Not sure how to adjust the needle protrusion on your tattoo pen—or why the needle position changes when you select a different stroke setting?

This guide applies to CPTINK adjustable-stroke tattoo pens, including the Captain ONE, CPTINK LT, and CPTINK o1.

The CPTINK LT is used as the example in the images below, but the same grip-adjustment method applies to all three models.

To adjust the needle protrusion, switch off the machine, install the cartridge, and rotate the grip until the needle reaches your preferred position. Do not use the stroke setting to adjust needle protrusion.

1.Why Does Needle Protrusion Change with Different Stroke Settings?

Using the CPTINK LT as an example, its needle-drive system is designed around the 4.5 mm stroke setting.

When the machine is switched off and set to a 4.5 mm stroke, the needle can retract fully into the cartridge tip.

The CPTINK LT set to a 4.5 mm stroke

The needle is fully retracted inside the cartridge tip

When the stroke is changed to a shorter setting, the needle’s resting position may appear different.

At the 2.3 mm stroke setting, the needle may extend farthest from the cartridge while the machine is switched off.

The CPTINK LT set to a 2.3 mm stroke

The needle rests farther outside the cartridge tip

This difference is caused by the internal stroke mechanism. It only reflects the needle’s resting position at different stroke settings and does not mean that the tattoo pen is faulty or that the needle protrusion has been adjusted incorrectly.

The working needle protrusion should be adjusted separately by rotating the grip after the cartridge has been installed.

2.How to Adjust the Needle Protrusion

The needle protrusion on the Captain ONE, CPTINK LT, and CPTINK o1 is adjusted by rotating the grip.

1. Make sure the machine is switched off.
2. Insert the cartridge securely into the grip.
3. Hold the upper section of the machine firmly.
4. Slowly rotate the grip.
5. Watch the cartridge tip and continue rotating until the needle reaches your preferred position.

Rotate the grip to adjust how far the needle extends from the cartridge tip

Important:

Needle protrusion is adjusted by rotating the grip—not by changing the stroke setting.

The stroke setting controls the machine’s stroke length and operating characteristics, while rotating the grip changes how far the needle extends from the cartridge.

3.Before Using the Tattoo Pen

Always adjust the needle protrusion while the machine is switched off.

After rotating the grip, carefully check the needle position before turning the machine on and beginning work.

The appropriate needle protrusion may vary depending on the cartridge, tattooing technique, and personal working preference. Confirm that the setting is suitable before each session.