Why Anal Requires a Different Approach Than Vaginal Use
An anal sex machine in Australia is not a niche purchase. It is one of the more common reasons people buy a sex machine in the first place. But setup matters more here than with vaginal use, because the anatomy is less forgiving and the margin for error is narrower. If you are new to us, start with Pleasing Strings: Australia's Sex Machine Specialists, and for the settings side in more depth, see our HiSmith speed and stroke settings guide.
The rectum produces zero natural lubrication. Its resting depth is roughly 10-15 cm (4-6 inches), extending to around 20 cm with arousal and relaxation. It curves posteriorly, so a rigid straight toy driven by a motor can cause real discomfort, or worse, if you get the angle or depth wrong. A machine does not feel resistance the way a hand does. It just keeps going.
None of that makes machines unsafe for anal play. It means being deliberate about three things: the attachment, the stroke settings and the position. Get those right and a machine delivers something hands and manual toys cannot: consistent, tireless, hands-free stimulation at exactly the pace you want.
HiSmith Anal Attachments: What We Stock and How They Differ
KlicLok is HiSmith's proprietary quick-release connector: attachments snap on and off the machine's drive rod without tools. Every anal attachment we carry uses KlicLok, so they are compatible across the HiSmith machine range. For a primer on how KlicLok works and what fits what, see our KlicLok compatibility guide.
We currently stock three KlicLok-compatible anal attachments. Here is how they break down:
The Silicone Slim Attachments: Start Here
Both silicone slim options sit in the beginner-to-intermediate diameter range (3.8-4 cm / 1.5-1.56 inches across, per the product listings). That is the right zone for anyone who has not used a machine anally before, and frankly, it is where most regular users stay. Bigger is not better when a motor is doing the work. The steady repetition of a machine amplifies sensation well beyond what you would get thrusting by hand.
Silicone has more give than metal. Because the rectum curves, a softer attachment is more forgiving of the natural angle than a rigid one, and that matters more at machine speeds than with a handheld toy. These are the attachments I would point anyone toward first.
The tradeoff: silicone-based lubricant will damage silicone toys over time. You need water-based lube, no exceptions. We stock a range on our lubricants page. For anal machine use, look for thicker water-based formulas that do not dry out as quickly.
The 8.2" Aluminium Beaded Dildo: Not a Beginner Piece
This is a distinctly different experience. Aluminium is completely rigid and temperature-responsive, and the graduated beads add distinct sensation on each stroke. The 8.2-inch length puts it well past beginner territory. Most people starting out should stay at 5-7 inches of insertable length maximum, and even that needs moderating with the machine's stroke depth settings.
Rigid aluminium does not follow the posterior curve of the rectum the way silicone does. That means slower speeds, more careful positioning and a thorough warm-up, all non-negotiable. If you are experienced with anal depth play and want something that feels different from silicone, this is a genuinely interesting option. If you are still building confidence, park it for later.
One advantage: aluminium works with any lubricant, including silicone-based lubes, which last longer and need less reapplication. That is a practical benefit during extended machine sessions. Browse our full anal toy range for other options as well.
Anal Sex Machine Settings: Stroke Depth and Speed
Start at the lowest speed your machine offers, with the stroke depth as shallow as it will go. This is not timid. It is sensible. A machine delivers force consistently, and the anal sphincter needs time to relax before it will accept repetitive thrusting.
Speed
Top speeds vary by model, and most machines can run far faster than anal play needs. For anal, especially in the first 10-15 minutes, stay below 60-80 strokes per minute. Many experienced users find their comfortable cruising speed sits around 80-150 spm, well below what the machine can do. The maximum speed exists. That does not mean you should use it.
Low-speed smoothness matters more here than top speed. If you mainly plan to use your machine for anal, look for a model that holds a steady, even stroke at the bottom of its range. A motor that lurches or stalls at low speed is a poor fit for anal, where control is everything. We compared entry-level and premium machines in our HiSmith buyer's guide.
Stroke Depth
Stroke length varies by model, so check the listing for yours. The key thing to understand for anal is that stroke depth compounds with insertion depth. If you have 10 cm of the attachment inside you and the machine is stroking 5 cm, the tip travels between 5 cm and 10 cm deep on every cycle. At higher speeds, your body has fractions of a second to accommodate each thrust.
Start on the shortest stroke your machine allows and lengthen it only as your body relaxes. Stop the machine before you change the depth: HiSmith's own listings say not to adjust thrust depth while it is running, and to make sure the adjustment knob is firmly tightened before you switch back on. If your model has adjustable stroke depth (many HiSmith models do; the listing will say), use it. On a fixed-stroke machine, control effective depth by adjusting your distance from the machine instead.
Positions That Actually Work for Anal Machine Play
The limiting factor with machine positions is not flexibility or preference. It is access to the speed control. You need to reach the dial or remote at all times. If you cannot slow down or stop the machine instantly, the position is not safe for anal use. Full stop.
Doggy / All Fours
Machine placed behind you on the floor or a low platform. This is the most common position because it gives a natural angle for anal entry and keeps the machine stable. Your arms are free to reach behind and adjust the speed controller. The posterior angle of the rectum lines up reasonably well here, especially with a slight downward tilt of the pelvis.
On Your Back, Knees Up
Machine at the edge of the bed, you on your back with knees drawn toward your chest. This suits people who want to see the machine and keep the controller in hand. The angle is slightly less natural for deeper insertion, but at moderate depth it is comfortable and stable. Pillows under the hips help with alignment.
