Domination & submission _ the BDSM relationship handbook ( PDFDrive )

that enable a strap to be tightened down very securely. A securing strap that is
ratcheted down just a little too tight could easily suffocate a person through
postural asphyxiation. It certainly doesn’t help that some of these ratcheting
devices can be exceptionally difficult to release or loosen once there is a lot of
tension on the strap. Always be sure to test out any strap-ratcheting mechanism
- especially the quick release, if there is one - on an inanimate object before
tightening one down on a live person.
Chain presents us with a completely different set of concerns. Some types of
chain can have an annoying tendency to pinch the skin under certain
circumstances and, depending upon the degree of force applied, those pinches
can sometimes turn into cuts and lacerations. Chain can also sometimes
unexpectedly kink or bind in ways that alter the length of the chain in unforeseen
ways. Obviously, if a length of chain that you were counting on to be a threefoot
segment suddenly kinks up and turns into a two-foot length, it could be a
potential problem. Chain is also incredibly unforgiving. There’s absolutely no
flexibility in a length of chain, and rarely any padding to cushion or protect
vulnerable parts of the body such as wrist joints, ankle joints, hip bones, tail
bones, or ribs from harm. You should always closely monitor the spots where
the chain comes into contact with bare skin, keeping a close watch for binding,
bruising, pinching or any other unintentional discomfort.
Another tip to keep in mind when using chain: some people can be very sensitive
or even allergic to certain types of metal that come into contact with their skin.
This sensitivity is common in women who are unable to wear jewelry that is
made from anything but gold. In rare cases, even gold of low purity will trigger
a skin reaction or infection; those women can only wear 18k or 24k gold
jewelry. Try to imagine how the skin of someone who can’t even wear pure
silver jewelry might react when it comes into contact with a chain made from a
mystery metal alloy and coated with unknown chemical compounds used to deter
rust in some backwater third-world nation.
Spreader Bars
Spreader bars are BDSM bondage devices which are designed to do one thing
and one thing only: keep a Bottom’s legs spread wide apart to provide easy
access to his or her naughty-bits. Spreader bars can range in design and quality
from the homemade variety at one end of the spectrum to expensive, yet
wonderfully functional works of art at the other end of the spectrum. The one