A glass bong is a great way to enjoy your favorite herb or tobacco, but it can also be fragile and prone to breaking or cracking. Whether you want to drill a hole in a glass bottle to make your own bong, or you want to clean your existing bong, you need to be careful and follow some tips to avoid damaging your glassware. Here are some steps you can take to prevent breaking or cracking your glass bong while drilling or cleaning it.
How to Drill a Hole in a Glass Bottle for a Bong
Drilling a hole in a glass bottle for a bong can be tricky, but not impossible. You need the right tools and techniques to make a smooth and clean hole without shattering the glass. Here’s what you need to do:
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Prepare the glass
. Line a piece of plywood with newspaper or an old sheet to add some cushioning. Place the glass bottle onto the wood. Make sure the bottle is empty and clean. -
Get the proper drill bit
. You’ll need a 3/4″ diamond drill bit to drill through the glass. These are usually cheap and can be ordered online or found at hardware stores. -
Mark a spot to drill
. Find a spot on the bottle where the surface is relatively flat, somewhere on the upper curve of the body. Place a rubber grommet there and use it to trace a circle with a sharpie. The grommet will help seal the hole and prevent leaks. -
Prepare your tools
. Attach the diamond drill bit to your battery-powered drill. Be sure to use a battery-powered drill, as you will be running water over the drilling area. Put on safety goggles to protect your eyes from glass shards. -
Get a steady stream of water over the drill spot
. To keep the glass cool and prevent it from breaking, turn on the faucet. You want more than just a trickle but not such a heavy stream that you can’t see what you’re doing. Hold the bottle so the water runs over the spot you marked. -
Start drilling slowly
. Set your drill to 3/4 of its max speed and gently push it against the marked spot. To get a steady drill, first angle the drill bit so it just touches the top of the spot. Slowly angle the drill bit until it’s going into the glass at a 90 degree angle, using the carved out edge as a pivot. -
Drill a starter hole
. Once you have a small notch in the glass, you can start drilling straight down. Apply light pressure and let the drill do the work. Don’t push too hard or you might crack the glass. -
Increase drill bit size
. After you have drilled through the glass with the 3/4″ bit, you can switch to a larger bit if you want a bigger hole. Repeat the same process with a 1″ or 1 1/4″ bit, depending on your preference. -
Ease the pressure
. As you approach the other side of the glass, reduce the pressure and speed of your drill. This will prevent chipping or cracking on the exit side of the hole. -
Clean the hole
. Remove any glass dust or debris from the hole and around it. Rinse the bottle with water and dry it with a towel. -
Insert your downstem and bowl
. You’ll need a 14mm glass bowl and downstem that fits your hole size. Measure the distance from the upper curve of the body of your bottle to the opposite side of the base. Get a downstem approximately the same length, and definitely no longer. Insert your downstem through the grommet and into the hole. Attach your bowl to the downstem.
Congratulations! You have just made your own glass bong from a bottle!
How to Clean Your Glass Bong
Cleaning your glass bong is important for maintaining its quality and performance. A dirty bong can affect the taste and smell of your herb or tobacco, as well as harbor bacteria and mold. Here’s how to clean your glass bong:
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Disassemble your bong
. Remove any removable parts from your bong, such as the bowl, downstem, percolator, etc. Rinse them with hot water to remove any loose residue. -
Fill a large container with hot water and dish soap
. You can use a bucket, a sink, or a bathtub, depending on the size of your bong. Add some dish soap and stir to create a sudsy solution. -
Soak your bong and its parts
. Submerge your bong and its parts in the soapy water and let them soak for at least 15 minutes. This will help loosen up any stuck-on dirt and grime. -
Scrub your bong and its parts
. Use a bottle brush, a pipe cleaner, or a cotton swab to scrub the inside and outside of your bong and its parts. Pay attention to any hard-to-reach areas, such as the stem, the mouthpiece, or the percolator. You can also use some coarse salt as an abrasive to help remove stubborn stains. -
Rinse your bong and its parts
. Drain the soapy water and rinse your bong and its parts with clean hot water. Make sure to remove any soap or salt residue. -
Dry your bong and its parts
. Use a towel or a paper towel to dry your bong and its parts. You can also let them air dry on a rack or a mat. -
Reassemble your bong
. Put your bong back together and enjoy a fresh and clean smoking experience!
There you have it! Now you know how to avoid breaking or cracking your glass bong while drilling or cleaning it. Remember to be gentle and careful with your glassware, and to clean it regularly for optimal performance. Happy smoking!
