Tips on How to Use Pipe Screens

Pipes are popular because they’re easy to use, easy to carry, and are perfect for both solo sessions or sharing with friends. The one downside of smoking out of a pipe, however, is pull-through. When you pull too hard on burnt herb and ash, it can be sucked through the pipe and right into your mouth. It happens to the best of us, but thankfully there’s a solution. All you need is a pipe screen, the must-have accessory for wood, glass, and metal pipes. This article teaches you all about how to use pipe screens and how to pick the right screen for your style.

Why Use a Pipe Screen?

The most common pipe screens are made of metal mesh, cut into small circles, which can be bent to fit the inside of your bong bowl. The idea is that while smoke and fine ash fall through, large chunks are held in place. Using a pipe screen keeps your pipe a cleaner, but more importantly stops large clumps of ash from being pull through to your mouth.

Some people even use screens when smoking from bongs and bubblers to help keep their water clean. Bongs sometimes have large bowls, too, where unsmoked material can be accidentally sucked through. Use pipe screens to prevent this unnecessary waste of unsmoked herb.

Different Types of Pipe Screen

Pipe screens come in two common materials: metal or glass. Metal pipe screens are commonly made from aluminum, brass or stainless steel. Unfortunately, it’s difficult to know exactly what metal a screen is made from or to ensure a trustworthy manufacturer.

Additionally, metal screens must be replaced periodically. Over time, metal pipe screens become coated with black resin and develop holes. Despite these downfalls, metal screens are popular because they’re cheap and easy to find.

Glass pipe screens provide a better solution. Unlike metal screens, which must be replaced often and may be made of unsafe metals, glass screens are safe to use and last forever. Although they’re not as cheap as metal screens, glass screens are still affordable on any budget.

Check out our selection of glass pipe screens here at BadassGlass. We provide quality, affordable glass pipe screens that will last a lifetime. Also check out our selection of glass bowl pieces with built-in screens. These useful accessories remove the need to keep track of your screen or clean it separately from the pipe.

Tips on How to Use Pipe Screens

Metal pipe screens come in different sizes, usually ranging from 0.5” to 1”. Bigger bowls need bigger screens. Since metal screens are so malleable, you must simply press the mesh disc into the pipe until it fits flush with the bottom of the bowl. Be sure that the screen covers the hole. Metal and wood pipes typically have holes in the side, while glass bowls have holes on the bottom.

Remember to brush metal screens clean often to avoid clogging and check for holes regularly. Never overheat a metal screen, since this damages the screen and may even release dangerous chemicals depending on the metal. If you smoke regularly, we recommend changing metal pipe screens once every couple weeks or a month.

Glass screens are easy to use. Available in a number of shapes and sizes, simply drop a glass pipe screen over the bowl’s hole and pack tobacco on top. Remember to remove and clean your glass screen often, and don’t let it get covered and stuck with resin. The easiest way to break a glass pipe screen is by digging around for it with a paperclip because it’s disappeared in a pile of resin.

You don’t need to replace glass screens due to wear unless you break them. Since they’re made out of glass, these screens are fragile. Be careful with glass pipe screens and they will last forever. If they become chipped, however, be sure to replace them.

DIY Temporary Pipe Screens

Now you know how to use pipe screens and maintain them for the best performance. You ordered some quality glass pipe screens from Badass Glass, too, but in the meantime you still need a screen! It’s time to get crafty with some DIY pipe screen solutions.

• Contrary to popular belief, it is not inherently dangerous to smoke from aluminum pipes or screens. If you’re stuck at home without a screen, cut out a small piece of aluminum foil to fit in the bowl. Poke holes through the foil with a paperclip or toothpick.
• No foil? No problem. Paperclips are typically made from steel. Bend a paperclip into a flat spiral and place it over the bowl’s hole. You may have to break the paperclip to size.
• If you’re smoking a therapeutic herb, it’s possible to pack the bottom of the bowl with a “throw-away” material like shredded tobacco. Put a small amount of tobacco loosely over the hole to preserve airflow. Pack your herb on top and stop smoking when you reach the tobacco.

These temporary solutions should get you through the next few days until you get your new pipe screens. If you haven’t ordered yet, shop glass pipe screens and bowls with built-in screens right here at BadassGlass.com.