Build Your Own Metal Smoking Pipe? The 41 Latest Answer

steel pipe

Steel tubes are long, hollow tubes used for a variety of purposes. They are manufactured by two different processes that result in either a welded or seamless tube. In both processes, raw steel is first cast into a more machinable starting shape. It is then fabricated into tube by stretching the steel into a seamless tube or by pinching the edges and sealing with a weld. The first methods of manufacturing steel tubing were introduced in the early 1800’s and have steadily evolved into the modern processes we use today. Millions of tons of steel pipes are produced every year. Its versatility makes it the most used product in the steel industry.

Steel Pipes can be found in various locations. Because they are strong, they are used underground to transport water and gas through towns and cities. They are also used in construction to protect electrical wiring. While steel pipes are strong, they can also be lightweight. This makes them perfect for use in bicycle frame production. Other places they are used include automobiles, refrigeration units, heating and plumbing systems, flagpoles, street lamps, and medicines, to name a few.

story

Humans have used pipes for thousands of years. Perhaps it was first used by ancient farmers diverting water from streams and rivers to their fields. Archaeological evidence suggests that as early as 2000 BC the Chinese used reeds to transport water to desired locations. Clay tubes used by other ancient civilizations have been discovered. In the first century AD the first lead pipes were built in Europe. In tropical countries, bamboo canes were used to transport water. Colonial Americans used wood for a similar purpose. In 1652 the first waterworks were built in Boston from hollow logs.

The development of modern welded steel tubing can be traced back to the early 1800s. In 1815 William Murdock invented a carbon burning lamp system. In order to provide the entire city of London with these lights, Murdock assembled the barrels of discarded muskets. He used this continuous pipeline to transport the coal gas. As his lighting system proved its worth, there was a greater demand for long metal tubes. In order to produce enough tubing to meet this need, various inventors have set to work to develop new methods of tubing manufacture.

An early notable process for making metal tubing quickly and cheaply was patented by James Russell in 1824. In his process, tubes were made by joining opposite edges of a flat strip of iron. The metal was first heated until it was malleable. The edges are folded together and welded with a drop hammer. The tube was finished by running it through a grooving and rolling mill.

Russell’s method was not used for long, as the next year Comelius Whitehouse developed a better method of making metal pipes. This process, known as the butt welding process, is the basis for our current tube manufacturing processes. In his method, thin sheets of iron were heated and pulled through a cone-shaped opening. As the metal passed through the opening, its edges curled, forming a tubular shape. The two ends were welded together to complete the tube. The first production plant deployed

This process in the United States opened in Philadelphia in 1832.

Gradually, improvements were made to the Whitehouse method. One of the most important innovations was introduced by John Moon in 1911. He proposed the continuous process method, in which a manufacturing facility could produce tubes in an endless stream. He built machines for this specific purpose and many tube factories adopted them.

With the development of welded tube processes, a need for seamless metal tubes arose. Seamless pipes are those that do not have a weld seam. They were first made by drilling a hole through the center of a solid cylinder. This method was developed in the late 1800s. These types of tubes were perfect for bike frames as they are thin walled, light weight but strong. In 1895 the first factory for the production of seamless tubes was built. When bicycle manufacturing gave way to automobile manufacturing, seamless tubing was still required for gasoline and oil lines. This demand grew even greater as larger deposits of oil were found.

As early as 1840, ironworkers were able to produce seamless pipes. One method involved drilling a hole through a round billet of solid metal. The billet was then heated and drawn through a series of dies, which lengthened it to form a tube. This method was inefficient as it was difficult to drill the center hole. This resulted in an uneven tube with one side thicker than the other. In 1888 an improved process received a patent. The massive beak was cast around a refractory brick core. When it cooled, the brick was removed, leaving a hole in the middle. Since then, new rolling techniques have replaced these methods.

draft

There are two types of steel tubing, one is seamless and the other has a single weld along its length. Both have different uses. Seamless tubes are typically lighter and have thinner walls. They are used for bicycles and to transport liquids. Crimped tubes are heavier and stiffer. They have better consistency and are typically straighter. They are used for things like gas transportation, electrical wiring, and plumbing. Typically they are used where the pipe is not subject to high stress.

Certain tube properties can be controlled during production. For example, the diameter of the tube is often modified depending on how it is used. The diameter can range from tiny tubes used to make hypodermic needles to large tubes used to transport gas across a city. The wall thickness of the tube can also be controlled. The type of steel also often affects the strength and flexibility of the pipes. Other controllable properties include length, coating material, and finishing.

raw material

The main raw material in tube production is steel. Steel consists mainly of iron. Other metals that can be present in the alloy include aluminum, manganese, titanium, tungsten, vanadium and zirconium. Some finishing materials are sometimes used during production. For example, can be color

Manufacturing

procedure

used when the pipe is coated. Typically, a small amount of oil is applied to steel tubing at the end of the production line. This will help protect the tube. Although sulfuric acid is not part of the end product, it is used in a manufacturing step to clean the tube.

Steel pipes are manufactured using two different processes. The entire manufacturing process for both processes involves three steps. First, raw steel is converted into a more workable form. Next, the tube is formed on a continuous or semi-continuous production line. Finally, the tube is cut and modified to meet the customer’s needs.

ingot production

1 Molten steel is made by melting iron ore and coke (a carbon-rich substance formed when coal is heated without air) in a furnace, then removing most of the carbon by blowing oxygen into the liquid. The molten steel is then poured into large, thick-walled iron molds where it cools into ingots.

2 In order to form flat products such as plate and sheet or long products such as rods and bars, billets are formed between large rollers under enormous pressure.

Production of flowers and plates

3 To create a billet, the billet is passed through a pair of grooved steel rollers that are stacked. These types of rollers are called “two-high mills”. In some cases, three rollers are used. The rollers are mounted so that their grooves coincide, and they move in opposite directions. This action causes the steel to be crushed and stretched into thinner, longer pieces. When the rollers are flipped by the operator, the steel is pulled back, making it thinner and longer. This process is repeated until the steel reaches the desired shape. During this process, machines called manipulators rotate the steel so that each side is machined evenly.

4 Ingots can also be rolled into slabs in a process similar to the bloom making process. The steel is passed through a pair of stacked rollers that stretch it. However, there are also side-mounted rollers to regulate the width of the slabs. When the steel is in the desired shape, the rough ends are trimmed off and the slabs or blooms are cut into shorter lengths.

Further processing

5 blooms are typically further processed before being made into whistles. Billets are converted into billets by running them through more rolling devices that make them longer and narrower. The billets are cut by devices known as flying shears. These are two synchronized shears that ride with and cut the moving billet. This allows for efficient cuts without stopping the manufacturing process. These billets are stacked and eventually become seamless tubes.

