Glass bongs are popular devices for smoking herb or tobacco, offering smooth and filtered hits that enhance the flavor and potency of the smoke. However, glass bongs are not without their drawbacks. They can be fragile, expensive, hard to clean, and prone to various problems and issues that can affect their performance and appearance. In this blog post, we will discuss some of the most common problems and issues that glass bong users face and how to solve them.
Problem 1: Broken or cracked glass
One of the most obvious and frustrating problems that glass bong users face is breaking or cracking their glass piece. This can happen due to accidental drops, bumps, knocks, or mishandling during cleaning or storage. Depending on the extent and location of the damage, a broken or cracked glass bong may be unusable, unsafe, or unappealing.
Solution: The best way to prevent breaking or cracking your glass bong is to handle it with care and store it in a safe place away from pets, children, or clumsy friends. You can also invest in a padded case or bag to protect your bong during transport or storage. However, if your bong does break or crack, you may be able to fix it yourself with some products that are easy to get your hands on.
One option is to use food-grade silicone to seal the cracks, chips, or broken pieces of your glass bong. Food-grade silicone is a non-toxic substance that is often used to make molds for food items. It is also resistant to damage and does not crack, crumble, peel, or dry out. It is great for use as a sealant for minor damage to your bong body or joints. You can find food-grade silicone online or at craft stores.
To use food-grade silicone to fix your glass bong, you will need to clean your bong thoroughly and dry it completely. Then, apply a thin layer of silicone over the crack, chip, or broken piece and press it firmly into place. You may need to use tape or clamps to hold the pieces together while the silicone cures. Follow the instructions on the package for curing time and temperature. Once the silicone is cured, you can trim off any excess with a razor blade or scissors.
Another option is to use duct tape to patch up your glass bong. This is not a glamorous or discreet solution, but it can work in a pinch if you don’t have access to food-grade silicone or other products. Duct tape is strong and sticky enough to hold together small cracks or chips in your glass bong. However, it may not be very effective for larger breaks or for areas that are exposed to heat or water.
To use duct tape to fix your glass bong, you will need to clean your bong thoroughly and dry it completely. Then, cut a piece of duct tape that is slightly larger than the crack, chip, or broken piece and apply it over the damaged area. Press it firmly and smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles. You may need to use multiple layers of tape for better coverage and durability.
Poor choices to fix your glass bong include superglue, putty sealants, and similar products. Superglue does not bond well to glass and may have chemicals that are harmful to inhale. Putty sealants may not be waterproof or heat-resistant and may also contain toxic solvents.
If your glass bong is shattered into many pieces or has major damage that cannot be repaired with food-grade silicone or duct tape, you may have no choice but to buy a new one.
Problem 2: Dirty or clogged glass
Another common problem that glass bong users face is having a dirty or clogged glass piece. This can happen due to frequent use, poor maintenance, hard water, or low-quality herb or tobacco. A dirty or clogged glass bong can affect the taste, smell, smoothness, and potency of your smoke. It can also harbor bacteria, mold, or fungi that can pose health risks.
Solution: The best way to prevent having a dirty or clogged glass bong is to clean it regularly and change the water before every use. Cleaning a glass bong is easy and cheap with some household items that you probably already have.
All you need is:
- Isopropyl alcohol (70% works fine; 90% is better)
- Coarse salt (optional but helpful)
You can also buy specially made bong cleaners at a head shop or online, but they are often more expensive and have other chemicals that are not necessary.
To clean your glass bong, you will need to:
- Pour out the water and remove any attachments or accessories from your bong.
- Pour alcohol and coarse salt into the bong and plug the holes with paper towels, cotton balls, or rubber stoppers.
- Shake the bong vigorously for a minute or two to dislodge the tar and resin from the glass.
- Pour out the alcohol/salt mixture and rinse the bong with warm water to remove any residue.
- Let the bong dry completely before using it again.
Repeat the process if necessary until your bong is sparkling clean. For tough tar or resin, you can let the bong soak in alcohol for a few hours or overnight. You can also use a pipe brush, cotton swab, or toothpick to scrub or poke any stubborn spots.
Conclusion
Glass bongs are great devices for smoking herb or tobacco, but they can also have some problems and issues that can affect their performance and appearance. By following these tips and solutions, you can keep your glass bong in good shape and enjoy smooth and flavorful hits every time.
