Gates of Hell and cock and ball rings: fitting, sizing and safe use

The Gates of Hell is one of the most recognisable pieces of male BDSM gear: a row of rings running from the base of the cock to just below the head, held together by a strap. This guide explains what it does, how it differs from a chastity cage and how to fit it safely. It also covers the related gear that usually ends up in the same drawer: cock and ball rings, harnesses, Tower of Power style stacked rings, ball straps and cock pins.

Everything here is meant for consenting adults. This gear works by putting pressure on blood flow, so the safety section is not optional reading.

What a Gates of Hell is

A Gates of Hell is a multi-ring cock harness. The first ring goes around the base of the shaft and behind the balls, like an ordinary cock and ball ring. From there, more rings sit one after another along the shaft, connected by a strap on the underside. The XR Brands Gates of Hell 5 Rings is the classic build: a base ring plus four stainless steel shaft rings on a strap, with a small D-ring at the end for a chain, a lead or a light weight.

When the wearer is soft, the rings hang loosely. As he gets hard, the shaft swells into the rings and the pressure rises along its whole length. That is the point: arousal itself becomes the sensation, and for many players the punishment. A full erection is uncomfortable to impossible, which is why this Gates of Hell sex toy is a favourite for tease and denial.

Gates of Hell versus a chastity cage

The Gates of Hell chastity belt sits in between. The XR Brands Gates of Hell Chastity Cage combines steel rings with two adjustable leather straps, one around cock and balls and one working as a ball stretcher, plus D-rings for attachments. It gives a keyholder more control than the open harness, but it is still play gear, not a cage for long-term wear. For real long-term chastity, read how to choose a chastity cage and browse the chastity devices.

Sizing the rings

The base ring decides almost everything. Too tight and it cuts off circulation within minutes; too loose and the harness slides off.

• Measure soft, with a soft tape or a string, around the base of the shaft and behind the balls together. Divide that circumference by 3.14 for the inner diameter.
• For a solid steel ring, add a few millimetres. Steel does not stretch, and the ring has to come off again when you are swollen.
• Shaft rings should be snug when soft and tight when hard. Compare the ring sizes on the product page with your soft girth, not your erect girth.
• Unsure? Start adjustable: silicone stretches, leather with snaps has several settings.

Putting it on: soft, not hard

Always fit a Gates of Hell, and any closed ring, while soft. Trying it hard is how rings get stuck.

• Put a little water-based lube on the skin and inside the rings.
• Slide one testicle through the base ring, then the other, then fold the soft shaft through.
• Feed the shaft through the remaining rings one by one, from base to tip.
• Check that nothing pinches and that a fingertip still fits under the base ring.

Taking it off goes in reverse: shaft first, then the balls one at a time. If you are hard and it will not come off, wait, cool the area with cold water and add lube. Never pull with force.

Cock and ball rings and harnesses

A cock and ball ring is the simplest version of the same idea: one loop around shaft and balls that slows blood flowing back out, so the erection stays firmer and the balls are pushed forward. Silicone is the easiest start because it stretches. The Levelz Silicone Cock and Ball Harness is a broader, heavier band for players who already like the pressure. The Levelz Tri-O adds separate loops for shaft and balls plus a stabilising third ring, so it feels more like a harness.

Leather is the traditional choice in the scene. The Red Leather 3-Snap Cock Ring adjusts from 30 to 55 mm and opens quickly. For steel, the Crushious Saruman set has three solid rings from 3.8 to 5 cm; choose steel only once you know your size. More in cock rings and cock and ball toys.

Tower of Power style stacked rings

Tower of Power is the scene name for a stack of rings worn one above the other along the shaft, without the strap of a Gates of Hell. Each ring adds its own band of pressure. Soft rings work best: the PerfectFitBrand Stackit is made to be worn alone, doubled over or stacked. Build the stack while soft, widest ring at the base, and stop at two or three rings the first time.

Ball straps

A ball strap sits above the testicles only and pulls them down. It is the base for a lot of CBT: weights, light slaps or simply the feeling of weight. The Levelz Liquid Silicone Ball Strap Set has small, medium and large, so you find your size before buying anything rigid. The PerfectFitBrand Silaskin Cock and Ball Ring combines a soft cock ring and ball strap in one piece. Heavier steel options are under ball stretchers.

Cock pins and glans pins

A cock pin, also called a glans pin or urethral plug, is a short insert for the opening at the tip of the cock. Some are worn alone, others attach to a glans ring or a cage. The Ouch! Silicone Cock Pin is soft silicone, more forgiving than steel for a first try.

Wash and sterilise the pin before use, use sterile lube, insert slowly without force and stop at pain or burning. Never hang weight from a cock pin. If urethral play is new to you, start with urethral sounds and the instructions that come with the product.

Combining with chastity and CBT

A ball strap under a Gates of Hell, a cock pin inside a cage, a weight on the D-ring: each addition puts more pressure on the same small area. Add one thing at a time, start with the lightest weight and keep the total time shorter than for any single piece. Spiked steel pieces such as the Kalis Teeth belong in the advanced category, for players who already know their limits. For steel and electricity, use only rings made for it, as explained in e-stim for beginners.

Time limits and warning signs

• Start with 10 to 15 minutes. Never wear tight rings or a Gates of Hell longer than 30 minutes at a time, then take a break at least as long.
• Never sleep in a cock ring, a Gates of Hell or a ball strap.
• Remove it at once at numbness, tingling, cold skin, a blue, purple or very pale colour, or sharp pain.
• Do not play alone with steel rings until you have taken them off yourself several times.
• Keep safety scissors nearby for leather and silicone. Solid steel cannot be cut at home: if a ring will not come off, go to an emergency department rather than wait.
• If you take blood thinners or erection medication, ask your doctor before using constriction gear.

Materials and cleaning

A Gates of Hell mixes steel and strap material, so wash the rings and wipe the strap rather than soaking the whole piece. Clean after every use and let everything dry before storing. A toy cleaner helps for pieces you cannot rinse. New to all of this? Read BDSM gear for beginners next.

Frequently asked questions