6 slabs will also be reworked. To make them malleable, they are first heated to 1,204°C (2,200°F). This causes an oxide layer to form on the surface of the slab. This coating is broken off with a lime breaker and a high-pressure water jet. The slabs are then sent through a series of rolls on a hot rolling mill and processed into thin, narrow strips of steel called skelp. This mill can be up to half a mile long. As the slabs pass through the rollers, they become thinner and longer. In the course of about three minutes, a single plate can be converted from a 6 inch thick piece of steel to a thin strip of steel that can be a quarter mile long.

7 After stretching, the steel is pickled. In this process, it passes through a series of tanks containing sulfuric acid to clean the metal. Finally, it is rinsed with cold and hot water, dried, and then rolled up onto large spools and packaged for shipment to a pipe factory.

pipe manufacture

8 Both bowls and billets are used to make whistles. Skelp is processed into a welded tube. It is first placed on an unwinding machine. When the steel coil is unwound, it is heated. The steel is then fed through a series of grooved rolls. As you drive past, the rollers cause the edges of the scalp to curl up. This forms an unwelded tube.

9 Next, the steel passes through welding electrodes. These devices seal the two ends of the pipe together. The weld is then passed through a high pressure roller that helps create a tight weld. The tube is then cut to a desired length and stacked for further processing. Welded steel pipe is a continuous process and can be produced at speeds of up to 335.3 m (1,100 feet) per minute, depending on pipe size.

10 When seamless tubes are required, square billets are used for production. They are heated and shaped to form a cylinder shape, also known as a round. The round is then placed in an oven where it is heated to an incandescent state. The heated round is then rolled with great pressure. This high pressure rolling causes the billet to expand and a hole to form in the center. Because this hole is irregularly shaped, a spherical piercing tip is pushed through the center of the billet during rolling. After piercing, the tube may still have an irregular thickness and shape. To correct this, it is passed through another series of rolling mills.

finishing

11 After both tube types have been manufactured, they can be fed through a straightening machine. They may also be fitted with connectors to allow two or more pieces of pipe to be connected. The most common type of connection for smaller diameter tubing is threading – narrow grooves cut into the end of the tubing. The tubes are also sent through a measuring machine. This information is automatically stamped onto the tube along with other quality control data. The pipe is then sprayed with a light coat of protective oil. Most pipes are usually treated to prevent them from rusting. This is done by galvanizing or galvanizing. Depending on the use of the pipe, other colors or coatings can be used.

quality control

Various measures are taken to ensure that the finished steel tube meets the specifications. For example, X-ray gauges are used to regulate the thickness of steel. The measuring devices work with two X-ray beams. A beam is directed onto a steel of known thickness. The other is aimed at the passing steel on the production line. If there is any discrepancy between the two beams, the gauge will automatically trigger a resizing of the reels to compensate.

At the end of the process, the tubes are also inspected for defects. One method of testing a pipe is to use a special machine. This machine fills the tube with water and then increases the pressure to see if it holds. Defective pipes are scrapped.

Where to Learn More Books Pipe Characteristic Handbook. Williams Natural Gas Company Engineering Group. Pennwell Publishing. 1996. Kirk Othmer Encyclopedia of Chemical Technology. John Wiley & Sons. New York: 1992. Steel Pipe: A Guide for Design and Installation. American Water Works Association. 1989

If you have a massive batch of ganja but nothing to smoke, fear not. Whistles are one of the easiest inventions on the planet and can be made out of anything. As with most fun activities, it’s just a matter of air and holes.

We know you’re probably in a hurry if you’ve been looking for DIY whistling methods, so let’s get started right away.

Apple

Probably the most iconic DIY whistle method is an apple. The apple as a makeshift whistle is so famous that pretty much everyone has a story or two about using a whistle.

They’re fun, easy to make, and even give you a little zesty apple flavor.

What you need:

Apple

Knife, screwdriver, car key or anything that can poke a hole

Step 1: Get an apple

You’ll need a ripe apple to start with, but preferably not an old and mushy one. They need it to be able to endure the heat and smoke. You’ll also need something to carve a hole, like a screwdriver or knife.

Step 2: Twist off the stem

Twist off the stem to create a natural peel on top of the apple.

Step 3: Poke a hole in the top

Using a knife, screwdriver, car keys, whatever you have, poke a hole through the top of the apple where the stem used to be and press it into the center.

Step 4: Poke a hole in the side

Poke another hole in the side of the apple. This will be your mouthpiece. Connect it to the first hole to form an L-shaped tunnel.

If you want a carb hole, push the mouthpiece hole all the way through to the other side.

Step 5: Fill the top with dry herb and enjoy

The apple method can also be applied to other fruits and vegetables such as potatoes, carrots, cucumbers, zucchini – anything that allows you to form the L-shaped airway.

soda can

Another iconic homemade whistle is one made with an empty can. This classic handcrafted whistle was certainly invented at a college party where there is no shortage of cans, but you’ll easily find supplies at home even if you’re not a party person.

To make a soda can whistle, you need a soda can and an instrument to poke a hole in (knife, screwdriver, car key).

Step 1: Poke a hole in the side of the can

Poke a hole in the side of the can near the bottom.

Step 2: Bend or pinch the can around the hole

It doesn’t have to be a work of art, it just needs to be able to hold ground dry herb in some sort of basin. This will be your bowl.

Step 3: Poke a hole on the other side

This second hole will be your mouthpiece.

toilet paper roll

If we all have something lying around our house, it’s toilet paper. And stoners have been known to use the leftover rolls for a variety of tasks, like creating a parody when they want to hide the smell of weed.

All you need to make this powerful DIY steamroller is an empty toilet paper (or paper towel) roll.

Step 1: Make a hole in the cardboard

The hole should be positioned about 1/4 the length of the roll up.

Step 2: Shape your aluminum foil tray

Form a piece of aluminum foil into a cone/bowl shape. Poke a few tiny holes in the bottom and place them in the hole in the roll.

Step 3: Smooth out the edges of the foil

You want to make sure you don’t set the toilet paper roll on fire – once the bowl is positioned in the hole, flatten the foil around the exposed cardboard to ensure you can light it without setting your face on fire.

Step 4: Fill with herbs

Step 5: Light it up

Use one end of the roll as a mouthpiece and cover the other end with your hand while you light the bowl. This fills the interior with smoke.

Then quickly remove your hand and inhale.

Ice Block Pipe

Ice Block Pipe takes a little more time and effort than our other ideas, especially if you don’t have a form. But we think it’s still worth trying.

To make this pipe, choose a long and narrow container, fill it with water and put it in the freezer. Then wait for it to turn into a block of ice.

Once you have your block of ice, carefully carve a hole in one end for the mouthpiece and stem and connect it to a hole at the top to make an L-shaped bowl. As with the previous pipe, place aluminum foil in the bowl hole or fill it directly with herbs. Fire it up and enjoy a smooth and cool hit.

If you’re feeling a little unsure about this, just freeze a few blocks so you have room for mistakes.

