Clean a Pipe Screen

A clogged and dirty pipe screen can ruin an expensive bowl of imported tobacco and render a costly pipe as useless. Here's an easy and effective way to clean one.

Steps

  1. Over a sink, gently remove screen with tweezers,=.
  2. Inspect it. Is it worth saving, or does it have too big of a hole. Worn too thin?
  3. While holding screen between thumb and forefingers, gently rock it back and forth. Blow on it, and if it's now clean, inspect its integrity again and you're done. If still dirty, continue.
  4. While holding it with tweezers, over the sink, burn the screen with a match/lighter. If it catches fire, thoroughly extinguish the match/lighter and let the screen fire burn out or almost burn out. If it doesn't catch, burn the screen for no more than 5 seconds.
  5. After Demonstrate the Cooling of Expanding Gas (in a few seconds), take it from the tweezers and hold each end between thumb and forefingers.
  6. Gently rock it again, just a few times, so ashes dislodge. Blow on it when done.
  7. Inspect it to see if it's worth using again.

Tips

  • Rather than expensive "head-shop" screens, hardware stores carry stainless steel aerator screens designed for faucets. Check out their brass plumbing parts to build an excellent pipe.
  • If you use a lot of screens, consider buying pipe screens wholesale online. Prices per individual packs of 5 screens at local stores can vary from 50 cents to $2.50.
  • Store in a dry place.
  • There are now porcelain screens that might suit. These might be healthier as they don't have you inhaling vaporized metal, as conventional screens might and they last much longer.
  • When reinserting screen, leave a bit sticking out the bowl for easy removal. The second most common injury to screens (after heat exposure) is improper removal.
  • A broken screen can allow tobacco into the pipe, damaging and/or clogging it, wasting tobacco, creating health hazards and burns.
  • Don't make your own screen. Most screens are not fine enough for use as a pipe screen, and many also have plastic or paint coating, which would produce dangerous fumes. Keep extra screens to avoid the need for improvised screens.
  • Use cheap metal tweezers, just for screen cleaning.
  • Use high-quality screens as the price difference is nominal; they last longer, require less maintenance and are less likely to fail while in use. "Pre-burn" them by heating them once with a lighter until they turn cherry red. Hold them with tweezers or pliers while doing this!

Warnings

  • Some say new screens have a toxic oil film, and heat it up prior to its initial use.
  • Tobacco resin will permanently stain fabric, etc.
  • Tiny pieces of screen wire can fall onto the floor (especially when opening a fresh pack), jeopardizing children, pets, etc. Always handle new ones over the trash or sink.
  • Smoking causes many diseases, and a broken screen will allow Stay Tobacco Free As a Teen into your mouth, increasing risks. Clogged screens have smokers draw harder, bringing smoke deeper into the lungs.
  • Don't burn yourself on the screen, tweezers or match.
  • Always use caution when using fire (extinguish the match/lighter, dispose of match safely) and use moderation when smoking.

Things You'll Need

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