Anyone use em? I see some on Amazon for like $7 for 25 but some say they are too large. Any recommendations? I want to clench as I work but I would rather not bugger up my stems. thanks
Anyone Use Black Silicone Tips for Stems?
- Thread starter OSOBUCO
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I find the rubber tips uncomfortable and awkward, albeit I tried.
Currently, I've been using non-adhesive tape to protect the stems. A roll is about $7 on Amazon and it works for me (like taping a hockey stick in a way).
Currently, I've been using non-adhesive tape to protect the stems. A roll is about $7 on Amazon and it works for me (like taping a hockey stick in a way).
I know hockey stick tape for sure - lol. Do you think black electrical tape would work - I am leaning towards using that
I used to use them, then gave up as I don't clench that much (actually I can't). They may collect some saliva under them thus promoting bacteria growth IMHO.
Hiya Reloader - are they these:
or these by chance?
I switched to 3/8" latex tubing I bought at Loews. The tubing stretches to fit and moisture doesn't get under the tubing.
Non
I'd post a link, but am not that smart.
I think the tape works great without an awkward mouthfeel while protecting the stems (since I clench too).
Non-adhesive tape doesn't leave residue. The brand I bought was TapeCase, which is a dry vinyl tape.
I'd post a link, but am not that smart.
I think the tape works great without an awkward mouthfeel while protecting the stems (since I clench too).
Boom.
Yes, you found it. Nice work, gumshoe.
I found that the silicon bits made me flex my teeth and jaw against them, because they were rubbery like those grips you squeeze to relieve tension, and this made my teeth and jaw sore, so I gave them up. Also, I feel it's easier to keep stems clean without them. It's all personal preference, but they're not for me. Electrical tape isn't made for the purpose and might have chemicals in it that you really don't want to eat, even in trace amounts.
I just found this thread on the forum - I shoulda done a search first. Thanks guys
Stem Tape? :: Pipe Smoking Basics & Beginner Questions
I'm not a beginner, but I see pics from forum members showing pipes with what appears to be electrical tape on the stem. I use the rubber bits, but the tape idea interests me. Only thing is, I thought that stuff was toxic? What kind of foodsafe tape are folks using to protect their stems from...
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I have them on a variety of pipes with different sized stems and they slipped on easily. I'm using the BJ Long brand. I'm glad I have them in certain circumstances such as driving when I tend to clench heavily.
I use the silicon bits too. I bought a bunch a few years ago and back then they were available black or clear and large and small sizes. I found I didn't need more than a couple each as they are pliable enough to slip on and off and move to different pipes when I smoked them.
I use them on stems that are ancient and need to be protected from further wear.
I also use them where the button has been somewhat removed by others from over aggressive cleaning - they help me to clench the pipe so that it doesn't fall out of my mouth. Like acrylic stems, they take a bit of getting use to.
There will always be contrarians and people who will respond with opinions that dismiss the use of them or mock them.
Silicon bits are a tool and as a tool can be useful when used to solve a problem that they are designed to solve.
I also use them where the button has been somewhat removed by others from over aggressive cleaning - they help me to clench the pipe so that it doesn't fall out of my mouth. Like acrylic stems, they take a bit of getting use to.
There will always be contrarians and people who will respond with opinions that dismiss the use of them or mock them.
Silicon bits are a tool and as a tool can be useful when used to solve a problem that they are designed to solve.
I’ve tried them. I just couldn’t get used to them. Also, for salivators like me it can impart a flavor to my smoke that I don’t enjoy. 
️
️They are available in 2 sizes, and also come in white.
The silicon ones are preferable to the rubber ones.
I use silicon tubing (food grade, and available in different diameters and colours) for my really small stems.
I have a lot of estate pipes (as in the vast majority) and have absolutely no love of chewed up stems.