 A hollow tube made of metal , shatter @-@ resistant glass or plastic , needle receiving tubes , like forceps , are used to support the tissue at the piercing site and are common in septum and some cartilage piercings . Not only are these tubes intended to support the tissue , but they also receive the needle once it has passed through the tissue , offering protection from the sharp point . Needle receiving tubes are not used in the freehand piercing method . 
