If you are a fan of smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you know how frustrating it can be when your precious piece gets damaged. Whether it was an accident, a cat, or just bad luck, a broken or cracked glass bong can ruin your smoking experience and pose a safety hazard. But don’t despair, there are some ways to deal with a broken or cracked glass bong and possibly fix it yourself or get it fixed or replaced by a professional.
How to fix a broken or cracked glass bong yourself
Before you attempt to fix your broken or cracked glass bong yourself, you need to assess the damage and the material of your bong. Most glass bongs are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and strengthened in an annealing process, making them harder to repair. Acrylic plastic is the cheapest and easiest material to work with and repair. If your bong is in more pieces than you have fingers or if you are trying to patch a hole larger than a pea, you might be better off buying a new one. However, if the damage is more along the lines of a single crack, chip or busted piece, you may be able to repair it with some products that are easy to get your hands on.
Here are some of the products and methods you can use to fix your broken or cracked glass bong yourself:
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Food grade silicone:
This is a non-toxic and waterproof substance that can be used as a sealant for cracks, chips, and joints of your bong. It does not provide any structural support and can be easily peeled off if needed. Food grade silicone works best when repairing minor damage to your bong that does not affect its functionality. You can apply it over the damaged area and let it dry for 24 hours before using your bong again. -
Two-component epoxy:
This is a mixture of resin and hardener that polymerizes into a strong and durable bond when applied to glass. You need to look for a non-toxic and heat-resistant epoxy that is safe for human use. Two-component epoxy works best on fixing bongs with clean breaks that can be aligned perfectly. You need to score and sand the broken edges of your bong before applying the epoxy and holding them together for at least 15 minutes. Then you need to let the epoxy cure for 24 hours before using your bong again. You should also empty your bong between uses to prevent waterlogging and leaking. -
Loctite Glass:
This is a special type of cyanoacrylate glue (also known as super-glue) that bonds to glass without solvents. It is water- and heat-resistant and does not contain any toxic chemicals. Loctite Glass works best on fixing small cracks or chips in your bong that do not affect its functionality. You need to apply a thin layer of glue over the damaged area and press it firmly for 15 seconds. Then you need to let the glue dry for 24 hours before using your bong again. -
JB Weld, Quick Steel, or Plumber’s Putty:
These are metal-filled compounds that can be molded into any shape and harden into a solid mass when exposed to air. They are water- and heat-resistant and can provide some structural support for your bong. These products work best on fixing holes or gaps in your bong that affect its functionality. You need to clean and dry the damaged area of your bong before applying the compound and shaping it as needed. Then you need to let the compound cure for 24 hours before using your bong again. -
Duct tape:
This is a cheap and easy option for repairing your bong, but not the most aesthetically pleasing one. Duct tape can provide some temporary sealant and support for your bong, but it is not water- or heat-resistant and can peel off easily. Duct tape works best on fixing minor cracks or chips in your bong that do not affect its functionality. You need to wrap the tape around the damaged area of your bong several times until it is covered completely.
How to get your broken or cracked glass bong fixed or replaced by a professional
If you are not confident in fixing your broken or cracked glass bong yourself, or if the damage is too severe for DIY methods, you may want to consider getting it fixed or replaced by a professional. There are some advantages to this option, such as getting a high-quality and long-lasting repair or replacement, avoiding the risk of inhaling toxic substances or hurting yourself, and supporting local businesses and artists. However, there are also some disadvantages, such as paying more money, waiting longer for the service, and possibly losing your original bong.
Here are some of the ways you can get your broken or cracked glass bong fixed or replaced by a professional:
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Hire a glassblower:
This is the best option if you want to preserve the original design and quality of your bong. A glassblower can use a blowtorch to melt and fuse the broken pieces of your bong together, or create a new piece that matches your bong. You can find a local glassblower online or in your area and contact them for a quote and an appointment. You may need to send them pictures of your bong and the damage before they can give you an estimate. The cost and time of this service will depend on the complexity and extent of the damage, but it may range from $50 to $500 and from a few days to a few weeks. -
Buy a new bong:
This is the easiest option if you want to replace your broken or cracked bong with a new one. You can buy a new bong online or in a local head shop and choose from a variety of styles, sizes, colors, and features. You can also customize your new bong with accessories, stickers, or engraving. The cost and time of this option will depend on the type and quality of the bong you choose, but it may range from $20 to $2000 and from a few minutes to a few days.
Conclusion
A broken or cracked glass bong is not the end of the world, but it can be a hassle to deal with. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may be able to fix it yourself with some common products and methods, or you may need to get it fixed or replaced by a professional. Either way, you should always be careful when handling broken glass and avoid inhaling any harmful substances. You should also clean your bong regularly and store it safely to prevent future damage. With proper care and maintenance, your glass bong can last you for years and provide you with many enjoyable smoking sessions.
