First, I have no idea what some of these things are called or I think I know but I’m also second guessing myself the whole time. Also, I’ve never bought glass from anywhere but a local head-shop. For instance, this bong is almost 20yo. Please forgive me, if I apply incorrect nomenclature to any of the parts.
My bong’s inner pipe, I think it’s called a joint, broke several months back. I searched online shortly after but there were so many variables to consider that it kind of seemed overwhelming. I’m hoping there’s someone within this community who has experience replacing a bongs’ hardware. I have some measurements and images with the measurements included if anyone needs to see them. All of the measurements below are approximate mm -> inch conversions.
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Depth from rubber grommet to lowest part of chamber: 115 mm, 4.5 in
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Inner glass diameter (joint?): 14 mm, 0.5 in
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Inner glass diameter (bowl?): 8 mm, 0.3 in
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Diameter of lowest chamber (don’t know if this is needed): 107 mm, 4.25 in
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Diameter of bowl chamber (don’t think this matters): 30 mm, 1.25 in
I would appreciate recommendations you all have for reputable glassware replacement sellers (from first-hand experience, preferably). In addition, I don’t think the depth of the join needs to be that long, that’s just the max depth. Thank you in advance for any suggestions, recommendations, or numbers to filter for when finding a replacement!
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I’m not sure if you’re in the US, but I’ve bought glass from badassglass.com a few times and never had any issues.
ETA I think the part you’re needing is called a downstem.
Downstem is what we always called it. Pretty sure that’s accurate. Usually pretty cheap to replace.
My local headshops all carry these in stock so OP should go check their local shop out. I think you’d just need to match the diameter.
Excellent suggestion! I’ll make a plan to visit there tomorrow, if I can! I’ll be so happy to have my large bong back in running order after using the little bong my wife has (and isn’t very forgiving on the throat)!
Thank you for [the] name. I’ll probably hit up a local headshop and see what they thing. Glass is locally blown, from years ago, so I’m glad the only thing that broke (suddenly) was the downstem!
^Edit added in brackets ^
Awesome! I’m saving this site for future glass inquiries. They have a Black Friday deal going on right now, too, so maybe I’ll look into new pieces from them!
I’m going to recommend what i did years ago.
Stop buying glass.
Silicon bongs never break and are easy to clean. I’ve bought two in 5 years whereas before i’d buy a new glass bong every six months or so since something would break.
That looks like it accepts a 14mm down stem. If you have any other 14mm male tapered bowls or other ground glass joint gear you can try to see if a 14mm ground glass joint fits.
That’s a great suggestion. I’ll check our other glass and see what we have. We’re not collectors, by any means, but we have a few each (wife and I)!
Hello @mjhelto I’m sorry to hear about your old glass. I hope that the only thin that broke with it was a replaceable downstem. I would take the bong into a glass shop and ask them for sizing the right length downstem.
I don’t know how open you are to the recommendation of new pieces but theres some pretty neat and affordable glass on market today that wasn’t here 10 years ago.
I am a oldhead raised on traditional glass beakers, glass handpipes, and dugouts. The tech they have today is just crazy.
The orb v3 by vgoodiez is one of the most functional water pipes ive ever had.
Any dynavap absolutely invalidates a traditional one-hitter dugout. They sell wooden dugout boxes and other stash options for dynavaps. The H2 glass vaporizer in particular is real nice.
There are two makers of pure titanium bongs now that are unbreakable. The Summit and the danglebong.
Thick Ass Glass sold me the best most beefiest glass I ever had. Truly a company that proudly lives up to their name they will sell you thick ass glass. If you have the money get the thickest 9mm bong they have and you won’t be disappointed.
bong’s inner pipe
The term you’re looking for is “downstem” and the only variables that really matter are the inner and outer diameters and the length. Also, make sure you don’t buy one that isn’t ground down on the inside where the bowl connects (the area that looks frosted which is the actual “joint”) or it won’t seal like some of the extremely cheap ones.
Clean the bowl thoroughly with 91% isopropyl alcohol and take it to the head shop with you if you want to test the fit of the joint. If it does fit and the length is close enough then you’re done. Don’t overthink it.
But… Overthinking is what I do? You expect me to just throw caution to the wind and not obsess over every possible detail of this purchase so I am eventually left with task paralysis?
I’m all seriousness, thank you for the info! I will probably hit up a headshop this week before the holiday!
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