Does anyone here use rubbber stem protectors. i wear dentures, and can't clench on a bare pipe stem. i was wondereing if the rubber protectors would help and keep my hands free to do other things while smoking a pipe.
Rubber Stem protectors
- Thread starter Ragin Cajun
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Some do some do not. Some use medical tubing that is cut down to fit as well.
General consensus is no. Chemicals and components of the shrink tube are no bueno. Some people use friction tape or something? I’m sure they’ll chime in.
I don't chew on my pipe or clench that often so I have never seen the use for one. I can see that they could be useful for some.
Much as I detested them at first, I use them when driving and smoking. Solid grip, protection, and all that. Some smokers use vinyl tubing, softened in hot water to fit. Or something. Never tried it. The one time I tried shrink tubing, I discovered there was lead (?!) in the particular brand I used, so that idea was abandoned.
I've tried to use them but don't find them comfortable Next, i'll try friction tape.
Called softie bits by many - or is that a brand name?
Useful for some. I don't like them, and they are just one more thing to be cleaned.
Useful for some. I don't like them, and they are just one more thing to be cleaned.
Found some in the Family Planning isle of my drug store. For the older among us, Softee Bits
I guess I'm a little wired by nature, so I found myself flexing my jaw against the softie bits and making my teeth and jaw muscle sore. So no softie bits for me. Also, they are an extra cleaning project or they get a little funky under the softie bits. From photos on Forums, I see we have many devotees of the bits.
People who use rubber bits on their pipes have serious brain issues. Don't ask me which ones as there are too many to list.
I use them and find that it makes a huge difference for me. I can clench and keep working and just breathe like normal
Due to weird medical and eccentricity issues, I prefer not to clench.
I only use one softie, on one specific pipe, which fits the stem very well. I do clench that pipe, amongst very few. Otherwise those softy bits are usually an issue (cleanliness, fit, etc.) IMO.
I only use one softie, on one specific pipe, which fits the stem very well. I do clench that pipe, amongst very few. Otherwise those softy bits are usually an issue (cleanliness, fit, etc.) IMO.
No. We do not.
But, you are entitled to your wrong opinion.
I to wear dentures and I have soft bits on a number of my pipes because it does make them easier to clench.
I have also fashioned bits out of the clear flexible surgical tubing.
I use silicone ones from eBay. They are soft and pliable and can be moved from one pipe to another easily, so you only need one.
The rubber ones are harder and don't feel as nice clenching. They are also hard to put on and take off so folks tend to leave them on the pipes. When you do that the part of the bit covered by the rubber oxidizes at a different rate from the rest of the bit, so you can see where the rubber sat after you take it off.
The rubber ones are harder and don't feel as nice clenching. They are also hard to put on and take off so folks tend to leave them on the pipes. When you do that the part of the bit covered by the rubber oxidizes at a different rate from the rest of the bit, so you can see where the rubber sat after you take it off.
Ever have a lap full of hot coals, due to a dropped pipe while driving? I have. Too many times. Problem solved, with a softee whatever bit. Yes, they suck--esthetically, beyond belief--just not as bad as singed genitalia and car seats.
Take out your dentures and buy a magnum pipe….
i use friction/bondage/vinyl tape in my stems. It works well. Provides a similar protection to stems as softy bits but without the feel - which for me also changes the taste of smoking (placebo I know)
i use friction/bondage/vinyl tape in my stems. It works well. Provides a similar protection to stems as softy bits but without the feel - which for me also changes the taste of smoking (placebo I know)
