Let's Talk Tampers

[mrreeve]

When I got my first pipe last week I got a tamper with it but the first few days I used my gas meter key and now I use a 12mm 1/4 drive socket reversed on a nursed 100mm extention bar . What do other people use as a tamper that's not a tamper bur they prefer?

 

[vamike]

I have a habit of using my fingers. Not a good habit. I am outside a lot so I am constantly picking up sticks for temporary tampers.

 

[irwinmetro]

In a pinch I've bent a paper clip into a mighty fine tamper.

 

[werdna]

I use my finger usually, or the end of my closed pocket knife. I carry too much in my pockets already.

 

[soggycitybob]

Golf tees work very well. Also comes with a convenient pick on the other end.

 

[bentmike]

I used this brass wood screw for quite a while until I lost it. I hope it shows back up :crying: Now I just use one of my lathe turned ones or my finger.

 

[dochudson]

I took a few pieces of bamboo the wife had left over sawed one end flat and the other end at an angle and packed with some JB Weld.

 

[trailspike48]

My tamper seems to disappear from time to time, usually in a jeans pocket. I substitute with a short piece of 3/8 dowel or a deck screw for a temporary tamp.

 

[numbersix]

I've always used a tamper. I picked up one of these a year ago, still works perfectly. Also can aerate the bowl when needed and has a bowl scraper too. Well worth the 8.99 I spent.
http://www.amazon.com/Executive-Desktop-Pipe-Tool-Stainless/dp/B0070XFH4Y/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1371259111&sr=8-3&keywords=pipe+tamper
If I am not carrying it, my colibri connaght has a built-in tamper and aerator.

 

[smeigs]

I loose those stupid little tampers all the time... For the past year or so I use my finger or the end of my lighter haha... Keep it simple..

 

[thesmokindragon]

@BentMike-I got the African Blackwood tamper you turned for me

at the shop yesterday, didn't have a chance to do the opening and

figured I would do the box-opening this Father's Day weekend

I'm stoked and will post images and reviews here in the next

few hours - Thank you again Mike

 

[cigrmaster]

I have a few nice tampers laying around that I never use. I use the tampers that are built into my lighters, they are always at the ready and I never have to go digging for one.

 

[kashmir]

I go to Home Depot and buy a rod of quarter inch thick oak rod. Then I cut off and sand three and a half inch dowels. Got dozens. And if they get lost who cares. I also pick up pieces of dry weathered hardwood on my many hikes. Take them home, sand and make nice weathered tampers. Works well for me.

 

[mrreeve]

When I'm out and about I find I use my gas meter box key and to airate the bowl I use a Pipe cleaner with the fuzz burnt off one end (good for cleaning the spacle out too)

 

[mrreeve]

Got a say I'm so glad I started this thread it really brings home the personal nature of pipe smoking and those little quirks we all have that make it a personal experience. Are there any other tools people use that are not off the peg devices/multytools

 

[tjameson]

I use my finger...the pointy one.