An adapter for fixing a traditional tattoo needle tube and grip with a tattoo machine of the type having a threaded collar includes a tube holder having a longitudinal bore, a nut-retaining flange at a proximal end thereof, and a tube retaining mechanism at a distal end thereof. A first threaded nut is retained by the nut-retaining flange at the proximal end of the tube holder and adapted for fixing with the threaded collar of the tattoo machine. As such, with the first threaded nut fixed with the threaded collar of the tattoo machine, and with the tattoo needle tube and grip fixed with the tube holder by the tube retaining mechanism, the tattoo needle tube and grip are fixed with the tattoo machine.