The tic tac bong

Technically a hookah, the tic tac bong is super tiny, so we think it should still be on this list. This perfect homemade on-the-go whistle is easy to make and all you need is an empty tic tac box.

Once you have your box, poke a hole in one side and insert a thin tube (like a straw). Make a cone-shaped bowl by forming a piece of aluminum foil and placing it in your tube.

Then fill the box with water and the bowl with herbs. Light it up and inhale through the opening. This method is great if you like small but strong hits.

Pen

A pen whistle is discreet but a bit complicated compared to the other methods. If you have a lot of pens around but no cans or fruit (perhaps you are at a pen convention in Australia and have had all your fruit confiscated at the border due to strict regulations on moving produce), this method may work if needed.

Step 1: Get a good pen

You need a pen that disassembles easily and preferably doesn’t have a plastic tip.

Step 2: Take out the ink tube

Now all you have is the pin cone.

Step 3: Put the pen tip back in the opposite direction

Re-insert the tip in the opposite way it normally fits. The tip creates a v-shaped bowl. Fill it with cannabis, light it and inhale from the back.

If you’d rather not bother with all that tech, the Impersonator is an even more discreet pen whistle that’s ready to go.

We usually get the idea to make a DIY whistle in desperate situations, but it can also be a fun activity to share with your stoner friends.

Making a homemade pipe will give you a sense of accomplishment and a different experience with weed. While these methods are fun and effective, they’re really just a one-time fix, and we encourage you to stock up on whistles so you don’t have to rely on DIY methods.

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With more materials available than ever before, smoking accessories come in a variety of designs and materials. Recently, the vast majority of smoking devices that you can find are made of glass. And while it’s certainly cleaner and more durable, the slightest mistake can cause it to break. Luckily we have metal accessories. These are tough, durable and ready for endless smoking sessions.

Among the most common metal accessories we find brass whistles. They used to be the best type of whistles, but as glass whistles came onto the market, they slowly started to lose recognition. However, there are still many users who keep these points in mind when deciding on a whistle type. In case you are one of them and are wondering if brass pipes are safe to smoke, this article will help you find an answer.

Is brass bad to smoke?

If you search for brass whistles online, you will find thousands of users claiming that this accessory is bad for your health. However, this is just a misconception resulting from the assumption that almost all metal elements emit toxic fumes when heated. For this reason, many smokers refrain from buying brass pipes, fearing that it will damage their health.

The truth is brass is not bad to smoke. At least not brass pipe that hasn’t been coated with harmful chemicals. In fact, pure brass is non-toxic and has no connection to any health complications. Therefore, always make sure that you only buy pure brass whistles.

One of the easiest ways to tell if a brass whistle is safe to use is to look for a patina. Over time, pure brass will begin to change color, becoming bluish-green. In such cases, the pipe has not been covered with an element that releases toxic fumes when heated, ensuring that you only inhale the smoke of your herb.

Brass tubing coated with copper or nickel, on the other hand, is highly unsafe. Never buy a whistle with this coating, especially on the head, as the constant exposure to heat will eventually end up inhaling its chemicals without realizing it. If you ever walk into a head shop and find a shiny brass whistle, ask what material it was coated with. Most of the time, brass whistles look shiny and perfect because they have a nickel plating.

Another misconception about brass pipe is that this metal is highly toxic when heated. The thing is, brass isn’t a metal, it’s an alloy. Its nature is more resilient than many other metals such as silver or gold, allowing it to withstand heat. Also, brass’s melting point is extremely high, and you only hold your lighter around your pipe for a few seconds before removing it. In such cases, the brass cannot reach its melting point and release toxic fumes.

Are Brass Screens Safe?

Just like your ordinary brass pipe, brass strainers have been around for decades. First used in tobacco pipes, they made it into the cannabis market thanks to their affordable nature and convenience. In addition, they fit in any type of bowl, which makes them perfect for a last minute purchase where you don’t have time to decide on a more suitable option.

The only downside to brass screens is that they degrade easily over time. As we mentioned earlier, you will not generate the temperature needed to melt brass in just one fumigation. However, the brass sieve is destroyed by continuous exposure to heat. In this case, it is very important that you keep an eye on it. Brass screens are safe as long as they are not plated with nickel or other corrosive metals and even if they are removed for holes on the surface.

The heat will eventually break your brass strainer. When the time comes, throw it away to avoid inhaling brass, as this is a sign the screen is starting to release chemicals. While pure brass is non-toxic, we’re pretty sure you won’t be happy to breathe it in.

As you can see, brass is a material that has been the subject of much misunderstanding in recent years. Today, glass pipes are the most common form of smoking cannabis. However, that doesn’t mean cheaper options aren’t as good as they are. Now that you know that brass pipes are safe to smoke, you can confidently choose one to enjoy your herb with. Finally, many users claim that it doesn’t alter the flavor of their weed and gives them a classy feel. Whistles are constantly being developed and improved, check out HØJ’s KØL for impeccable Danish design.

April 9, 2008 – Here’s yet another reason to “just say no” to drugs: Smoking marijuana could lead to lead poisoning. Doctors in Germany have linked a mysterious outbreak of lead poisoning to contaminated street shipments of marijuana.

In a letter to the New England Journal of Medicine, Dr. Franziska Busse from Leipzig University Hospital and colleagues described a puzzling occurrence of lead poisoning symptoms over a period of 3 to 4 months in patients aged 16 to 33 years. Twenty-nine patients at four different hospitals experienced abdominal cramps, nausea, fatigue and anemia – classic signs and symptoms of lead poisoning.

But the source of the lead remained inexplicable. After eight weeks of research, Busse and colleagues finally found a common link: All patients were admitted to smoking weed on a regular basis, either in joint form or through a hookah.

Tests performed on some patients’ leftover stashes showed traces of lead particles mixed with the marijuana leaves. Lead’s gray color allowed the metal to mix easily with the illicit drug. The large size of the lead particles found in one pack strongly suggests that the poisoning was not due to soil contamination. Busse writes that police suspect street dealers of intentionally lacing street bags of marijuana with the toxic metal to boost profits. The weight of the lead particles found in the stockpiles examined would roughly equate to a profit of $1,500 per kilogram of marijuana.

Metal whistles often get a bad rap due to their negative stigma. Some metals can actually be hazardous to human health. Some metals even emit toxic fumes when exposed to high temperatures. However, there are many non-toxic metals that are used to create the very best cannabis pipes available today. When smoking aluminum pipes, anodized aluminum is among the safest and most accessible metals to smoke.

For a smoother, safer smoke, learn more about anodized aluminum weed pipes like DART’s one-hitter and metal smoking pipes. But what exactly is the difference between anodized aluminum and regular aluminum foil? And can any of these aluminum pose a risk to human health? Below we will discuss the clarifications between aluminum foil, anodized aluminum and the official toxicity status of both types. Read on to find out more!

What metals are safe to smoke from?

