Pipe Tobacco Tub Insert

[bearwolf56]

When I get a tub of pipe tobacco, such as Carter Hall or Prince Albert, there is an insert that covers the tobacco. My thinking has been that the insert keeps the tobacco from drying out. Thinking this, after I finish filling a bowl, I put the insert back in, then close the top. The thinking being that it will help keep it moist. Am I correct or is this unnecessary because it doesn't really help, and the tubs don't really need it. For you who buy tubs, do you toss it or keep it in the tub?

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Ehhhh... I don't think it helps keep it wet. It is most likely to keep the tobacco from having contact with the top of the metal or plastic lid.

 

[bearwolf56]

Ehhhh... I don't think it helps keep it wet. It is most likely to keep the tobacco from having contact with the top of the metal or plastic lid.

Thank you for telling me your thoughts. You've been right about so many other things I'm sure you're right about thit. I wasn't sure and it's a pain getting it out as well as messy. I think I'll just throw it away.

 

[ThermionicScott]

Are you talking about the thin plastic that is bonded to the rim of the tub? If I’m not mistaken, @JimInks recommends peeling it back just enough to fill your bowl and carefully laying it back down afterward to slow the toppings from evaporating.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

You've been right about so many other things

No, I am wrong sometimes too. I would defer to what Jim says about this. In my thinking one more shield isn't going to do much, but I also dry my tobaccos more than some would.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Are you talking about the thin plastic that is bonded to the rim of the tub? If I’m not mistaken, @JimInks recommends peeling it back just enough to fill your bowl and carefully laying it back down afterward to slow the toppings from evaporating.

That's how I do them.

 

[JimInks]

No, I am wrong sometimes too. I would defer to what Jim says about this. In my thinking one more shield isn't going to do much, but I also dry my tobaccos more than some would.

It does make a difference. A friend tried Chestnut, and removed that plastic seal even though I suggested that he shouldn't. He didn't care for the blend, and after about a year, he gave me the tub. The tobacco was fairly dry for the first third of the tub. I've never had tobacco dry out in a tub when I do it the way I do.

 

[Briarcutter]

I don't think he means a plastic seal. There's a paper round insert in the tub just laying on top of the tobacco.

 

[BingBong]

I always put them back in, be it round tins, tubs, or Gawith's picture postcard.

 

[Bbailey324]

I keep the insert and push it back down on top of the tobacco after filling my pipe from the tub. I don't really think it does much of anything but it came with it so it goes back when I'm done. Absolutely no rational explanation for this other than it just seems right and I've been doing it for years.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I pull it up just enough to get at my tobacco and lay it back down afterwards, just like others have said! Nobody ever told me one way or another, but just like others have said, it just felt right. Maybe it helps, maybe it don't. Maybe it's just one of those things that's meant to be! I for one will continue to do so, if nothing else but to prevent the possible risk of angering the gods.

 

[bearwolf56]

Thank you for all your answers. I not talking about a plastic top. I'm talking about a paper insert that lies on top of the tobacco. My thinking was that the paper kept the air inside from drying out the tobacco because the more you use the more air space there would be, thus giving it more room for moisture to escape. Thanks again guy for sharing your thoughts. I'm glad to see I'm not the only one that does this.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Yeh, I am confused... I was thinking about that thin piece of paper too. Not sure how much protection to the moisture that provides. Of course... leave the seal and top on it.
@bearwolf56 probably just going to have to be your own call on that.

 

[Lumbridge]

I have a tub of Carter Hall that has been open for about 4 years now. I don't smoke much, and with the other blends I smoke, a tub lasts me a good while. I trashed the cardboard insert when I opened the tub. The tobacco inside is still fine and perfectly moist. Middleton tubs seal very well. I always press on the center of the lid a few times after closing it up to push some of the air out.

 

[sablebrush52]

When I get a tub of pipe tobacco, such as Carter Hall or Prince Albert, there is an insert that covers the tobacco. My thinking has been that the insert keeps the tobacco from drying out. Thinking this, after I finish filling a bowl, I put the insert back in, then close the top. The thinking being that it will help keep it moist. Am I correct or is this unnecessary because it doesn't really help, and the tubs don't really need it. For you who buy tubs, do you toss it or keep it in the tub?

jiminks recommended keeping the insert in place between usages as it adds to the protection against drying out.
I leave mine in place.

 

[Sig]

Here is some anecdotal information with no basis due to so many factors, but.....
I did not smoke a pipe from mid October 2024, until last week, mid March 2025.
I had 2 half tins of tobacco sitting in my coffee table. Half a tin of GLP Abingdon and half a tin of C&D Red VA Flake.....which was no longer Flake, more of a broken Flake.
The Red Virginia had the wimpy cardboard cover under the lid. The Abingdon did not.
After 5 months, the Red Va is still moist and as close to the same as when I opened the tin as I can remember. The Abingdon is crispy as dust. Again, there are SO many factors, but they were stored together for the same time, and were both perfectly moist when left.
Differences is production, leaf used, additives, all make a difference, but the covered one is near perfect, while the uncovered one is dust.
I'm glad I could waste 2 minutes of your time, you will never get it back.

 

[woodsroad]

After giving this question far too much thought over the years, I have arrived at this conclusion:

It can't hurt and it probably better than nothing.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Here is some anecdotal information with no basis due to so many factors, but.....
I did not smoke a pipe from mid October 2024, until last week, mid March 2025.
I had 2 half tins of tobacco sitting in my coffee table. Half a tin of GLP Abingdon and half a tin of C&D Red VA Flake.....which was no longer Flake, more of a broken Flake.
The Red Virginia had the wimpy cardboard cover under the lid. The Abingdon did not.
After 5 months, the Red Va is still moist and as close to the same as when I opened the tin as I can remember. The Abingdon is crispy as dust. Again, there are SO many factors, but they were stored together for the same time, and were both perfectly moist when left.
Differences is production, leaf used, additives, all make a difference, but the covered one is near perfect, while the uncovered one is dust.
I'm glad I could waste 2 minutes of your time, you will never get it back.

He is talking about the large plastic OTC Codger tubs, but yeh, I love those C&D tins.

 

[Sig]

He is talking about the large plastic OTC Codger tubs, but yeh, I love those C&D tins.

Ohh, I know, Im just adding my nonsense to muddy the waters.