I have BJ Long rubber bits on all of my pipe stems. When should I replace the rubber bits and/or how long can they stay on a pipe if storing on a rack? Will they discolor the vulcanite stem if left on? Should I be removing them, cleaning the stem (saliva get under the rubber), and putting them back on? Any help/advice appreciated.
Pipe Mouthpiece Stem Rubber Bits
- Thread starter srkays
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As you know, they're a pain to take on and off because they're so tight. And they do leave a shadow on vulcanite stems because they actually protect the part they cover from oxidation. I stopped using them in favor of the soft silicone ones that you can get on ebay. These can be removed easily.
I found after a while they get funky and you damn near have to cut them off. They will start to give an off flavor because the juices get between it and the stem. Overall I’ve just decided not to use them. Why am I protecting the stems of my pipes from teeth when that’s where they were meant to go? I mean if you’re going to use one you may as well have a pipe made with no button and just put on a softy bit... because the button is useless with one on.
I find the moisture gets underneath them and it oxidizes the vulcanite, just more maintenance required. It saves me buying stems. I’m a chomper
Sometimes I like them and sometimes I don't. I smoke my pipes without wearing my dentures so the Softie Bits make clenching more comfortable. I put all the bits in a pot of boiling water for about 15 minutes to get them clean. I do this about once a month. Once a year I begin replacing them with new ones.
I'm a big fan, as I'm a pretty tough clincher, and this helps the stem and my teeth. I also hate dealing with oxidation, the bane of my OCD. So I lean toward pipes with non-vulcanite stems.
I find that since I use the flush method for cleaning my pipes after smoking, this is part of the ritual. I simply slide the bit around with some water and dry it with the paper towel before using it to swab-out the bowl. I then do the normal pipe-clearer run through and voila.
I can get why some people don't like them, because they can be a bit of a pain, but overall, I find them handy. I would love to see others post links to alternatives though. I've seen some chatter about tape, other types of bits, etc.
I find that since I use the flush method for cleaning my pipes after smoking, this is part of the ritual. I simply slide the bit around with some water and dry it with the paper towel before using it to swab-out the bowl. I then do the normal pipe-clearer run through and voila.
I can get why some people don't like them, because they can be a bit of a pain, but overall, I find them handy. I would love to see others post links to alternatives though. I've seen some chatter about tape, other types of bits, etc.
That's why I haven't tried them..
I've also never chewed up a stem like a rabid beaver. I guess people do that though... nearly all the old pipes on ebay are chewed up. I feel like my teeth would start to fall out if I chewed on stems like those ebay people.
Been wrapping mine with friction tape for a year and a half or longer. I like it, can't tolerated the rubber bits.
I understand that these rubber things are comfortable for some pipers, but they ruin the aesthetics of the pipe for me. I appreciate the gracefulness of my stems.
I use them on most of my pipes. They are easy enough to take off and clean immediately following a smoke.
I feel exactly the same way.
I stick to stems that don’t oxidise and try to be thoughtful about my clenching.
If you don't flip your pipes for new ones I suppose it's best to just smoke the stem and have that "patina" to remind you that it's your teeth and your pipe. Enjoy, enjoy.
But if you do sell some of your pipes in order to buy other ones, you probably are better off by using something...... soft bits or whatever, to keep your teeth from creating a crater. No one wants to buy a used pipe with horrible teeth marks on it unless of course they are into pipe repair, which I'm not.
I don't use the Soft Bits brand because it discolors vulcanite and is a bit too squishy for my preference. I can't remember who makes the ones I like but they are relatively hard, easy to use and really make a difference for me. I keep that pipe in my mouth throughout most of the bowl and although I'm not a rabid clencher, I have been known to put my mark on too many pipes.
But if you do sell some of your pipes in order to buy other ones, you probably are better off by using something...... soft bits or whatever, to keep your teeth from creating a crater. No one wants to buy a used pipe with horrible teeth marks on it unless of course they are into pipe repair, which I'm not.
I don't use the Soft Bits brand because it discolors vulcanite and is a bit too squishy for my preference. I can't remember who makes the ones I like but they are relatively hard, easy to use and really make a difference for me. I keep that pipe in my mouth throughout most of the bowl and although I'm not a rabid clencher, I have been known to put my mark on too many pipes.
I wanted to like them, particularly on some of my newer pipes as I like to clinch, but I don’t like the feel. The smoking experience seems artificial... or something. They were a PITA to remove, but I just rolled them off with my thumbs... and there was some superficial shadowing. I have a bag of them, and “might” revisit down the road...
I just tried them. I haven’t tried taking one off yet but I’m liking them so far. I’m a clenched as well.
Non adhesive vinyl tape or parafilm wraps work better for me, I use to use these on my pipes when I have to drive long distance
I buy only Ebonite stems, no acrylic and I couldn't care less about tooth marks. My pipes were bought to smoke and not to worry about tooth marks down the road. I prefer au natural instead of rubbers on my stems. There has to be some kind of disease people have about not marking up their stems, maybe we should come up with something official.
Mark, if I had noticed you were using that tape last time you came over, I would have busted your balls till you ripped that shit off. I have a no tape or softy bit zone in my entire house.
Mark, if I had noticed you were using that tape last time you came over, I would have busted your balls till you ripped that shit off. I have a no tape or softy bit zone in my entire house.
I've used them in the past to try to protect the soft plastic stems on cobs, but now I just buy the MM cob special editions that come with an acrylic stem. Also, I tend to flex my jaw against the softies and it causes my jaw to ache and probably isn't good for my teeth. The fewer extra accessories for pipes the better, to my point of view. I buy pipes to smoke, and in general, don't have many that would resell with much profit, so I never bother about tooth chatter. If I buy it, I smoke it, and devil take the hindmost. Gift pipes are enjoyed in the same way.
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