There is a lot of talk in the cannabis community about which metal materials are safe and which are unsafe to use when looking for a pipe to smoke weed. Research shows that several metals can be harmful to the health of heavy smokers, such as: B. Damage to the lungs and airways. These non-biocompatible metals are toxic to humans, especially when exposed to heat or when set on fire. The high temperature of a flame can cause some toxic metals to emit toxic fumes.

However, many metals are not toxic to humans. In fact, the modern consensus is that most of the highest quality cannabis pipes currently on the market are made of various metals. But with so many different types of metals out there, it can be difficult to remember which ones are safe to smoke with and which ones are toxic to use. The non-toxic metals listed below are all good materials to choose from when purchasing a metal whistle or one-hitter.

Brass

Brass is a metal alloy that consists of many different components and therefore does not occur in nature. Brass metal is non-toxic to humans and emits no toxicity when exposed to the heat of a flame. Brass is tough and wear-resistant, which means that the pipe’s appearance and function are preserved for a long time.

Brass pipes are often thick and heat resistant, offering the cannabis smoker a slow burning bowl for more hits over a longer period of time. Brass isn’t the most common material used to build metal tubing, but it’s certainly a top choice. Brass weed pipes often come with a lid that covers the opening of the bowl.

titanium

Extracting naturally occurring titanium dioxide from ore and chemically processing it creates titanium metal. Titanium is a biocompatible metal, meaning it is non-toxic to humans. In addition to being a non-toxic metal, titanium is a great material for one-hitters and pipes due to its light weight and heat resistance. The only downside to titanium tubing is that it tends to dent over time. Without the “heavy metal” durability of other metal-made smoke pieces, titanium is a great option for a weightless portable pipe for puffing on the go.

Anodized aluminum

Anodized aluminum is all the rage when it comes to more modern metal marijuana pipes. Many members of the cannabis community agree that the durable, heat-resistant, and corrosion-resistant properties of anodized aluminum are unbeatable when creating the perfect metal cannabis pipes. The innovative weed pipes DART One Hitter, DART Plus and DART Pro are all carefully crafted from anodized aluminum to produce the best possible smoke.

Whether you’re a busy person on a tight schedule or a dependable member of a local weekly smoke session, recharge quickly and easily with DART’s one-hitter chillums and other anodized aluminum weed pipes.

What metals can’t you smoke from?

Smoking Anodized Aluminum VS Aluminum Foil

There are many differences between smoking an anodized aluminum pipe and smoking a homemade aluminum foil pipe. Aluminum alone can have harmful effects on humans when fumigation. According to a New Jersey Department of Health and Human Services data sheet dealing with hazardous substances, aluminum produces toxic gases when exposed to fire. These aluminum oxide fumes can cause permanent damage to people who are frequently exposed to the burning foil. But if aluminum is toxic, then what makes it non-toxic with anodized aluminum? And how can we safely smoke from it?

Anodized aluminum tubes are non-toxic due to the anodic oxidation of each one. Anodic oxidation is an electrochemical conversion that creates a highly durable biocompatible film on the surface of a metal. This chemical conversion allows for the non-toxic and amazingly efficient use of anodized aluminum tubing for cannabis consumption. So when it comes to smoking with aluminum, avoid foil and get familiar with your anodized options. For the perfect metal pipe that’s securely sealed with chemistry, use DART’s anodized aluminum cannabis pipes.

nickel

As cancer research has discovered, nickel contains dangerous compounds that are immunotoxic to humans and carcinogenic. In other words, nickel can cause disease and even cancer if consumed. Smoking pipes made of nickel pose major health hazards, so avoid smoking from them unless the metal surface has been anodized. Smoking from an anodized nickel pipe is the only instance where nickel should be used to consume cannabis.

copper

Copper is not a safe metal to smoke. When exposed to high temperatures, copper gives off noxious fumes and an unpleasant odor. Prolonged exposure or consumption of copper often leads to copper poisoning. Avoid smoking this metal altogether to prevent the onset of copper poisoning symptoms such as headaches, diarrhea, and in some cases, liver failure.

Plastic Smoking: Is It Safe?

It is important to realize that plastic is not a safe material for smoking cannabis. Inhaling smoke from burning plastic is incredibly harmful. The smoke and fumes from the plastic contain carcinogenic contaminants that pose a major hazard to human health when consumed. Whether you’re thinking of smoking from a makeshift water bottle bong or a plastic one-hit pipe, consider the toxicity of the material and find a healthier alternative.

How to care for and maintain your metal whistle

Compared to other materials such as ceramic or wood, metal whistles are by far the easiest to clean. But before buying and owning a pipe of any kind, learning how to properly clean a weed pipe is absolutely crucial. Thorough and frequent cleaning of your weed pipe will help keep your lungs fit and your smoke clean and tasty. There are two main methods of cleaning marijuana pipes. Use the soap and scrub method on pipes after each use.

The soak, shake, and scrub method is used to deep clean glass and metal parts monthly or more often depending on the amount of weed being smoked from your pipe. Read below to learn more about these cleaning methods and practice them step by step yourself.

The daily scrub

Nothing is more exciting than loading your first bowl and smoking from a brand new pipe! But after just the first head, your pipe will have lost its brand new shine. Unclean pipes, more noticeable than their spoiled appearance, usually impart a stale or undesirable flavor to cannabis smoke. When resin and ash residue builds up in your chillums and pipes, it can greatly increase the amount of tar inhaled when smoking. Which, in turn, can also diminish the value of your high. And the dirtier it gets, the sicker you’ll feel smoking it.

To reduce the risk to your lung health, give your whistle a light foam scrub under warm running water. Use a small scrubbing brush or DART’s cleaning kit for a flawless shine that will more than restore its brand new shine. Finally, shake off excess water and place the whistle in a warm, bright, well-ventilated place until completely dry. If a pipe stays wet for too long, harmful bacteria will grow. Clean and dry your marijuana pipes after each use to ensure the best flavor and smoothest smoke every time.

The hardcore deep cleanse

Almost all cannabis smokers own at least one dirty pipe or hitter deserving of rough love and some serious dirt removal. Luckily, the transformative process of thoroughly cleaning dirty pipes is relatively easy. All you need is isopropyl alcohol, coarse salt, a container and lid, hot water, and a small scrubbing brush for a thorough cleaning. After thoroughly cleaning your whistles with the following method, you will end up hardly recognizing them.

Place your whistle in a sufficiently sized plastic container and fill the container with isopropyl alcohol until your piece is completely submerged. Then add a handful of salt, close the lid, and shake the container many times to allow the alcohol and salt to enter the pipe and stir up the gooey buildup. Allow your incense stick to soak for an hour before shaking again. Watch the tube carefully and repeat this process until most of the resin is loosened from the inside walls of the tube.

