Tips On Rubber Bits

[apatim]

Although it took awhile to get used to using the rubber bits, I now really like them but have a small problem with some. (BTW, had I used rubber tips 30 years ago I could have saved a lot of money but that's another topic altogether).
The problem I have is that one size doesn't fit all. The rubber bits fit nicely on my larger (wider) stems but are loose on the smaller stems leaving a gap between bit and stem and/or allowing the bits to slide down the stem while smoking.
Does anyone know of a way to make them fit tighter on the smaller stems? Or, do you know where I might order smaller bits?

 

[saint007]

You can buy them on ebay in 9mm and 12mm. First thing I do with a new pipe after cleaning is fitting it with the tightest rubber bit I can fit onto it. The tighter, the better.

 

[tbradsim1]

Kashmir told us about surgical tubing that can be bought from Home Depot or Lowe's in different sizes, that's what he uses.

 

[apatim]

Cool... Thanks guys.

 

[number6]

Another solution is to use heat shrink tubing for a more "custom" fit.

 

[apatim]

Just ordered 9mm on eBay. I'll see how they do and if still too large, I'll try one of the other solutions.

 

[mso489]

ae1pt, the yuck factor with softie bits is more of a problem with fewer pipes, where a pipe gets smoked every two or three

days. I hope most pipe smokers have enough pipes to rest them at least a day -- MM cobs solve this problem in a hurry.

Even in a big rotation, the softies and any bits on pipes should be watched to make sure they stay clean. A good polish

after each smoke, and appropriate cleaning from time to time should solve the problem. A good smoke is like a good meal.

You want it to be appetizing and properly presented. No crud, please.

 

[apatim]

Yep... Clean them frequently to avoid hygiene problems. ;-)

 

[cuchulain]

The silicon wrap that you can buy at NAPA or Walmart works fairly well too. Easy to get a tight fit, just watch where your seam winds up.

 

[goldsm]

Just received soft bit which I got from ebay 10 for 1 buck include shipping.

It has various size in a pack plus Silver Screens.

I don't know what is it use for. Anybody have experience?

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I am a big fan of the surgical tubing and in fact I just bought some black surgical tubing on amazon.

 

[pipejunky]

I use latex tubing that i cut to whatever length i want. one in black the other amber.