Heat Shrink or Softy Bits

[PApiper63]

I use a soft bits on all of my pipes. I remember someone mentioned using heat shrink for electric wires. I was wondering if any of you have ever used that and if so, could you send along an Amazon link? I thought I would give it a try, but I wanna make sure I'm ordering the right thing.

 

[Hpgg71]

I use a lot of heat shrink at work and can’t imagine it providing much protection for the stem or much cushion for your teeth. It’s really thin.

 

[Pipeh]

I've considered it, but never done it. I'm a bit wary of having a soft plastic in long term contact with my mucus membranes.

But if I were to do it, I'd probably use something like this:

McMaster-Carr

McMaster-Carr is the complete source for your plant with over 595,000 products. 98% of products ordered ship from stock and deliver same or next day.

www.mcmaster.com

Which is supposedly a food safe variety.

 

[Zeno Marx]

Neither. I've been using food grade tubing they use on things like water softeners. A good corner hardware store will sell it by the foot. I've found 3/8" and 1/2" cover a large range of pipe stem sizes (inner diameter tubing specs). Can be found in black, clear, and possibly other colors. Watch for thickness of tubing as well, because it can be thinner or thicker variety. You can use hottest tap water to soften it up to stretch over the lip, or you can flash a lighter flame by it a few times too. Using a lighter takes a little practice though. No flavor. A nice level of resistance. Inexpensive. Durable. I never used anything on my stems. Just super careful, and then I got tired of being super careful. All my pipes have it now.

 

[Sobrbiker]

I personally don’t, but nothing agss against those that do. Just know that bit covers of any type can permanently mark the stem.
I’ve got a nice estate that has a beautiful Cumberland stem that would be better if it didn’t have the change in color where a prior caretaker had a bit cover on it for extended period of time.

 

[dozicusmaximus]

I've seen silicone tubing mentioned a few times here and there. I've used a few softie bits. I'm not much of a clencher at this point and time.

 

[VDL_Piper]

Silicone tubing is better and I think most pet shops carry it in clear or black for fishtanks.

 

[InWithBothFeet]

I buy silicone tubing from amazon.

 

[Briarcutter]

I know a lot of guys really enjoy them i tried one once for about five minutes. Never again, way too thick for me. I sounds like the Silicon tubing may he a good idea though.

 

[InWithBothFeet]

Gotta take care to get the thinner 1mm wall thickness stuff.