When you’re done soaking and shaking your metal pipe deep cleaning, discard the isopropyl and rinse your piece thoroughly with hot water several times. This step is critical because isopropyl alcohol left on or in the line can cause skin or lung problems the next time you use it. After rinsing it, give the pipe a final foam scrub and do any necessary small detail cleaning. Remember to let the piece dry before putting it away completely. When you’re done, you’ve successfully restored a long-lost pipe to its glory!

Benefits of cleaning DART tubes

DART’s single-hit chillums and marijuana pipes are ultra-innovative and ease the constant struggle to keep pipes clean. With a spring-loaded ashing feature, DART cannabis pipes save you the trouble of emptying each of your redeemed bowls. And DARTCO maintains a sleek, non-curved design that allows for easy cleaning when using a narrow, long scrubbing brush. The DART Pro marijuana pipe disassembles in multiple places for even more internal gunk access. The tube’s dismantlability allows for easy removal of accumulated resin and dirt that has built up on its inner walls.

whistles, not of metal

Metal pipes are easy to clean, durable and often look elegant or discreet. However, metal pipes are far from your only option when choosing the best pipe for you and your cannabis smoking preferences. Glass, ceramic, and wood are just a few of the non-metallic materials used to make smoking pipes. Each of these whistles has its own pros and cons. The following descriptions provide an insight into each of these non-metallic materials commonly used to make whistles, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of each type.

glass pipes

Glass single-hit whistles are mostly see-through, which aids in thorough cleaning, but isn’t entirely ideal for sharing with friends. Even after just one use of your glass pipe, the lack of a soapy scrub is evident as the glass is stained with resin and bits of ash rest in the chillum smoke chamber. However, some glass pipe enthusiasts say that the undeniable status of their pipe’s cleanliness motivates them to keep it clean after every single use. Owning glass one-hitters could become your new pipe of choice for those who love to keep their personal pipes ultra shiny clean.

ceramic tubes

One of the most important advantages of ceramic chillums and pipes is their customizable potential. Ceramic weed pipes are often handcrafted by talented ceramists with artistic skill and attention to detail. The result of these handcrafted cannabis pipes is stunningly beautiful. However, the main disadvantage of these pieces is that they are more delicate than most other materials used to make whistles. Most ceramic pipe owners that I know keep the beautiful pieces as decoration. If you enjoy collecting amazing pipes and bongs, check out the art of ceramic pipes for the full scoop.

wooden whistles

Smoking from wooden pipes is more than 2,500 years old. The wooden pipes currently available all have a similar distinctive look that is commonly associated with luxury. As great as the looks may be, these wooden whistles often lack practicality and go unused by most of their owners. If you are looking for an intricate whistle as a high-end decor for your space, you should check out the different types of wooden whistle on the market today.

“Safe” smoking practices

It has been medically proven that burning a plant and then inhaling its smoke causes adverse health effects over time. This smoke carries particles of the plant tar into the lungs, which can lead to permanent respiratory problems, especially in heavy smokers. It is important to consider this health risk when discussing ways to improve smoking safety. It’s important to take careful safety precautions, like researching cannabis and the materials used during its consumption. Stay up-to-date on the new and changing methods of consuming cannabis for even more tips on how to smoke as safely as possible.

Innovative cannabis industry staples like DART Co. have dedicated work to educating the cannabis community about the risks of smoking AND offering safer alternatives to many outdated methods of consumption. The DART Pro cannabis pipe is built with many special features that can reduce the risk of lung damage while benefiting from the effects of smoking cannabis. Featuring a built in mesh screen and filtration system maintained by easily replaceable and biodegradable paper filters that trap harmful tar particles during weed smoke inhalation.

Learn about ways to build safety into your smoking habits, educate yourself about the substances you use and keep up to date with emerging research on the safest ways to use. Also, consider the toxicity of something before using it to make a makeshift whistle. If you are unsure whether the material is toxic or not, please don’t take any chances. Instead, conduct the necessary research to gain complete confidence in the biocompatibility of the material. When it comes to experimenting with unfamiliar methods of smoking weed, seeking knowledge and expanding your awareness will help ensure a safer smoking experience.

Bud bomb whistle

The Bud Bomb pipe from Budbomb is a compact and durable dry herb pipe. Portable and virtually indestructible, this pipe can withstand the rigors of everyday use and is perfect for smoking on the go or in the comfort of your own home.

Bud Bomb Pipe Properties

portable

Detachable parts

Easy to clean

Available in different finishes (see dropdown)

Detachable parts

The Bud Bomb pipe breaks down into four basic parts. A mouthpiece, revolutionary internal cooling coil, main chamber and bowl. Drawing smoke from this handy pipe cools your smoke as it travels through the airtight corridor. Try freezing your pipe before use to make it smoother.

Easy to clean

When your little Bud Bomb pipe gets dirty, simply detach the pipe pieces and rinse with water. Then you are done and ready to use the whistle again and again. If you want to clean the whistle a little more thoroughly, you can soak the whistle components in cleaning solution overnight.

Ideal for hits on the go

The Bud Bomb pipe is a fantastic piece for any herbal fan who likes their hits fast and on the go. This whistle is easy to transport and even easier to pack. This whistle is the last word in convinient.

Available in a variety of colors

The Bud Bomb Pipe is available in three different finishes: Silver, Gold and Gunmetal Black so you can get the piece that suits you best. Simply click on the drop down menu to view all available options for that tube.

Pipe smoking is a millennia-old tradition in many cultures. Today, whistle technology has come a long way and there are more whistle variations than ever before. For example, many people enjoy using sneak-a-toke whistles, but you may not know the history of this type of whistles. If you’re curious about the history of sneak-a-toke whistles, read on to learn more.

What are sneak-a-toke whistles?

Sneak-a-toke pipes are very popular with smokers who want a discreet, low-key smoking option. These tubes are small, spherical units, usually only an inch or two long. The tip of a sneak-a-toke whistle unscrews to allow the user to fill the unit with dry herb or tobacco. There is a hole in the top of the cap of a sneak-a-toke pipe for smokers to light the herb or tobacco. Sneak-a-toke pipes are made from a sturdy metal material and equipped with screens to filter the smoke for a smooth, enjoyable experience.

History of the sneak-a-toke whistles

The first sneak-a-toke whistle was developed in the 1970s when someone working in a garage was trying to develop a part for a car. The part didn’t work for its intended purpose in a car… but it did work as a discreet, easy-to-use tube. At the time the design was not patented so the whistle was replicated by many different people trying to make inexpensive replicas of the original design. Unfortunately, not all of these replicas have been designed to be particularly effective or user-friendly. The use of cheap materials and simple designs created many problems for smokers trying to use these sneak-a-toke pipes.

Modern sneak-a-toke whistles

Today, whistle technology has come a long way, and advances in whistle design have made sneak-a-toke whistles more user-friendly than ever. With higher quality materials, shielded designs and ergonomic shapes, Sneak-a-toke pipes offer a unique smoking experience that still allows the smoker to smoke discreetly without producing excessive smoke or drawing attention.

