Softy-bits Alternative

[frankrizzo]

Hey everyone-

I’d like to reach out to the collective knowledge of the forum members regarding a possible alternative to the oft criticized softy-bits. I tend to be a bit of a chewer when I clench, so in the past I relied on the rubber pieces to protect the stems/bits. Recently, I was re-wrapping my bicycle handlebar and discovered that the silicone “finishing tape” could make for a better alternate to the softy-bit. After a little trial and error, I’ve found the tape to be very comfortable for clenching while still offering the original feel of the bit. Before I commit all my pipes to this, I wanted to check with the community regarding any long term consequences to the stems. The tape doesn’t use adhesive, but could the silicone damage the vulcanite stems if left on for any length of time? I‘ve attached the amazon page of the product and one of my pipes for reference.

 

[ray47]

I've used 3/8 th inch latex surgical tubing I purchased at Lowes, but you probably can find it at pretty much any hardware store.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/EASTMAN-1-4-in-Inner-Diameter-x-10-ft-Latex-Hose/1000180623

 

[Country Bladesmith]

Never had a problem that required one of those softy bits, but I know I’ve heard of several members here using some sort of tape like that.

 

[jaytex1969]

Find the thread on bondage tape...

All or Nothing :: General Pipe Smoking Discussion

It finally happened, let it be known, that I, VS Christopher of Clan PipesMagazine do not like rubber soft bits on my stems anymore. Give me a thin mouth piece or nothing at all !! Chris :puffpipe:

pipesmagazine.com

 

[hoosierpipeguy]

I’ve been using the friction tape for over a year now. Works very well.

 

[mortonbriar]

I just wear a mouth guard.

 

[mso489]

Then there's the composition of the tape and how safe it is to ingest over time. The surgical tubing sounds as if it could be, or should be, safe. My trouble with softies is that I tend to flex my jaw against them and that causes jaw fatigue and ache. I guess that's a personality and stress problem.

 

[das3353]

I use dry vinyl tape. It’s like electrical tape without the adhesive. It just clings to itself. Two or three wraps gives me the benefits of a softy bit without any of the added bulk.

TapeCase TC790 Dry Vinyl Tape - 1 in. x 100 ft. Black Chrome Plating Tape Roll with High Conformability. Adhesive Tapes https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00823GUP6/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_tai_YjkfFbESA7WRJ

 

[jdb67]

I'm telling you, this is the shit right here:
search for Insultab HS-614 1/2 Blk 6

 

[mikethompson]

Find the thread on bondage tape...

My first thought!

There are a few options when it comes to wrapping the stem, but I always think it distracts from how the pipe looks. However if you are a clencher the stem would be in your mouth anyway, and you aren't just staring at your pipe.

 

[troyniss]

I suppose some like the protection of tape but also want the natural feel of the stem. I can see that tape being a great alternative.

I however purchase my bits from here.

9.1US $ 7% OFF|MUXIANG 50 Pcs/lot Good Quality White/Black Pipe Tools SiliconeTobacco Pipe Protective Rubber Bit Mouthpiece Tip fg0001 fg0004|Tobacco Pipes & Accessories| - AliExpress

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

www.aliexpress.com

50pcs for about $7.

 

[gatorlope]

I like the Softy brand name bits, partly because they’re American made. I’ve had some of the others from China or elsewhere in Asia, but I’m dubious about their chemical composition and quality control, so I’m switching over any time I come across one of the old ones.
I’d be dubious in the same way about using the tape you have, especially if it’s a Chinese product.

 

[PaulTheScandinavian]

Based on my experiments So far the very best results gave non adhesive vinyl tape and parafilm wraps

 

[LudwigB88]

The ones I got at smokingpipes are fine. I just don’t like them with my large artisan pipes. For my small unfinished Savinellis they are fine ! I’m not big on clenching regularly anyway. Not good for jaw. I don’t detect any rubber taste.

 

[Hillcrest]

I just bought some larger diameter silicone straws and cut off a 1/2 inch or so to put on the stem when needed.

 

[VDL_Piper]

Hey everyone-

I’d like to reach out to the collective knowledge of the forum members regarding a possible alternative to the oft criticized softy-bits. I tend to be a bit of a chewer when I clench, so in the past I relied on the rubber pieces to protect the stems/bits. Recently, I was re-wrapping my bicycle handlebar and discovered that the silicone “finishing tape” could make for a better alternate to the softy-bit. After a little trial and error, I’ve found the tape to be very comfortable for clenching while still offering the original feel of the bit. Before I commit all my pipes to this, I wanted to check with the community regarding any long term consequences to the stems. The tape doesn’t use adhesive, but could the silicone damage the vulcanite stems if left on for any length of time? I‘ve attached the amazon page of the product and one of my pipes for reference.

View attachment 36734
View attachment 36735

The silicone tape mentioned here is also a great way to seal Gawith tins and all tins against seal failure too. I use it on all my tins.

 

[Zeno Marx]

The tubing they use on water softeners etc. Another user, and a youtuber or two, mentioned vinyl tubing as an alternative to pipe bits. I've found 3/8" and 1/2" cover a large range of pipe stem sizes (inner diameter tubing specs). Less expensive and more durable, though it requires a little more effort to modify for use. Flashing a lighter 2-3 times underneath it warms it up enough to slip over the lip. Can be found in black, clear, and possibly other colors. Watch for thickness of tubing as well, because it can be thinner or thicker variety. I've found the best luck is buying by the foot at your local hardware store rather than buying a giant coil of it at Home Depot for $8+. I paid $.59 for a foot of clear 1/2", and that should make for around 12 stems (an inch is just about perfect for a bit). I personally prefer the tooth feel over rubber as well. A little resistance, so you aren't totally giving up on the feel of the actual stem. And flavorless

https://proxy.imagearchive.com/757/757871eddb7aed2d24a3083ac8497be7.jpg