The popularity of pipes screen stems from the fact that they are convenient for both individual use and group get-togethers. So it’s not surprising that pipe screens are among the most popular and extensively diffused smoking devices.
They can be found in a wide range of sizes and designs, with the common denominator being their portability and simplicity of use.
Honestly, it’s a question you probably only need to ask yourself once. If I have a pipe, why do I need a screen? When you understand the reasoning, you won’t want to dispute it anymore.
This article will instruct you on the proper usage of pipe screens and will help you select the ideal screen for your personal preference.
How Do Glass Pipe Screens Work, and What Are They?
Screens for pipes are often made of metal mesh that has been crimped into tiny circles so that you can mold them to suit the confines of your water pipe or water bong. The big pieces stay put while the smoke and ash are filtered out.
Putting in a pipe screen will make the pipe cleaner and prevent large chunks of ash from being drawn to the mouth. Even when using filtered water, some smokers like to have screens in their bongs and bubblers.
When using a bong with a large bowl, you run the risk of sucking in tar and other unburned chemicals. A screen can help you save the herb that didn’t make it through your pipe.
Along with keeping ash and burnt residue from getting in your mouth, a pipe screen also serves another purpose; keeping your pipe in clean and working shape.
Hand blown glass pipes have become all the craze in the cannabis world, with options becoming more expensive and more collectible. For this reason, the importance of a pipe screen comes just as much from a desire to preserve your piece of glass art as it comes from the need to stop ash from getting into your mouth.
Different Types of Pipe Screen
The most efficient method to find a suitable type is to shop for quality pipe screens on an online headshop that sells high-quality pipe screens and then get the one that best fits your needs.
Screens for pipes often come in either metal or glass. Screens for metal pipes are usually constructed of aluminum, brass, or stainless steel. These can be built from various metals, and it can be challenging to determine whether or not the manufacturer is reliable.
Periodic replacement of metal screens is also required. Screens made of metal pipes get coated with black resin and eventually get holes. But, despite their drawbacks, they are widely used due to their low price and wide availability.
The superior option is screens made for glass pipes. Glass screens are permanent and safe. On the other hand, metal screens wear out quickly and may be comprised of dangerous metals.
So it’s a good thing that glass screens are still inexpensive for any budget, despite being more expensive than metal screens.
Tips on How to Use Pipe Screens
When you buy a pipe screen, you’re investing in a product that will improve the overall quality of your smoking experience. Some of the most crucial pipe screen tips are outlined here:
Tip 1: Make Sure It Fits Properly
Have you ever had the screen of your pipe fly out of the bowl? Or does it go down far in the bowl but not seem to prevent you from inhaling ash? Your pipe’s screen is probably either too large or too small. You may make a flat metal pipe screen fit snugly inside your pipe bowl by trimming off the edges.
Use small wire cutters or sharp and sturdy scissors to cut the edges. Then, instead of chopping out a large section of the pipe screen, you can chip off the amount you need to make your bowl the proper size.
While this method is time-consuming, the improved accuracy of the screen-cutting means that you’ll save money in the long run. First, measure it sometimes to make sure it fits inside the bowl. You can feel whether it fits appropriately by pressing it inward and meeting with no significant resistance or jarring rebound.
Tip 2: The Bottom Must Be Pressed Down
The shape of your pipe’s screen should match that of the bowl. First, keep one hand on the pipe while you slip the screen in with the other. Next, get the screen down into the bowl by pressing down on it with your pointing finger. Your bowl’s shape should serve as the inspiration for your screen’s design.
If you have some room at the bottom, that’s fine. It’s okay so long as the screen fits nicely and there’s enough space for a decent pack. This is especially helpful for pipes with tiny vents.
On the other hand, a flower-shaped glass screen or bowl-shaped metal screen requires nothing more than a drop and a nudge to function. In different situations, it’s superfluous. You can miss a few limbs if you push down too hard on a glass screen. Also, your glass screen will shatter, and your pipe could get clogged.
Tip 3: Clean or Replace the Screens in Your Pipes
The pipe screen you use while smoking off of a glass bong will eventually get filled with debris and resin. As a result, your smoke’s flavor will be ruined, and you can even have trouble breathing. So taking out the screen and cleaning it is a necessary step.
Screens made of glass require less upkeep than other materials. The only preparation required is a 15-30 minute soak in 90% alcohol solution or an overnight soak if the resin is particularly thick.
You may clean the residue off a metal screen with an old toothbrush, while you can also use thin-tipped long-nose pliers to secure a hold on the screen. The next step is to get it to a red-hot flame using a jet lighter, torch, or gas burner.
If the screen is too hot to touch, try blowing on it or waiting a few minutes before wiping it down. If you must clean metal, use neither alcohol nor metal cleansers. Screens made of metal are susceptible to corrosion from alcohol, and metal cleaners can leave behind toxic residue.
To Conclude
Pipe screens filter out unwanted debris and are an essential accessory for any pipe smoker.
Using one lessens the possibility of choking on ash and enhances the whole smoking experience. Use our tips to ease your first-time pipe screen use.