Side-Lying
Lying on your side with the machine behind you. Less common but surprisingly comfortable for longer sessions, because your body weight is fully supported. The challenge is keeping the machine from shifting, and a non-slip mat or wedge under the base helps. We covered small-space setups in our apartment positioning guide.
Avoid any position where you cannot reach the controls or where the machine could shift during use. Securing or weighing down the base is standard practice. A thrusting machine that walks across the floor mid-session is a hazard, not a feature.
Safety and Hygiene for Anal Machine Use
Every attachment you use for anal must have a flared base or a secure mounting mechanism that prevents full insertion. The KlicLok connector acts as a retention point when the attachment is locked onto the machine, so the attachment cannot pass fully into the body while connected. Check it before every session: the KlicLok should be clicked in securely, not loose or partially engaged.
Lubrication
The rectum does not self-lubricate. Apply plenty of anal-safe lubricant to the attachment and externally before starting. Reapply during the session, because a running machine displaces lube faster than manual play does. Stop the machine to reapply. Thicker water-based lubricants work best for silicone attachments. With the aluminium beaded dildo, silicone-based lubricant lasts longer and holds up better under repetitive mechanical movement.
Cleaning
Clean all attachments before and after every use. HiSmith's listings call for a dedicated sex toy cleaner on the silicone attachments. Rinse the aluminium dildo thoroughly and clean it with an antibacterial toy cleanser, and skip abrasive cleaners, which dull the polished finish. Do not skip the pre-session clean. Bacteria on a stored toy can cause infections, especially with anal use.
For more on anal play preparation and hygiene, our anal toys guide covers the fundamentals that apply whether you are using a machine or a handheld toy.
Listen to Your Body, Not the Machine
A machine will not stop because something does not feel right. You have to stop it. Pain during anal play, whether sharp, burning or sudden, means stop immediately. Discomfort and pressure during warm-up are normal; pain is not. Keep the controller within arm's reach at all times, and if you are using app control, keep the physical controls accessible as a backup. Bluetooth has lag. Your sphincter does not.
Choosing the Right HiSmith Machine for Anal Play
If your primary use case is anal, prioritise smooth low-speed control over raw power. You will spend more time at low-to-medium speeds than you would with vaginal use, so a machine that stays steady and controllable at the bottom of its range is worth paying for. Cheaper machines still work; you may just get less fine control.
We covered the full model range, including the tradeoffs between entry, mid-range and premium, in our thrusting sex machines comparison. For exact motor specs or stroke depth on a particular model, check the individual product page. We do not list specs here that we have not confirmed directly from the listing.
Variable stroke depth is a near-essential feature for anal use. Fixed-depth machines still work, but you lose the ability to dial in a short, shallow stroke and extend it gradually as your body relaxes. That gradual increase is a large part of what makes machine anal play comfortable rather than confronting.
Where to Start
Pick up one of the silicone slim KlicLok anal attachments from our sex machine accessories range. Pair it with a thick water-based lubricant from our lubricants collection. Set the machine to minimum speed and minimum stroke depth. Give yourself 15 minutes of warm-up before you even think about turning the dial up.
If you do not own a HiSmith machine yet, browse the full HiSmith machines and accessories collection. We ship same-day from two warehouses and everything comes with a 1-year warranty. If you have questions about which model or attachment suits your situation, email us at sales@pleasingstrings.com.au. We answer the questions other stores will not.
For background on how KlicLok compatibility works across different HiSmith models and attachments, the attachment selection guide is worth reading before you buy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use any HiSmith KlicLok attachment for anal play?
Not safely. Only use attachments designed for anal. They must have a flared base or a secure retention feature that prevents the attachment from being fully inserted. Standard vaginal dildos on a KlicLok connector may not have the right base profile to be safe for anal. Stick to designated anal attachments.
What speed should I set a sex machine for anal play?
Start at the lowest speed your machine offers and increase gradually. Most people doing anal play comfortably stay well below 100 strokes per minute, especially in the first 10-15 minutes. The rectum needs time to relax, and a machine will not pause if you tense up, so conservative always beats ambitious.
Do I need a specific lubricant for HiSmith anal attachments?
It depends on the attachment material. Silicone attachments need water-based lubricant only, because silicone-based lube will degrade the surface over time. Aluminium attachments work with any lubricant, including silicone-based. Either way, use a lot and reapply often. The rectum has no natural lubrication.
Is the 8.2 inch aluminium beaded dildo safe for beginners?
Not as a starting point. An 8.2-inch insertable length is well beyond what most beginners should attempt, and rigid aluminium does not flex with the body the way silicone does. The rectum curves posteriorly, so a stiff material at depth increases the risk of discomfort or injury. Start with a shorter, slimmer silicone attachment and work up.
What stroke depth should I start on for anal?
The shortest your machine allows, with the attachment only just inside you. Stroke depth adds to insertion depth, so a long stroke on a deep setup travels further than you might expect. Stop the machine before adjusting depth, lengthen it a little at a time once you are relaxed, and stop at any sharp pain.
How should I prepare before an anal session with a sex machine?
Go to the toilet first, and if it helps you relax, do a light rinse; our anal douching guide covers how without overdoing it. Clean the attachment, check the KlicLok is clicked in firmly, and keep plenty of anal-safe lube within reach (water-based for silicone attachments; our water-based vs silicone lube guide explains the tradeoffs). Then warm up with fingers or a small toy before the machine goes anywhere near you.
Last updated: 3 October 2026