Questionable Tool Usage? Or am I Just a Loon?

[scrapyardape]

I have a drawer full of (well.. actually six) tampers and what do I use most? The flat end of a Florida Lottery golf pencil.

Even when I'm carrying one of the "real tampers", I end up using the lotto pencil most frequently. I should note that the wood and graphite of the pencil have yet to bestow any bizzaro flavors to my smoke. I dunno.. Maybe I truly am insane. :crazy:

 

[sablebrush52]

I mostly use my index finger.

 

[petes03]

Hey, ain't nothin wrong with that! I use whatever I can get my hands on! I try to always have a tamper or two on me, but sometimes I forget and have to improvise.

 

[puffy]

I've used quite a few things as tampers.One of my favorites is a long golf tee.I sanded the top flat.It works well.

 

[allan]

No, I think your crazy

 

[scrapyardape]

No, I think your crazy.

Thank goodness I didn't mention my using cactus spines and lye to clean my pipes. 8O

 

[crazypipe]

What ever works :D

 

[kashmir]

I'll use anything that's handy, but I'm never far from my home made collection of tampers, cut from three inch lengths from stock half inch dowels picked up at the hardware store. It's a hardwood like oak or maple, and they age magnificently through use, developing a fine patina of wear over time. I knew a piper once that used his finger protected in a gold pinky thimble.

 

[dervis]

I use my finger, its the only tamper I haven't lost. Yet!

 

[woodsroad]

I use a tampon.

 

[scrapyardape]

Hmmm. I like that hardwood dowel idea. I might look into that.
@woodsroad... Thanks for sharing! I feel much less strange now. :mrgreen:

 

[sfsteves]

allan said:

"No, I think you're crazy"

Not the first time allan has taken the words right out of my mouth ... probably won't be the last, either.

 

[blueeyedogre]

Czech tool with a small knife, St. Christopher and St. Jude metals.

 

[dragonslayer]

I do use a tamper for and even burn and cake build up. But I'll admit that most times after the char light, I just hit is with my index finger.
Craig

 

[bryanf]

I took advantage of the pipes and cigars promotion the other week an bought the mitchell thomas pipe knife for $5. Best tool I've ever owned. The pick is nice and long, tamper small enough to get into my most heavily caked pipes, and the knife reams very well. Also has a nice brushed stainless look. The knife is sharp enough to slice plugs. I find a tamper works best on stuffed flakes. Other than that, my pinky finger.

 

[flakyjakey]

I use my big toe for large bowls.

 

[alpinesasquatch]

I've used pieces of deer antler, fingers, pencils, copper wire.....whatever is handy and accomplishes the job.

 

[james80]

I use anything close to hand including the dogs paw when he is sleeping

 

[sfsteves]

james80 said:

"I use anything close to hand including the dogs paw when he is sleeping."

Never thought of that, although I HAVE dried my hands on the dog ...

 

[winton]

I have a shop full of domestic and exotic wood and tools. I have participated in all the tamper exchanges in the last 4 years. I have between 100-200 tampers ready for the next Chicago Pipe Show. I have never been without a tamper when I need it.
Winton