If you are a fan of glass bongs, you know how frustrating it can be when they break or crack. Glass bongs are great for smoking herb or tobacco, but they are also delicate and require some care and maintenance. Whether you are making your own glass bong from a bottle, or you have a store-bought one that needs some cleaning, you want to avoid damaging it while drilling or cleaning it. Here are some tips on how to do that.
How to Drill a Glass Bong Without Breaking It?
Drilling a glass bong is not as hard as it sounds, but you need to have the right tools and technique. Here are the steps to follow:
- Pick a glass bottle that has a long neck and a wide base, and a flat surface on the upper curve of the body. This will make it easier to drill a hole for the stem.
- Get a 3/4″ diamond drill bit that is designed for drilling through glass. You can find these online or at hardware stores.
- Get a rubber grommet that has an outside diameter of 31/32″, an inner diameter of 1/2″, and a 3/4″ groove. This will seal the hole and hold the stem in place.
- Get a 14mm glass bowl and downstem that fit the grommet. Make sure the downstem is not longer than the distance from the upper curve of the bottle to the opposite side of the base.
- Clean the bottle with warm water and remove any labels or plastic.
- Mark a spot on the bottle where you want to drill the hole, using the grommet as a guide. The spot should be on the flat surface of the upper curve of the body, not too close to the neck or the base.
- Attach the diamond drill bit to your battery-powered drill. Do not use a corded drill, as you will be running water over the drilling area.
- Turn on the faucet and get a steady stream of water over the spot you marked. The water will keep the glass cool and prevent it from cracking.
- Start drilling slowly, at about 3/4 of your drill’s max speed. 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.
- Do not apply too much pressure or speed, as this can cause the glass to shatter. Let the drill bit do the work and gently push it against the glass.
- Once you have drilled through the glass, stop drilling and remove the drill bit. Grind away any sharp edges or debris with sandpaper or a file.
- Put in the grommet, stem, and bowl into the hole. Make sure they fit snugly and securely.
- Congratulations, you have just made your own glass bong!
How to Clean a Glass Bong Without Cracking It?
Cleaning a glass bong is essential for keeping it in good shape and ensuring a smooth smoking experience. However, you don’t want to use harsh chemicals or abrasive materials that can damage your glass bong. Here are some tips on how to clean your glass bong safely and effectively:
- Empty your glass bong of any water and herb or tobacco residue.
- Fill a large container with hot water and add some salt and vinegar. The salt will act as an abrasive agent and the vinegar will dissolve any sticky substances.
- Submerge your glass bong in the container and let it soak for about an hour.
- Use a pipe cleaner or a cotton swab to scrub any hard-to-reach areas, such as the stem or the bowl.
- Rinse your glass bong with warm water and dry it with a soft cloth.
- If your glass bong has any stubborn stains or odors, you can repeat the process with rubbing alcohol instead of vinegar.
- Enjoy your clean and shiny glass bong!
By following these tips, you can avoid breaking or cracking your glass bong while drilling or cleaning it. Glass bongs are beautiful and functional pieces of art, but they also need some love and care. Treat your glass bong well and it will treat you well too!
