The cannabis industry is not your ordinary type of industry. While there is still a focus on containing costs, optimizing profits, and maintaining quality control, the people who make up the industry tend to be a bit more laid back than those in, say, the tech sector. For that reason, scientific and heady glass makers often overlook some common niceties associated with traditional business – like making sure a product comes with a comprehensive owner’s manual. As such, should your bong’s downstem ever get stuck, there’s no owner’s manual to refer to to solve the problem. Fortunately, those of us at the 710 Pipes headshop have your back.
How to Remove a Stuck Downstem From Your Bong
Resin buildup is far and away the most common reason a downstem will get stuck inside a bong. Waiting too long between cleanings doesn’t help either.
Without a manual to tell them how to do it, most bong owners have historically been on their own when figuring out how to remove that stuck downstem. Not anymore! Below your friends at 710 Pipes online head shop provides five foolproof tricks for removing a stubborn downstem so you can clean your bong properly.
downstem • a glass tube connecting the bowl to the main chamber, creating suction to pull smoke or vapor through the water before inhalation. It can be fixed or removable, and may have a diffuser to cool the smoke.
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Other Removal Methods to Try
If all else fails, you can take a wire coathanger and reshape it to fit down the inside of the stem. Fashion a small hook on the end, and after you’ve shoved it all the way down, catch the hook on the bottom of the stem and gently pull it out. You might also try putting the entire bong in the dishwasher and removing it when it is still warm. At that point, the resin should be loosened, and you should be able to remove the downstem.
Removal Options to Avoid
As you can see, there are many ways to safely and effectively remove a stuck downstem from your bong, and we recommend you use any of the above-mentioned methods. However, there are also some definite no-nos when removing a stuck downstem. They are:
- Using Metal Tools — Trying to pry a downstem free with metal objects like screwdrivers, pliers or knives is a recipe for disaster. Metal is far harder than glass, so it’s incredibly easy to chip, crack, or shatter the bong by mistake. Even a slight slip can spell doom for your favorite piece, so it’s best to avoid any tools that aren’t specifically designed for glasswork.
- Tapping the Stem — This technique has ruined more bongs than we can count. We constantly hear horror stories from customers at our Denver headshop relating how they thought a few taps would free the stem but wound up cracking the glass and ruining their expensive bong. Always resist the urge to tap the downstem, no matter how frustrated you may get.
- Heating the Bong With a Torch — Applying hot water to a bong is one thing. Applying a torch directly to the stuck area to try and melt the resin is another story altogether. Boiling water reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit. A butane torch, by comparison, will reach 2,000 to 2,500 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep direct flames away from your stuck downstem. Glass is sensitive to extreme temperature changes, and using a torch can cause it to shatter instantly, which not only damages your bong but could cause serious injury.
- Submerging in Boiling Water — Although using warm water can help loosen resin, submerging your entire bong in boiling water is a bad idea. Sudden, extreme heat can cause the glass to expand rapidly and crack. Even if the downstem loosens, the damage done to the rest of the bong could be irreparable. Stick to running warm tap water over the problem area or carefully pouring heated water inside the downstem.
- Rushing the Process — Patience is key when dealing with a stuck downstem. Rushing the removal process, using too much force, or getting impatient often leads to mistakes that could damage your glass. Whether you’re wiggling, twisting, or using household items, make sure to take your time. A calm, methodical approach ensures you get the downstem out in one piece, without harming your bong.
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Find the Perfect Bong at 710 Pipes
A stuck downstem can be a vexing problem, but it’s usually fixable with a little patience, ingenuity, and a gentle touch. By avoiding the common pitfalls mentioned above and sticking to tried-and-true removal methods, you’ll have a much better chance of safely retrieving the downstem and getting your bong back in action. Remember, frequent cleanings can help you prevent it from getting stuck in the first place, so always keep your glass in top shape.
For all your cannabis-related paraphernalia, from cutting-edge bongs to heady glass, check out the extensive selection available at 710 Pipes online smoke shop. We’re here to help you find exactly what you need, and we offer a wide range of products to keep your smoking experience smooth and enjoyable.