Modern sneak-a-toke whistles are also more durable and reliable than previous designs, making them a great addition to a whistle collection. The best place to buy sneak-a-toke pipes is at a local smoking shop that stocks a good selection of different types of pipes. This allows you to browse different tubes and personally see how they look and feel before settling on a particular option. It also gives you the opportunity to get recommendations from smoke shop employees who know their products and can help you find an option that suits your needs.

Sneak-a-toke whistles

If you are looking for smoking pipes or other smoking or vaping products or accessories, visit New Galaxy Gifts. We are a local smoke shop bringing the best vape and smoking products to customers in Orlando, FL. We offer an extensive range of products from both major manufacturers and local artists. No matter what you are looking for, our team is here to help you find the highest quality products on the market.

Categorized in: Smoke Shop

Stoners are notoriously some of the most resourceful people on earth. Finding ways to make whistles out of all sorts of household items. You name it, we’ve probably figured out a way to make a pipe or bong out of it.

But sometimes even the good old gravity bong doesn’t cut it, and you need to conjure up a homemade one-hitter to smoke on the go. Something discreet that’s easy to hide, easy to pack, and can be made from household items you can find anywhere.

So how do you turn household items into a one-hitter?

In this guide, we’re going to outline tons of ways you can one-hitter with all sorts of things you can find around your house.

Table of Contents:

Warnings for people who smoke homemade one-hitter pipes

Before we start, I just want to add that smoking in this “creative” way comes with a price. Plastics and thin metals can often be manufactured using highly hazardous chemicals that tend to burn off and emit fumes when heated to a high enough temperature. We do not recommend smoking any type of plastic or metal if you can avoid it.

We also urge you to be aware of the health concerns of smoking beforehand, understand the chemical compounds you inhale and make an effort to avoid these smoking techniques whenever possible.

Now that those disclaimers are out of the way, let’s jump into our Stoners Science lesson for the day and make some killer homemade one-hitters and how to make them.

3 Easy Ways to Make a One Hitter Pipe (Using Household Items)

So for this article, we really wanted to focus on homemade one-hitter whistles only. If you’re looking for other types of pipes to craft from household items, like bongs, bubblers, bowls, and more, this guide might be best for you. If not, let’s get started – MacGyver.

1. Pen or Marker One-hitter – Get “Creative” 😉

This is probably one of the easiest homemade one-hitters to make. It’s also probably the easiest to hide and most realistic on this list. Because of this, we had to put it #1 on this list.

consumables you need

To make a one-hitter out of a pen or marker you will need the following materials:

Ballpoint pen or marker

knife or scissors

lighter

socket (optional)

It doesn’t really matter what kind of pen you should use. Personally, I prefer some thickness, which results in a more robust one-hitter and bigger hits. But almost any old pen will work. For the following example, I chose a Paper Mate.

Ideally, you want something that unscrews easily, and if you don’t have an outlet, consider using a metal-bottomed pen to wrap your herbs so you can smoke them without inhaling plastic fumes.

How to make a one-hitter out of a pen or marker

There are a few basic steps to turning a pen or marker into a homemade one-hitter:

Remove the ink and other internal parts – You should ensure that you remove all internal parts of the pen while being careful not to spill any ink on yourself or the inside – as inhaling it can be very dangerous.

Inspect the Holes – After you’ve removed the internal parts of the pen, you’ll want to make sure you inspect the holes and make sure they work with the design you want. Typically, the tip of the pen where you click it is used as the mouthpiece, and the part of the pen you write with is used as the cup.

Create the bowl piece for your one-hitter – This can be done in a number of ways. The first way to do this (if you’re using a pen with a metal base) is to unscrew the base, turn it upside down, and then put it back down into the pen’s barrel. Usually this doesn’t stick perfectly, so you’ll either have to use your lighter to melt the plastic to make it fit and fuse them together, or use an adhesive like gum or glue. We do not recommend glue as inhaling these fumes can be very dangerous. The other way to do this is to use a base in the same way and either glue it to the bottom of the pin or fuse it the same way with the thinner part of the base facing out.

For Markers Only – One of the cool things about using markers is that they usually have a cap that simply attaches to the bottom of the marker and to a socket, making them super handy for making quick homemade one-hitters conjure. Just take the cap, make a hole in the top, then weld the bushing to the bottom and once you’ve made a big enough hole in the shaft, weld the top to the rest of your marker.

Smoke it up – Once you’ve done that, you’re pretty much done creating your one-hitter and it’s now time to smoke it. It’s not an exact science, every pin and socket is different, and everyone does things differently. As such, you may need to take a few puffs to figure out what needs to be adjusted and changed.

For and against

Pros Cons Quick to make Slightly bad taste Cheap to make Can be dangerous if plastic is used Few materials required Can be dangerous if ink smokes Long lasting Can be easily customized

Our thoughts

Overall, for people just learning how to make a one hitter whistle at home, this is the easiest solution for several reasons:

It’s easy and quick to do

Almost everyone has the supplies

The accessories are extremely cheap

There are some concerns about inhaling plastic and metal fumes. You should definitely research these first before smoking this type of one-hitter. All in all though, as long as you avoid using harmful glues and try to store your herbs in a metal holder that won’t burn or melt the plastic around them, you should reduce the risk significantly.

2. Make a steamroller out of toilet paper rolls – come down and get dirty 😆

This might be my second favorite homemade one-hitter because it’s just hilarious to imagine you can literally smoke out of cardboard toilet paper rolls. On top of that, they’re super easy to make, relatively safe to smoke, and get the job done really well if you know what I’m saying.

consumables you need

To turn your steamroller into a one-hitter, you need:

Toilet paper roll or paper towel roll (for you hardcore stoners)

Pedestal, glass bowl or tin foil bowl

lighter

Pen, knife, screwdriver or scissors

You’re probably a bit confused about the final supply line. Basically all you need is something that can poke a hole in the cardboard to put your bowl in. Depending on the size of bowl you’re using and the precision you have when using tools, you might be better off using one on top of the other.

How to make a one-hitter out of a toilet paper roll

Once you have your supplies, there are just a few simple steps all you need to make your homemade one hitter whistle:

Poke a hole in your toilet paper roll – Remember this is going to be a steamroller. Therefore, you should probably make the hole on one side of the pipe rather than in the middle. This allows you to accumulate smoke more easily when smoking, giving it some time to cool before it reaches you. It will also help prevent scoobies.

Take your bowl and fit it to the hole – This may require some adjustment to get just right. Ideally you want to make the hole with the size of your bowl in mind. If you trace it on the cardboard, your life will be much easier. Always try to make the hole smaller than you need to start with – you can always make it bigger, but you won’t be able to put the cardboard back once you’ve cut it out.

Put the bowl in – Once you have a hole, just clip your bowl in and you’re good to smoke. One thing to be sure of is making sure you leave at least ½ inch between the cardboard and the top of your bowl so you don’t directly burn the cardboard when you kindle it.

