5. replace the rubber band and adjust tension

Set Screw method

1. measure for the diameter of your penis (circumfrence= 2*pi*radius)
2. find the right size pvc pipe and fittings
1. use the largest size coupling that you can stretch skin over
3. Buy the following supplies if you don't have them already

• Pipe, about two feet or so
• Coupling, slip x slip, the longer the better
• Spade or forstner bit for drilling out coupling (~1/4" larger than pipe size)
• Electric drill
• #10 machine screws, 1/2" long, phillips head
• 1/8" drill bit
• Rubber stopper that will fit inside pipe OR TLC Tugger body* (Must be able to fit freely through coupling)
• Rounded sanding bit*
• PVC pipe cutter or hacksaw
• Phillips drill bit
• coarse sand paper
• Hose clamp that is big enough to fit around the coupling (Used to keep tape from backing off)

     4. Use the 1/8" drill bit to drill  out a hole about 1/4" from the top of the coupling.
     5. Use the phillips bit and drill to thread the screw into the hole. it should be a tight fit. Leave the screw inside but not protuding through the wall for the next step.
     6. Use the spade/forstner bit to drill out the coupling so that the pipe moves freely through the coupling. This step is crucial to the functionality of the device.
     7. If using a rubber stopper as a pusher, use the rounded sanding bit to create a rounded inner surface for the glans to push against. (ignore this step if using a TLC tugger body as a pusher)
     8. Sand off the rough edge of the pipe to about a 45 degree angle. Sand off any raised lettering and inperfections.
     9. Cut off  4-5" of pipe depending on how much skin you have left.
     10. Sand off the edge of the coupling opposite the screw to about 45 degrees. Sand the inside and outside
     11. If using the rubber stopper, glue the stopper in place (glue from the inside)
     12. Assemble the device as shown below

*TLC Tugger body is recommended over the rubber stopper but either will work. The sanding bit is used to create a concave surface on the stopper for the glans to push against.

Here's a photo of the tools you'll need:

Here's some photos of the devices that I've completed

^Set Screw Method

^Rubber Band Method

^Strap Tugging/Canister method

Foreskin Restoration Project Intro:

Hello. I am an anonymous user trying to help the foreskin restoration community by offering my own methods for restoring. 

Background: I was circumcised at birth like most American boys are but became very depressed about the fact. The doctor who did my surgery amputated a large amount of my penile skin and left a nasty scar. I decided to try and restore my foreskin at the age of 19, hoping that I would one day have a natural looking penis. I started out by trying the TLC tugger and TLC-X but neither of them would work for me since I had so little skin left. I then tried the canister/tape method which worked some of the time, but I was displeased with the failure rate of the tape. That's when I decided to try and manufacture my own restoration device. The result is a hybrid type device using tape and tension similar to how the TLC-X works. The device is made out of PVC pipe and fittings and can either use a set screw or rubber bands to keep tension. 

Advantages:

• Ability to use higher tension without tape slipping
• No straps
• Ability to urinate. 
• Costs less than commercial devices
• "industrial grade" parts and very durable
• Ability to Customize

Disadvantages:

• Requires tools to make
• cannot be used overnight
• requires knowledge of tools/building stuff

In the next post, I will provide photos and a guide to making your own device.

If you have questions, e-mail me at gcm0285 (at) gmail.com