Czech Tool

[Snook]

Maybe this isn't even worth asking, but I'm curious:

I usually use my Sheffield pipe knife for tamping, but have used my Czech tool the past few smokes just to change it up. I've noticed that the tools on it are very loose, and I have to hold the tool at the top to avoid pushing them out as I tamp. Would you say this is normal in your experience? Is there maybe a way to tighten the tools?

 

[captpat]

Use a hammer and lightly tap the swivel point till it meets your desired tightness

 

[kcghost]

I avoid the problem by using a pipe nail.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

I've owned two of the Czech tools and both of them hold in place pretty well. Just make sure they are stiff when you buy them because they will break in slightly. I'd just go grab another one because they're cheap. I mainly just use them for cleaning the dottle out when I'm done smoking though. For smoking I absolutely love my 10$ Deco. It covers way more tamp area and has holes in it so it doesn't snuff out your tobacco. Also, it looks cool.

 

[PA Piper Mike]

Just use a pair of needle nose pliers and pinch around the ring. I had 1 that was loose and this did the trick.

Or, for $8, you'll never need another tamper for the rest of your life. Unless you're a golfer, then you might.

Amazon.com

 

[mingc]

Squeeze the rivet between two flat pieces of wood. It'll eventually loosen up again but there's not much you can do about it, short of not using it.

 

[anotherbob]

Use a hammer and lightly tap the swivel point till it meets your desired tightness

same

 

[jpmcwjr]

I seldom use a Czech tool, but I left one on the porch and the rust tightened it right up. Much prefer a real pipe tool

 

[Snook]

Thank you all for your responses! I think I'll try the hammer method to tighten it up.

@hoipolloiglasgow, I've never heard of the Decos and certainly never thought of a the benefit of perforations. I might have to grab me one of those!

 

[Egg Shen]

Maybe this isn't even worth asking, but I'm curious:

I usually use my Sheffield pipe knife for tamping, but have used my Czech tool the past few smokes just to change it up. I've noticed that the tools on it are very loose, and I have to hold the tool at the top to avoid pushing them out as I tamp. Would you say this is normal in your experience? Is there maybe a way to tighten the tools?

Mine are the opposite; I wouldn’t mind them being a tad looser

 

[Infantry23]

I will be of absolutely no help here, but I like my Czech tool loose

 

[bullet08]

Possible counterfeit Czech tool. But how to tell and who cares? I like my Czech tools. Avoided at first since it looks like to be a busy tool, but after using it for awhile, everyone of the tools have use.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Thank you all for your responses! I think I'll try the hammer method to tighten it up.

@hoipolloiglasgow, I've never heard of the Decos and certainly never thought of a the benefit of perforations. I might have to grab me one of those!

I was surprised at how good the quality is. It's just wide enough and fits all of my pipes. A really good design. Check them out at smokingpipes.

 

[Egg Shen]

I was surprised at how good the quality is. It's just wide enough and fits all of my pipes. A really good design. Check them out at smokingpipes.

I think the Decos look sharp when in public, and I like the ports as I often inhale while tamping. I’m sure air can still be taken in around the perimeter of non-ported ones but I just like how these perform a little more. Czech tools are great just to keep everywhere in case I forget my deco or nail. I keep one in the car, in the rucksack, etc. I dislike how their tamper is convex as opposed to the Deco’s concave and the pokers need sharpened but for $2 they have their place and appeal, and I don’t lose my mind when one is misplaced.

 

[captpat]

Much prefer a real pipe tool

A Czech tool is a REAL pipe tool.

 

[jpmcwjr]

A Czech tool is a REAL pipe tool.

Yes indeed it is. I meant I like a pipe tool that is well made, even good looking.

 

[Lees65GTO]

A pipe nail is the way to go. It never malfunctions and cheaper than a fancy tamp.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Pipe Nails, nails, golf tees, twigs, section of wire: all are useful.

But this can do more, and is good looking as well. I've seen prices under $5.00 and over $15.00.

Also all stainless steel models are just as good utility wise. JJ Fox in London sometimes gives them away with a large order.

 

[Hillcrest]

I picked up a bolt near my car one day so no one (like me) would wreck a tire. I keep it in the center tray. It works for me.

 

[drrock]

I have a bunch of different tampers & pipe tools, but by far the one I use the most is the Czech tool.

I've found that I mainly use the tamper on the Czech tool, with the pick coming in a close second. I never use the spoon.

I've eliminated the need to swivel the various parts of the Czech tool by securing the tamper & pick with a bolt, nut, & lock washer.

Simple, cheap, & works like a charm!