Spider Gag
A spider gag is a ring gag fitted with outward-facing prongs or hooks that extend from the ring and press against the lips, holding the ring firmly in position and preventing it from being pushed out by the tongue. The prongs give it a distinctive appearance and make it more secure than a plain ring gag. The open-mouth effect is the same, but the spider gag holds its position more reliably during extended or active wear.
WHY PEOPLE USE IT
The additional security of the prongs is the practical difference from a standard ring gag. The visual appearance is also more extreme, which is part of the appeal in scenes where appearance and presentation matter. The prongs pressing against the lips add a tactile element not present in a plain ring gag.
HOW POPULAR IS IT
Spider gags occupy a similar space to ring gags but sit further toward the specialist end. The more elaborate appearance and the stronger open-mouth effect mean they are more common among experienced practitioners than beginners. Popular in bondage photography and fetish imagery, where the visual impact of the design can be appreciated.
HISTORY
The spider gag is a variation on the ring gag, developed within the BDSM gear community rather than derived from any medical or industrial precedent. It appears in specialist bondage equipment catalogues from the 1990s onward, where the added prongs were marketed as a solution to the ring gag's tendency to be pushed out by the tongue. The design also had obvious visual appeal: the radiating tines give the gag a more elaborate, aggressive look that suited the aesthetic preferences of the bondage photography market. It remains a specialist item produced by a small number of dedicated fetish gear manufacturers.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
The number and position of the tines (the individual prongs that extend from the ring) determines how the mouth is held and how much strain the design creates. More tines spread the load across the lips and teeth more evenly. Check that the tine tips are smooth and rounded, as sharp edges will cause sores quickly.
Material matters. Silicone tines are more comfortable than metal. The central ring should be smooth stainless steel or food-grade silicone. Strap quality and adjustability follow the same rules as ring gags.
Spider gags are among the more intense designs in the gag category. The combination of wide mouth opening and the restraining tines means jaw fatigue arrives faster than with simpler types. Shorter sessions and frequent check-ins are sensible, particularly early on.
Because spider gags hold the mouth open rather than filling it, swallowing naturally is harder and saliva builds up more than with closed-mouth gag types. Pay attention to body position: lying on the back with the mouth open and the head tilted back means saliva drains toward the throat rather than out of the mouth, and the angle of the airway changes in a way that makes it harder to manage. Keep the head level or slightly forward during use.
TRUSTED BRANDS
Strict Leather and Regulation produce spider gags. This is a more specialist item than a plain ring gag; dedicated BDSM retailers are the most reliable source.
WHERE TO BUY IT
BDSM specialist retailers only. Not commonly found in general adult stores.
- Budget: Basic spider gags start around $15–$30.
- Mid-range: $35–$70 for better construction and coated rings.
Rough prices as of June 2026.
HOW TO LOOK AFTER IT
Wipe down after every use with a toy-safe antibacterial cleaner or mild soap and warm water. Pay particular attention to the prong tips and the corners where the ring meets the prongs, as saliva collects there. Rinse thoroughly and dry completely before storing. Metal frames will rust if left damp.
Inspect the prong tips before each use. They should be smooth and rounded. Any sharp edge or burring needs to be filed down before the gag goes anywhere near a mouth. If a tip has chipped or cracked, retire the gag.
Metal spider gags can be boiled or wiped with isopropyl alcohol for a deeper clean. If the frame is chrome-plated rather than solid stainless, avoid soaking, which can lift the plating over time. Store in a dry bag away from other metal toys to prevent scratching.
- Wiseman, J. (1996). SM 101: A Realistic Introduction. Greenery Press.
- Thompson, B. (1994). Sadomasochism: Painful Perversion or Pleasurable Play? Cassell.