Make a Bong
Bongs, also known as water pipes, allow you to inhale a large amount of concentrated smoke. If you don't have a bong on hand, you can make your own. Read this wikiHow to learn how.
10 Second Summary
1. Find a plastic bottle.
2. Cut a small hole in the side of the bottle.
3. Insert a tube into the hole at an angle. Make sure it's airtight.
4. Attach a bowl to the end of the tube.
5. Fill the bong with water.
6. Punch a 'clearing hole' halfway down the bottle.
7. Add your herb and use the bong.
Steps
- Find any type of bottle or can (a 2L/16oz bottle works fine).
- Punch or heat up a paper clip with a lighter and cut out a 1/8 inch (3mm) to 1/4 inch (6mm) hole about 2 inches (5cm) from the bottom. This hole is where the smoke will enter the bong from your bowl and stem. (The tighter the hole is around the stem, the less tape or sealant you will need. This takes finesse!)
- Place a tube in the hole at the bottom you've made. This could be a metal pipe, a hollowed out pen tube, or a stem bought at a store or online. Make sure it's at a positive angle, or else your herbs will get wet.
- Make sure it's airtight! If it's not completely airtight than your smoke will go out of the holes where it's not supposed to! To fix this use either gum (works best) or tape. To test that it's airtight, put your hand really close to the seal, and blow through the mouthpiece. If you feel air coming out, it's not airtight. You can use a rubber grommet to make it more airtight (see Tips)
- Attach a bowl to the end of the tube. If you can, pick up an inexpensive glass bowl from your local smoke shop, they will usually run about 5 dollars. You can also roll a cigarette with rolling papers and attach it to the end of the tube. Aluminum foil can be used but it is not recommended. Please check to make sure your bowl material is safe for inhalation before using.
- Fill the bong with water until the tube inside the bottle is completely underwater by at least 1 inch (2.5 centimeters). You can fill it with more, but there will be less smoke in the chamber when you smoke. Make sure you don't put too much water, if you do it will drown your herb!
- Put a carb or 'clearing hole' halfway down the bottle or lower, just make sure it isn't so low that you will spill it whenever you smoke. The hole shown in this picture is in a ridiculously high place and would not allow the smoke to mix with the air being let in. This will allow oxygen into the chamber.
- Load the bowl with your favorite smoking product, cover your clearing hole up with one finger, light the filled bowl, while sucking in lightly.
- 'Milk' the chamber, then let go of the clearing hole and suck in hard. Exhale.
- Finished.
Tips
- If possible, use a metal or glass downstem. They are safer because plastic downstems can release toxins, especially with a metal bowl since metal conducts heat.
- Once you get the hang of it, you can try different configurations of bongs. Try several chambers, like a cooling chamber filled with ice for a smooth hit.
- Do not use aluminum/tin foil for the bowl; it is dangerous and bad for your health.
- Instead of water, you can use fruit juice or cherry cola or something.
- Personalize your bong! Put stickers on it and give it a name!
- You can also make a pull stem system, where you can remove the downstem and let air flow through. This method does not require a separate hole to be bored.
- You don't have to put water at the bottom, you can try assorted fruit drinks and such for added flavor.
- Remember to make the holes smooth, so you won't lose any pressure. This may be tough, but with practice, it should be easy. If the holes are messed up just use a hot glue gun to cover the hole with. It's better than using tape.
- This can be done with all types of plastic bottles, from 500 ml to 2L and more. Try all the bottles that you can, each brings a new sensation.
- To make the downstem and hole more airtight, use rubber grommets. They can be found at a local hardware store. Make sure the downstem will fit in the grommet tightly before purchasing.
- To make the holes, consider using a soldering iron to melt holes into the bottle, it's better because you can make the holes airtight easier.
Warnings
- Doing this looks anti-aesthetic. Your local smoke shop probably sells nice glass bongs for affordable prices. When buying bongs, refer to them as "water pipes" because the term "bong" is associated with marijuana.
- Do not use PVC, copper, aluminum, or plastic in the parts that will be exposed to heat. Do not smoke using tin foil or put hot glue near the bowl, as this is toxic and carcinogenic.
- If you melt any of the plastic and inhale that, not only is it extremely bad for you, it tastes awful and you will most likely cough your guts up.
- Check local laws to see if your favorite smoking product is illegal.
- Use a bong only in the privacy of your home. Even if you are only smoking tobacco or other legal products, law enforcement officials may try to harass you. If you must smoke outside, consider a small bong that can be stashed in a glove box or quickly thrown away in a trash can if necessary.
Things You'll Need
- Your favorite smoking product
- Empty plastic bottle
- A tube
- Something that can be used as a bowl
- Something to be used as sealant
- Water
- Lighter/matches
