> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.researchanddesire.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Overview

> Mounting for toys and other attachments

<Info>
  This page covers attaching toys and other end-effectors to your OSSM actuator. If you're looking for how to mount the OSSM itself to a stand or surface, see <a href="/open-source-sex-machine/ossm-mounting">OSSM Mounting</a>.
</Info>

## What you'll learn

* Which attachment methods work with OSSM
* When to use Vac-U-Lock vs. clamp vs. flange ring vs. tie-on
* How to attach safely and verify a secure fit
* How to troubleshoot common mounting issues

## Prerequisites

* A fully assembled OSSM actuator and stand
* Your preferred toy(s)
* The appropriate end-effector from your kit

<Note>
  Ready-to-Play kits include an end-effector set and \~3' of paracord for tie-on mounting, plus an empty sandbag for stabilizing the stand. Fill the sandbag before play for best results.
</Note>

<Tip>
  All OSSM print files are also available on <a href="https://makerworld.com/en/models/2472952">MakerWorld</a>.
</Tip>

## Attachment options at a glance

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Vac-U-Lock" icon="bolt" href="#vac-u-lock">
    Industry-standard plug-and-socket system. Fast, secure, and ideal for toys designed for thrusting.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Harness-style clamp" icon="clamp" href="#clamp">
    Grips the base/neck of a wide range of toys. Great for toys without Vac-U-Lock compatibility.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flange ring" icon="ring" href="#flange-ring-mounting">
    Sandwiches the flange of suction-cup toys between printed parts and paracord. Included in Ready-to-Play kits.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Tie-on (paracord)" icon="link" href="#tie-on">
    Flexible, lightweight option using the included cord and tie points. Useful for unusual shapes.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

<Tip>
  Choose the attachment that matches the toy's base: Vac-U-Lock socket → Vac-U-Lock plug; smooth flared base or solid neck → clamp; suction-cup base with flange → flange ring; irregular shapes → tie-on.
</Tip>

***

## Vac-U-Lock mounting

Use this when your toy has a Vac‑U‑Lock–compatible socket.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare the hardware">
    * Confirm your OSSM actuator is powered off.
    * Select the Vac‑U‑Lock end-effector from your kit and ensure the plug is clean and dry.

    <Warning>
      Avoid lubricating the plug itself—excess lube can reduce grip. Apply lube only where needed for play.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Seat the toy">
    * Align the toy's socket with the plug.
    * Press straight on with steady, even pressure until it bottoms out.

    <Check>
      Tug test: pull firmly inline with the actuator. The toy should not detach or wobble.
    </Check>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify alignment and range">
    * Align the toy as straight as possible with the actuator to reduce side loading.
    * Manually move the carriage along a short stroke to confirm there is no binding.
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Harness-style clamp mounting

Use this when your toy has a flared base or a solid neck the clamp can grip.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Prepare the clamp">
    * Power off the actuator.
    * Open the clamp and inspect the contact surfaces; ensure they are free of oils and debris.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Position and tighten">
    * Place the clamp just above the toy's base (on the firmer neck if available).
    * Tighten evenly until the toy cannot twist or slide.

    <Warning>
      Do not overtighten on soft materials—compress only until secure to avoid permanent deformation.
    </Warning>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Test security">
    * Perform a tug test inline with the stroke and a gentle twist test.
    * Start OSSM at low speed and short stroke to confirm stability, then increase as desired.

    <Check>
      If the toy shifts under low load, reposition the clamp lower on the neck or increase clamping force slightly.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  For very smooth toys, adding a thin, grippy barrier (for example, a soft cloth wrap) between the toy and clamp can improve holding power without over‑tightening.
</Tip>

***

## Flange ring mounting

Use this when your toy has a suction-cup base with a flange. This system sandwiches the toy's flange between two printed parts and secures it with paracord.

