If you enjoy smoking herbs or tobacco from a glass bong, you might be looking for ways to make your hits smoother and cooler. One of the common methods is to add ice cubes to the bong, but this can have some drawbacks, such as melting and overflowing the water chamber, adding extra weight and length to the bong, and diluting the flavor of your smoke. Fortunately, there is another option that can give you icy cold hits without these problems: ice or glycerin tubes.
Ice or glycerin tubes are cylindrical glass attachments that have a spiral coil inside. The space inside the cylinder is filled with glycerin, a non-toxic fluid that can freeze quickly and stay colder longer than ice. Glycerin is also used in cosmetics and some food items, so it is safe to use. You can attach an ice or glycerin tube to your bong or pipe and enjoy chilled smoke without affecting the water level or the taste of your herbs or tobacco.
How do ice or glycerin tubes work?
The principle behind ice or glycerin tubes is simple: they use the glycerin suspension to cool down the smoke as it passes through the coil. Glycerin has a high specific heat capacity, which means it can absorb a lot of heat without changing its temperature significantly. This makes it ideal for cooling down hot smoke without freezing it.
To use an ice or glycerin tube, you need to place it in the freezer for 2-4 hours, depending on the size of your tube. Bigger tubes need longer freezing hours, while smaller ones rarely need overnight freezing. You know that your ice or glycerin tube is ready for use when the bubble inside moves at a slow snail’s pace.
Once your tube is frozen, you can attach it to your bong or pipe. For bongs, you attach the tube right at the joint on top of the base. Secure the connection with a keg clip, and you’re ready to roll. For pipes, you attach the tube at the mouthpiece end of the pipe. Make sure the tube fits snugly and does not wobble.
As you pull from your bong or pipe, smoke travels through the tube where it transfers its heat to the cooling system. The longer air path also cools the smoke further, and the constriction traps some of the debris from the smoke as well. The result is a smooth, refreshing, and flavorful hit that does not irritate your throat or lungs.
How to maintain your ice or glycerin tube?
To keep your ice or glycerin tube working in tip-top shape, you need to clean it regularly. The slender coils are prone to clogs when you neglect to clean your tube. The usual 95% alcohol or stronger plus salt will do the trick.
Place the ice or glycerin tube in a Ziploc bag and completely cover it with isopropyl alcohol. Add a good amount of salt, with the grains small enough to go through the coils, yet with the right coarseness to scrub the resin from the coils. Seal the bag and hold the tube as you shake it to allow the solution to pass through. Do this for 2-5 minutes, depending on how dirty your tube is.
Leave the tube to soak for 15-30 minutes, or 4 hours to overnight to soften the debris. Shake the bag again to remove the dirt. Take out the tube and rinse it with warm running water. You may have to do the cleaning and rinsing several times until the coils are clean.
If alcohol does not flow through the coil, hold the tube upright with
the joint end on your palm. Use a thin wire or a pipe cleaner to poke through
the coil and dislodge any blockage. Be careful not to damage or bend
the coil.
Where to buy ice or glycerin tubes?
If you are interested in trying out ice or glycerin tubes for your bong
or pipe, you can find them online or in local smoke shops. There are many
different styles, patterns, and sizes to choose from. Some bongs come with
a removable ice or glycerin tube installed, while others have a separate
attachment that you can buy separately.
Some of the popular brands that offer ice or glycerin tubes are:
-
Eaglebongs
: They have a variety of glycerin bongs and tubes, such as the
Glycerin Coil Beaker Bong
and the
Glycerin Coil Tube
. -
Big Daddy Smoke
: They have a range of ice and glycerin tubes, such as the
Grav Labs Upright Bubbler with Glycerin Coil
and the
Grav Labs Glycerin Chiller Multi Kit
. -
DankStop
: They have a selection of glycerin bongs and tubes, such as the
Nucleus Glycerin Coil with Colored Inline Perc Bong
and the
Nucleus Glycerin Coil Tube
. -
Toker Supply
: They have a variety of glycerin bongs and tubes, such as the
Glycerin Coil Beaker Bong with Gold Accents
and the
Glycerin Coil Tube with Gold Accents
.
Before you buy an ice or glycerin tube, make sure to check the quality
and specifications. You want a tube that is made of durable glass, has a
tight seal, and fits your bong or pipe well. You also want to compare the
prices and reviews of different sellers and products to get the best deal
and service.
Conclusion
Ice or glycerin tubes are a great way to enhance your smoking experience
with your glass bong or pipe. They can cool down your smoke without diluting
it, making your hits smoother and more enjoyable. They are easy to use and
maintain, and they come in various designs and sizes. You can find them online
or in local smoke shops, and choose the one that suits your preferences and
budget. Ice or glycerin tubes are definitely worth trying if you want to take
your smoking to the next level.
