Czech Tool vs. ... Well, More Handsome Alternatives

[drrock]

A Czech tool is my main pipe tool. I use a machine screw/washer/nut to basically make it a tamper/pick. I'll also use a "pipe nail" but less often. This allows me to follow some of the best pipe smoking advice I was ever given: Stir the dottle.
When I visit my neighbor - one of only 2 pipe smokers I know - I'll bring along a little butane lighter with pipe tools built in as we shoot the breeze while smoking a bowlful.

 

[augiebd]

I have several Czech tools and other pipe tools. I quickly moved on from the Czech tool but prefer simple for daily use. This is my go to.


I just ordered a Sheffield. I am wondering if it will move into the most used category. As time goes by I use my finger as much as I use a tamper. Gives a better sense of the right pressure to use.

 

[ashdigger]

Here’s an old Peterson Pipe tool that came free with a Peterson Patent Pipe.

The dates of the patent were approximately 1898-1915 without looking it up.

 

[Hovannes]

Some tamper just tamp.
I've often employed a length of wood simply lopped off the pruned branch of a fruit tree as an emergency tamper.
I've also used my thumb, an empty .30WCF brass rifle casing, the bolstered end of a Schrade 31OT pocket knife and of course, the famous Czech.
They all work fine for tamping.
I've known guys who use a roofing nail, but that's an invite for getting a hole in your pocket

 

[jpmcwjr]

I made about a gross of cherry wood tampers, and gave away as many as I could in Las Vegas a few years back. Golf tees also make excellent tampers be they emergency or every day.

 

[ekinnee]

I have several Czech tools and other pipe tools. I quickly moved on from the Czech tool but prefer simple for daily use. This is my go to.

View attachment 132681
I just ordered a Sheffield. I am wondering if it will move into the most used category. As time goes by I use my finger as much as I use a tamper. Gives a better sense of the right pressure to use.

This is my go to also, I would like to find one that has an actual blade though.

 

[augiebd]

This is my go to also, I would like to find one that has an actual blade though.

Yes, that is why I picked up a Sheffield.

 

[Casual]

This company used to make aluminum golf tees, and they’re perfect. Tamper and pick, durable, not flammable, light, easy to clean, concave tamper foot.

I don’t think they make them anymore, and it’s too bad. They’re probably better for pipes than golfing.

 

[anotherbob]

I just have to say I do like my 8deco tamper more than the c.tool. My favorite part is it's heavier and will tamper perfectly with a drop more then a push and it's harder to loss because it's easier to find in my pocket which makes it easier and quicker to realize I left it somewhere.

 

[smokiespipesmoker123]

I made this’n out of walnut and plumbing parts