Anyone have any idea where I can find clear bits? Hate having a black mouthpiece on a beautifully colored stem. Thanks.
Clear Mouthpiece Stem Rubber Bits
- Thread starter EvertonFC
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I'm not sure if anyone makes them specifically for pipes but you can always just cut pieces of clear silicone rubber tubing and make your own. 9mm is the standard size of softies, that fits most pipes. Thin wall 9mm clear tubing should be about the same.
Ebay and Amazon. E.g.,
NB: I've not bought from either of these listings so caveat emptor
10 pcs White Elasticity Rubber Soft Tobacco Pipe Mouthpiece Stem Bits #79 | eBay
Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 10 pcs White Elasticity Rubber Soft Tobacco Pipe Mouthpiece Stem Bits #79 at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!
www.ebay.com
NB: I've not bought from either of these listings so caveat emptor
I purchased both sizes of these- they're ok.
What I don't like about them is that, as silicone rubber bits, they don't stick (semi-adhere) to the stem, like the natural rubber soft-bits will do.
One thing you might try is to get some latex tubing (yellow surgical tubing) and cut a section of that.
One thing I would personally try to avoid using was any kind of clear plastic tubing that had a smell to it, because these are things that will spend a lot of time in your mouth, and I don't know enough about chemistry and biology to know whether the plasticizers used will hurt you or not.
What I don't like about them is that, as silicone rubber bits, they don't stick (semi-adhere) to the stem, like the natural rubber soft-bits will do.
One thing you might try is to get some latex tubing (yellow surgical tubing) and cut a section of that.
One thing I would personally try to avoid using was any kind of clear plastic tubing that had a smell to it, because these are things that will spend a lot of time in your mouth, and I don't know enough about chemistry and biology to know whether the plasticizers used will hurt you or not.
There’s always clear bandage tape, which was the subject of a memorable thread here a few years ago. It works pretty well, and you can control (pun intended) how thick you want it (pun intended).
No judgment
No judgment
Is "bandage" a safe word of some kind?
Yes. I used "stretch first aid tape" before, they did a great job.
But, there would be glue residue remaining on the pipe stem. You will have to use sticker remover to clean it.
I used plastic wrap once. I felt that the plastic wrap would release toxins, so I didn't continue to use it.
Hahaha! Woops, fat fingers. BONDAGEIs "bandage" a safe word of some kind?
That was a typo, I meant friction tape marketed as “bondage tape”. No glue, it just a sticks to itself. Again, pun intended
That makes sense.
Given the growing popularity of colorful, non-black pipe stems, I'm surprised no one is really making translucent bits.
I use them for my meerschaum pipes, as most of them have yellow stems, and a black softy bit looks stupid on them. I found the clear softy bits on ebay years ago. The vendor was out of China, but it only took about two weeks for them to arrive. They're no different than the standard black softy bits only clear. 
Thanks for that. More importantly, what sort of metal do you listen to?I use them for my meerschaum pipes, as most of them have yellow stems, and a black softy bit looks stupid on them. I found the clear softy bits on ebay years ago. The vendor was out of China, but it only took about two weeks for them to arrive. They're no different than the standard black softy bits only clear.
There is a presenter on YouTube who provides directions and guidance on how he makes clear softy bits. Thought this might help.
I bought food grade silicone tubing off Amazon. Just cut to length. Works ok. The feel is more resistant than rubber, and the edge is sharp where you cut it, not enough to cut you, just a bit annoying. I guess you could wet sand it, but wasn't annoying enough to bother.
Overall works well, just not as comfortable as a rubber bit.
3/8" ID Silicon Tubing, JoyTube Food Grade Silicon Tubing 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD 3 Feet High Temp Pure Silicone Hose Tube for Home Brewing Winemaking https://a.co/d/03NS4uSf
Overall works well, just not as comfortable as a rubber bit.
3/8" ID Silicon Tubing, JoyTube Food Grade Silicon Tubing 3/8" ID x 1/2" OD 3 Feet High Temp Pure Silicone Hose Tube for Home Brewing Winemaking https://a.co/d/03NS4uSf