Light it up! – You’ve completed your homemade one-hitter project! Now all you have to do is try it out. Be careful with these, they sneak up on you. It always seems like you don’t get much smoke until you remove your hand from the rush hole and get wiped out.

For and against

Pros Cons Super easy to make Pretty big for a one-hitter Easily accessible supplies Usually very smelly Very cheap supplies Doesn’t last long Very smooth hits No effect on flavor (except based on bowl)

Our thoughts

Overall, a homemade steamroller is a cool little project that you can complete in less than 10 minutes with the right supplies. Knowing how to craft a one-hitter like this can make life super easy as the supplies are everywhere.

These homemade one-hitters are hard-hitting, easy to make, and far less dangerous or bad-tasting than metal or plastic smokes—especially when you attach a glass bowl to them. They can be a nuisance because cardboard tends to hold smells for a long time, and any amount of water or moisture will pretty much ruin your whistle.

3. The Apple Pipe – Johnny Appleweed 😛

To be honest, this is my favorite method other than smoking from a nice, clean bong. The main reasons for this are:

They are extremely casual and easily passed off as fruit

They taste fantastic

They keep a decent time

You can easily dispose of these in the forest

They’re super easy to make

Overall, you should be wary of the fact that apples that are exposed to air and moisture for too long will begin to rot and develop bacteria and mold. So you should never smoke out of an apple one-hitter for more than a few days before making a new one, or you’ll expose yourself to a lot of problems that can come from inhaling mold or bacteria.

consumables you need

To make this homemade one-hitter, all you need is:

A pen or pencil

An apple

That’s the beauty of doing this kind of one-hitter. All you literally need is an apple and a pencil, and you can be on your way to smoking in no time. This makes it a perfect solution for college students and people who need to try to keep a low profile while smoking on a budget.

How to turn an Apple into a one-hitter

To craft this whistle all you have to do is:

Make the skin in your apple – Just take your pencil and make at least two holes – one right in the top of the apple. Twist off the stem and poke a hole down as straight as possible, as if trying to poke a hole right through the middle. This top part will be your bowl pack as it is already the perfect shape. Make sure you don’t poke it all the way through the bottom of the apple or you’ll ruin the vacuum and potentially split the apple right down the middle.

Make Your Rush Hole – Then take your pencil and make a hole on the side that intersects that first hole. Try to do this in the middle of the apple pulp as this will make smoking easier. Poke this hole all the way through the apple. One side is the mouthpiece, the other is the rushhole. You can choose not to do a rush hole to save time – I often do this when I’m only smoking a peel as there is no need to pack a large peel and this way you get more out of a hit, by flaring the whole thing until it’s gone.

For and against

Pros Cons Super easy to make Doesn’t last long Very unobtrusive Smooth hits Great taste

Our thoughts

Honestly, this is my personal favorite homemade one-hitter because it’s so damn smooth. Nothing you can make yourself, other than a full blown homemade bong, will come close to matching the smoothness of this smoking experience. In addition, it has an excellent taste compared to your other options.

It’s a bit short-lived, which is definitely a downside, and in some people’s eyes, it’s also a waste of a super tasty apple. However, you can grab a few final bites before hitting it in the woods to make your breath smell better. But if you do, believe me, EAT ONLY OUTSIDE, otherwise you’ll start to taste very bad very quickly. TRUST ME, this is a lesson I only had to learn once. Imagine the taste of bong water. It essentially is, because an apple is about 96% water. Mix it up with resin and you’ve got a puke bomb waiting in the middle of your tootsie pop.

How to make a one-hitter pipe from home: takeaways

Look, I’m not going to sit here and tell you that these are the ONLY ways to smoke a one-hitter you made at home. There are dozens of other ways you can make homemade incense burners.

As you probably know, stoners are very imaginative when it comes to smoking, which means almost anything can be turned into a smoking device. I’ve even seen wiffle ball bats and starburst morphed into bongs and one hitters. But this guide is specifically designed to show you how you can make a one-hitter quickly, easily, and imaginatively, while remaining small enough and unobtrusive enough to be a good travel whistle.

We chose these particular homemade whistles because they are very easy to make, safer than many other alternatives, realistic, and relatively small and portable compared to the more dangerous alternatives.

Other ways to make a one hitter pipe

There are literally hundreds of ways to build a one hitter pipe. Heck, someone has probably come up with a new way as you read this. To learn how to make some of the coolest, most effective, and overall best homemade whistles, check out our homemade whistles making guide we’ve written.

3 reasons why you should invest in a reputable one-hitter

I get it. You are on a budget and trying to keep your smoking expenses down. Additionally, you may not have an easy or safe place to store your one-hitter and need to keep your smoking down. But even if that’s the case, you can still get a lot of value from some of the best one-hitters.

I’ve smoked on homemade rigs for a while and honestly enjoy upgrading and adventuring every now and then. But overall, it’s much more convenient for a regular smoker to have a one-hitter that you can go to every time and depend on. Overall there are 3 main reasons why I think EVERY STONER SHOULD HAVE A ONE-HITTER:

Reason 1 – They are insanely practical. ⌛

You’ll never really realize how easy and convenient smoking can really be until you just spend the $10 and treat yourself to a great one-hitter instead of making them at home every time. Most one-hitters come with a shelter, making them extremely easy to conceal and odorless to wear.

Reason 2 – They are incredibly cheap. 🤑

Don’t get me wrong, but unless you have the money to buy a one-hitter online for under $15, you probably really shouldn’t be spending money on other smoking items. Take pride in your smoke, invest in a one-hitter, and be forever grateful you did.

Reason 3 – They last a very long time. 💪

If you buy one of the best one-hitters, it can seriously serve you for a lifetime as long as you are willing to clean your whistle every once in a while and you don’t drop or break it. I’ve had my one-hitter for over 4 years and it still looks almost brand new because I clean it every 3-6 months.

Our #1 recommended best one-hitter for the budget stoner

“Pinch Hitter” One-Hitter Dugout Combo This gorgeous design features an airtight carved wood dugout with an aluminum one-hitter pipe designed to look like a cigarette. With two color options and an extremely durable design, this is one of the best one-hitters out there that comes at an affordable price. SHOPPING NOW

Join the stoner community

Thank you for reading! Hopefully this article has inspired you with some cool ideas for making a homemade one-hitter and inspired you to think about investing in one in the future.

If you’ve tried any of these techniques, please let us know how it went for you and which one you prefer! Also let us know of any other methods you’ve heard of or tried! We always love to learn more about what you guys enjoy smoking from!

For more great content, be sure to visit our blog and follow us on Instagram. Also, feel free to subscribe to our newsletter for great updates on the Dankest Deals and Sick Stoner Gear. We hope to see you again soon! Please leave a comment below :).

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26 points 9 months ago

If you’re having trouble finding an abundance of these, here’s a tip:

Run Sewer Branch, then Airfield, then Launch Field, and if you don’t really need Scrap, research the Pipes and craft some. You will likely have around 30-45 tubes per run.

