How To Remove a Broken Downstem From a Bong
TEvery bong should come with a guidebook that explains how to unstick a stuck downstem.
It may appear even more urgent if you let the pressure of resolving this problem and getting to your next smoking session build up. Removing the downstem in a hurry, violently, or incorrectly could result in tragedy, such a broken downstem! Even when it is in perfect condition, this can be avoided by taking the downstem out and cleaning it. The tube that joins the bong's interior to the bowl is known as the downstem.
The bong's long cylindrical tube serves as a reliable seal, allowing smoke to enter the chamber without spreading. Your downstem may become stuck for a number of reasons, such as resin accumulation or insufficient drying after cleaning.
How to Remove Your Stuck Downstem Correctly
Cleaning your bong every single day is definitely the best way to stop your downstem from getting stuck. Using a glass cleaning product designed specifically for bongs and bowls may be the best course of action for you if you have the patience to wait two days and are not in a rush to take a decent hit. These procedures entail applying the cleaner to the downstem and joint and then waiting for the build-up on the glass pieces to be sufficiently absorbed for removal.
You may easily insert a graphite stick designed specifically for cleaning bongs and bowls into the downstem aperture. You can bring your downstem to safety by adding a small wrist twist and gradually wriggling from this position.
You Have a Stuck Downstem And Only Household Items
Simple household goods, such as vibrating items like an electric toothbrush or razor, can be used. Wrap the thing in a cloth or napkin for protection, then gently press the vibrating object along the bong's junction where the detachable downstem portion emerges. It is usually a good idea to have something ready to grab and catch the glass stem when it loosens since you may be tilting the bong at an angle downward to aid remove it.
Rubber alcohol is an additional choice that is affordable and commonly accessible. To carefully release the space between the downstem and the glass, slowly pour rubbing alcohol where the downstem is trapped. Some individuals even attempt to use WD40 in place of alcohol, but complete and comprehensive cleaning is required to get rid of any hazardous chemicals and residue that remain after freeing the downstem.
Squeezing the handle tightly around the top of the downstem and rotating either clockwise or anticlockwise will allow you to turn the pliers around and use them. Additionally, you can release it by applying pressure with a lever using a pair of pliers at the top of the downstem where it glides into the opening. However, this approach could be risky because the metal on the glass might break. Additionally, utilising a larger-sized screwdriver is a riskier approach. This is accomplished by firmly inserting the screwdriver and utilising wriggling rotations to loosen the downstem.
Hot water and boiling water are a couple other techniques you might want to try. The thick built-up resin may be made more pliable by running hot tap water through the stem or by pouring boiling water into the bong and stem. This will enable you to safely remove or twist the downstem out. However, using oven mitts or safety gloves when handling hot glass or boiling water is necessary if you want to avoid burning yourself.
You may also do the opposite and utilise the cold water method if that doesn't work! It is believed to work quickly and effectively to run the downstem and bong under cold water while slowly releasing the stuck piece from its trap with your fingertips.
Use a wire metal coat hanger by shaping and hooking the end so that it fits down into the hole at the bottom and can be hooked on the end and dragged out as an honourable mention for freeing a stuck or broken downstem. putting the entire bong in the dishwasher, washing it thoroughly, withdrawing it while it's still warm, and removing the downstem that way. A final mention by placing a small ice cube into the opening of the downstem and tapping all around the joint with a wooden spoon or cooking tool while lightly pulling is believed to release the hold.
If You Have a Broken Downstem Stuck In Your Bong
Using strong glue, such as a welder's glue, and a wooden dowel or wooden spoon would be an easy way to remove a broken downstem. After applying glue to the dowel, insert it into the broken downstem and gently wiggle and twist it. You should have no trouble gently twisting the broken downstem out of the bong once the glue has taken hold.
You Should Never Try And Remove Your Downstem With These Methods
tapping with objects! Never tap anything. The glass's integrity could be easily compromised by this technique, leading to its breakage. This includes slamming or smashing the bong with your hands, a surface, or items to remove the stem because doing so can weaken the glass' structure and increase the likelihood that it will break in the future.
Another method of heating that you shouldn't try is with a flame or hot stove element. Your glass gets too hot quickly, and it can happen quickly. Too much heat can cause it to break, endangering your safety and the safety of others. This approach is one that could appear simple, but the risk outweighs the benefit. The glass is typically only successfully heated with a lighter or torch when it gets stuck because to resin buildup.