**Required components:**

* Flange Base (24mm threaded)
* Dildo Ring (50mm or 63mm, matching your toy's flange diameter)
* \~3' paracord (included with Ready-to-Play kits)

<Steps>
  <Step title="Thread the flange base onto the end effector">
    - Screw the Flange Base onto the 24mm threaded end effector.
    - Secure with the 24mm nut (five-sided) from the opposite side.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Position the toy between the base and ring">
    * Place the toy's suction-cup/flange base flat against the Flange Base.
    * Set the Dildo Ring over the toy so the flange sits between the ring and the base.
    * **Orientation:** the ring faces away from the device; the base faces toward the device.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Secure with paracord">
    * Thread the paracord through opposite tie points on the Flange Base.
    * Cross the cord over the Dildo Ring, pulling taut to clamp the ring against the toy's flange.
    * Wrap in an X or figure-eight pattern to prevent rotation.
    * Finish with a locking knot (e.g., two half-hitches) and tuck or trim excess cord.

    <Tip>
      Keep even tension on both sides of the cord while tying to ensure the ring presses down evenly on the flange.
    </Tip>
  </Step>

  <Step title="Verify the fit">
    * Perform a tug test—pull firmly inline with the actuator. The toy should not shift or wobble.
    * Run a short, slow stroke to confirm the knots remain tight.

    <Check>
      Re-check after 1–2 minutes of motion; paracord can settle on first use.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Tie-on (paracord) mounting

Use this for irregular shapes, suction-cup bases without flanges, or when you want a lightweight connection with built-in "give."

<Steps>
  <Step title="Plan your lashing points">
    * Identify two or more secure tie points on the end-effector and a position on the toy where the cord will not slip off.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Attach and cinch">
    * Use opposing wraps to prevent rotation; finish with a locking knot (e.g., two half-hitches).
    * Trim or tuck away excess cord to avoid entanglement.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Safety check">
    * Perform a tug test; the toy should not migrate under tension.
    * Run a short, slow stroke to verify that knots do not loosen.

    <Check>
      Re-tighten after 1–2 minutes of motion—cord can settle on first use.
    </Check>
  </Step>
</Steps>

***

## Best-practice checklist

* Start every session with a short, low-speed test and watch for any slip or wobble.
* Keep all contact surfaces clean and dry before mounting; apply personal lubricant only after the toy is secured.
* Align the toy with the actuator's stroke path; use your stand's pivots to reduce side loads.
* Stabilize the base. Fill and place the included sandbag on the stand as needed.
* Inspect clamps, plugs, and cord for wear; replace if damaged.

<Warning>
  Stop immediately if you feel unexpected resistance, hear unusual scraping or grinding, or see the toy migrating out of the mount. Re-seat and re-test before continuing.
</Warning>

***

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="The toy slowly rotates or creeps out of the mount">
    * Verify alignment with the actuator (minimize side loads).
    * Clean the toy's neck/base and the clamp pads; re-tighten evenly.
    * For Vac-U-Lock, re-seat fully; avoid lube on the plug.
    * For tie-on, add an opposing wrap and re-cinch.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Vibration or chatter at higher speeds">
    * Shorten the stroke length slightly and increase speed gradually.
    * Check that the stand is weighted and on a firm surface.
    * Confirm the toy is centered and not flexing against the mount.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Angle feels off or causes binding">
    * Adjust the stand's pivot to keep the toy aligned with the stroke.
    * Reposition the clamp lower on the toy's neck to reduce leverage.
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

***

## Related pages

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="OSSM Mounting (stands and bases)" icon="layers" href="/open-source-sex-machine/ossm-mounting">
    Choose between the Extrusion Mount and the Basic Mount V2.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OSSM: Basic Mount V2" icon="wrench" href="/ossm/guides/getting-started/quickstart">
    Build notes and BoM for the screw-down basic stand.
  </Card>

  <Card title="OSSM Extrusion Mount" icon="grid" href="/open-source-sex-machine/ossm-mounting/ossm-extrusion-mount">
    Assembly and parts for the adjustable extrusion stand.
  </Card>

  <Card title="Flashing your OSSM/RADR" icon="chip" href="/open-source-sex-machine/flashing-your-ossm">
    Ensure your device firmware is current before first use.
  </Card>
</CardGroup>