Humans have been using wooden pipes to smoke tobacco for hundreds of years. Pipes carved from wood consist of a bowl for the tobacco, a mouthpiece or stem, and a shaft that connects the two. They are usually made from briar, a tough, heat-resistant wood. When tobacco burns in a wooden pipe, carbon and ash remain. This buildup of carbon, called cake, helps insulate the wood from the heat of the burning tobacco. Building a cake a little thicker than an American dime can protect the pipe from heat and fire damage.

25 cool DIY metal pipe projects for your home

Organizing things around the house is probably one of the most difficult tasks these days. No matter how practical, we always have to deal with too many things that are absolutely necessary or totally unnecessary for us, so we can definitely survive without them, but we can’t resist buying them. However, when it comes to organization, especially if you live in a smaller place, you need to be very practical and think about the (sometimes) impossible of accommodating your belongings.

Well, luckily for you, DIY projects are your best bet when it comes to organization. First, they are really fun as they stimulate your creativity. They’re also good for the soul, because actually making things yourself, making them in the color/texture of your choosing, and using them to your heart’s content certainly satisfies a certain inner need for accomplishment in your life. It means you have achieved something; You actually made something using only your creativity and imagination.

One of the advantages of DIY projects is that you can use different materials, things that you never thought possible. And if you are on a budget then there is no need to worry as you can find them at your nearest hardware store for an affordable price. For example, an example of items you can use are metal pipes, which you can buy for a pretty good price. They come in handy for making a storage unit and add a special touch to your home. Imagine how fun and unexpected it would be if you had a cane bookshelf in your bedroom or a unique metal tube lamp in your living room.

Today we present you 25 cool DIY metal pipe projects for your home.

01. Use pipes for the bathroom vanity for an industrial look

02. Use them instead of curtain rods

source

03. Make a bar craft for summer parties

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04. Build a unique coffee table

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05. Make a totally unexpected chandelier for your bedroom

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06. Metal Pipe Industrial Rack

source

07. Cute DIY bookshelf

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08. Make these tiki torches

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09. Amazing kitchen shelves

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10. Make a clothes rack

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11. Tube towel rail

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12. A living room shelf

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12. Make a wine rack

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14. A paper towel holder

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15. Create a unique lamp

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16. Create a console table

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17. A cool painted pipe and wood open shelf

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18. A towel rail with a shelf

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19. Another chic bookshelf

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20. A stylish coat hook

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21. Create shelves for your TV

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22. Create a wall rail storage system

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23. Create a holder for firewood

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24. Industrial clothing rack

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25. Do-it-yourself industrial side table

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Because of the age of homes north of Chicago, galvanized pipe is a common problem. Below is our list of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about galvanized pipe.

What is galvanized pipe? Galvanized tubing is steel tubing that has been dipped in a protective layer of zinc to prevent corrosion and rusting. Galvanized pipes were commonly installed in homes built before the 1960’s. When it was invented, galvanized pipe was an alternative to lead pipe for water supply lines. However, we now know that after decades of exposure to water, galvanized pipes will corrode and rust internally.

What does galvanized pipe look like?

When first installed, galvanized pipe looks similar to nickel in color. But as it ages, galvanized pipe can appear much duller, lighter, or darker depending on the environment. We’ve also seen houses where the plumbing has been painted, so it can be difficult to tell at first glance.

How do I know if I have galvanized pipes?

If you can’t tell from your pipes, there’s a quick test to see if they’re galvanized. Just take a flathead screwdriver and a strong magnet. First, locate your water pipe and scrape the outside of the pipe with the screwdriver. Compare your results:

Copper The scratched area looks like a copper penny.

A magnet will NOT stick to it.

plastic

The scratched area appears off-white or white.

A magnet will NOT stick to it

Galvanized steel

The scratched area is silver-grey in color.

A strong magnet sticks to it.

To lead

The scratched area is a dull silver-grey color and the metal is usually soft and scratches easily. A magnet will NOT stick to it. Lead pipes are easy to bend and may be deformed. If you have lead pipes, we recommend replacing them whenever possible.

Be sure to test your pipes for scratches in multiple areas. It’s not uncommon for your water line to have more than one type of line.

Does galvanized pipe contain lead?

The galvanized pipes installed on water mains between 1880 and 1960 were dipped in molten, naturally occurring zinc. Naturally occurring zinc is impure, so these tubes were bathed in zinc, which also contained lead and other impurities. The zinc coating extended the life of the steel pipes, but added a small amount of lead and other substances that could potentially harm residents.

In addition, if your galvanized pipe has ever been connected to lead plumbing (including service lines), there is even more cause for concern. Corrosion in galvanized steel tubing may have trapped small pieces of lead. Even when the lead lines were removed years ago, the galvanized steel pipes could still periodically release the trapped lead into the water flow. Chicago didn’t stop using lead pipe for utility lines until 1986, and an estimated 400,000 lead pipes are still in use in Chicago alone.

The only way to ensure lead is not mobilized from the plumbing to the faucet in a given home is to completely replace the galvanized plumbing and any lead-containing service lines.

What Other Problems Can Galvanized Pipe Cause?

Low water pressure

Due to the restriction of the line, corrosion in galvanized pipes can result in lower water pressure throughout the home.

Uneven water distribution

If some of your faucets have low water pressure but others don’t, this could be a symptom of galvanized pipe. Corrosion can build up unevenly. Also, some of the galvanized piping in your home might have been replaced, but not everywhere.

discoloration of water

Galvanized pipes can release iron and cause discoloration. A clear indicator of this is a brown spot on a porcelain sink.

leaks

Given enough time, galvanized pipes will rust through and cause more damage to your home.

If you are replacing your galvanized pipes, running a service line or would like to find out more about your options, we are happy to help. To schedule an appointment, call American Vintage Home at 847.999.4595 or fill out our online form today.

If you like industrial decor — the edgy aesthetic that celebrates old-school utilitarian design — get excited to discover some fun new do-it-yourself projects that all use black fixtures. That’s right: the plumbing industry has come out from behind the walls to shine in all sorts of practical, great-looking designs. Even if you don’t think you’re particularly smart, you can make cool things because the screw connections are easy to snap together. Also, this trend is tough. Basic plumbing accessories like iron flanges, elbows and nipples (plumber’s slang for straight pipe) are sturdy enough to support shelves or poles – or even the bathroom sink! Simply strip any grease from your assembled projects with mineral spirits, add a coat of finishing wax to ward off rust, and they’ll look appropriate in any room in the house.

And as you’ll discover by perusing SupplyHouse.com, a leading online retailer of plumbing and HVAC equipment, plumbing parts can be had for pennies, giving you a great return on a rock-bottom investment. Start clicking to get inspired by the stylish furniture that other people have created with their plumbers, then set to making your own pipe dream come true!