a reciprocating tool in the nature of a dental handpiece is modified to carry a needle / cone assembly for use as a tattooing device . the needle / cone assembly includes a needle assembly trapped in a cone structure . the needle assembly includes a cap portion which is held by fingers in the handpiece to prevent rotation of the needle assembly , and a frangible neck which is broken on removal of the needle / cone assembly from the handpiece to prevent reuse of the needle assembly . a removable protective tube around the needles acts also as an insertion tool for the needle assembly .