Rubber pipe bits

[Bdtroch]

On pipes I clench, I use softy bits. It lets me clench tightly (I seem to bite hard by default) without the risk of marks on my stems. Every other pipe stays “naked”.

I do clean them, and around them, regularly. No noticeable marks on any pipes that have them.

 

[MidTNPiper]

I almost exclusively clench and so, used to use them on every pipe. Until….I bought my Briarworks Devil Anse. What I found was if the stem aggressively taperes to the mouth piece, then all the softy bits do is make your jaw open wider = harder to clench. If it’s a lovat or a nice easy transition, then they work well.

Think overall I prefer them, bit at times they make it difficult to hold a pipe in your mouth.

 

[MRW]

Anyone use those rubber pipe bits? I've been satisfied with using them and can clench more easily, however yesterday when I removed it to polish my stem, I noticed that there was some slight oxidation left where the bit was. I suppose it's from my saliva being trapped there after smoking. Do you just remove them after every time you smoke to keep this from happening? The whole point is to keep my stems intact, not make them look worse.

I tried them and had a similar experience. My remedy? Stopped using them and focus on not clenching. There are several positives with quitting the clench!

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

Non-adhesive tape is more comfortable.

 

[LeafErikson]

I've never used one and likely never will. I don't see the need personally.

 

[mingc]

I have a crown on one of my front teeth that is a bit pressure sensitive so I use a silicone bit for comfort. The rubber ones are very tight and difficult to put on and take off. The silicone bits come in a couple of sizes and in black and clear. You only need one of each as you can easily slip on and off each pipe.

 

[Mike N]

I admit that I too use a rubber stem cover on occasion, usually when I want to clench a heavier pipe, hands free while working in the yard, and need to secure it tightly between the old pearly whites. I never use one with light weight pipes.

 

[Swiss Army Knife]

I clench a lot and I've got them on 90% of my pipes. I tend to run them a half-inch up the stem from the bit so I can clench the pipe but not have a big rubber nub when I'm just holding it to my lips.

I haven't had any staining issues but then again I usually avoid Vulcanite stems. Maybe I wouldn't use the bits if I did clench Vulcanites but so far I haven't been interested enough to try.

 

[dino]

I use them to keep my stems toothmark free. I put one on just before I smoke and remove it immediately after. I wipe and clean the stem every time I smoke. Yes, my Upshalls are particularly prone to yellow after using the rubber bits.

 

[RookieGuy80]

I've tried them. For saddle stems I don't usually need them, saddle stems clench fine on their own. And tapered stems are too big with the bits on. I have to open my mouth too wide to be comfortable. But that's how my varying milage works out.

 

[hoipolloiglasgow]

Where are you guys getting the silicon kind? I have the BJ Long ones.

 

[SBC]

I don't prefer them, but I do use one to cover the damage I did to one lucite bit:
There seemed to be some restriction near the bit, so I tried to drill it out ... and chipped off a hunk :-/
I superglued the hunk back on and it passes air fine now, but it left a sharp and unsightly edge which I now just cover with a softy bit.

 

[mingc]

Where are you guys getting the silicon kind? I have the BJ Long ones.

They're available on Amazon, Ebay and Aliexpress.

 

[multitool]

I put them on all my pipes. Protects both the bits, the teeth, and easier to clench, as noted. That's worth the minor aggravation (to me) of having to deal with the oxidation issue.

I agree.

 

[multitool]

Where are you guys getting the silicon kind? I have the BJ Long ones.

These aren't silicon, but there's also softy bits.

Softy bits, the original soft tobacco pipe stem protector. USA MADE

Softy Rubber pipe bits, the original soft, Rubber,durable, comfortable tobacco pipe stem mouthpiece protector. Protects pipe mouthpiece stems and tips, and helps protect your teeth while smoking your pipe.

softybits.com

Haven't tried them yet, but I like that they have different sizes.