If you are a fan of smoking herb or tobacco from a glass bong, you know how frustrating it can be when your precious piece gets damaged. Whether it’s a crack, a chip, or a complete break, a broken glass bong can ruin your smoking experience and pose a safety hazard. But don’t despair, there are some ways to deal with a broken or cracked glass bong and where to get it fixed or replaced.
How to Fix a Broken Glass Bong Yourself
Depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may be able to fix your broken glass bong yourself with some products that are easy to get your hands on. However, before you attempt any DIY repairs, you should consider the following factors:
- The material of your bong: Most glass bongs are made from heat-resistant borosilicate glass and strengthened in an annealing process, making them harder to repair. Acrylic plastic bongs are cheaper and easier to work with and repair.
- The location and size of the damage: If your bong is in more pieces than you have fingers or if you are trying to patch a hole larger than a pea, you might be looking at an act of futility. Barring those severe cases, chips, cracks, and clean breaks can all be healed with a little prep work and glue.
- The safety and durability of the repair: You should always go for the safe-for-humans options to repair a bong. While some substances may do a good job of sticking glass together, they may also have toxic solvents that you don’t want to accidentally heat up and inhale. You should also look for products that are water- and heat-resistant, as well as long-lasting.
Here are some of the most common methods to fix a broken glass bong yourself:
| Method | Description | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Food grade silicone | A non-toxic substance often used to make molds for various food items. It can be used as a sealant, like caulking, but it provides no structural support and is easily removed/peeled off. | Non-toxic, waterproof, great for sealing cracks or chips in the body or connecting joints of the piece. | No structural support, easily removed/peeled off, not useful in sealing areas that are frequently handled. |
| Two-component epoxy | A mixture of resin and hardener that polymerizes when combined. There are dozens of brands to choose from that bond to glass, look for non-toxic, heat-resistant or both. | Long-lasting, water- and heat-resistant, great for fixing bongs with clean breaks. | May contain solvents that could be toxic, may become “waterlogged” and leak if left submerged. |
| Loctite Glass | A unique butyl formula that bonds to glass. Similar look and usage to super-glue but chemically different. | Water- and heat-resistant, does not contain solvents that could be toxic. | Not very strong, may not hold up well under pressure or temperature changes. |
| Duct tape | A handy option for bong repair. Not glamorous, and definitely not as discreet as other methods. | Cheap, easy to use, can cover large areas of damage. | Not water- or heat-resistant, may peel off or leak over time, may leave sticky residue on the glass. |
| Blow torch | A tool that can be used to melt and fuse glass pieces together. Requires skill and caution. | Can create a strong and seamless bond between glass pieces. | Dangerous, requires skill and caution, may alter the shape or color of the glass. |
To use any of these methods, you will need to follow these general steps:
- Clean the broken pieces thoroughly with alcohol and let them dry completely.
- Apply the chosen product according to the instructions on the package. Be careful not to use too much or too little.
- Press the broken pieces together firmly and hold them in place until the product sets. You may need to use clamps, rubber bands, or tape to keep them in place.
- Let the product cure for the recommended time before using the bong again.
How to Get Your Broken Glass Bong Fixed or Replaced by a Professional
If you don’t feel confident or comfortable fixing your broken glass bong yourself, or if the damage is too severe for a DIY repair, you may want to get your broken glass bong fixed or replaced by a professional. Here are some of the options you have:
- Hire a professional glassblower: Most skilled glassblowers can repair glass bongs by using a torch and kiln method. They will require you to remove any temporary repairs you have made and ensure all the pieces are thoroughly clean. They will then heat and fuse the glass pieces together, creating a strong and seamless bond. However, this option may be costly and time-consuming, and you may not find a glassblower near you who is willing or able to fix your bong.
- Buy a new glass bong: Sometimes, the simplest and most cost-effective option is to buy a new glass bong. You can find a wide range of glass bongs online or in local head shops, with different sizes, shapes, colors, and features. You can also look for discounts, deals, or coupons to save some money. However, this option may not be ideal if you are attached to your old bong or if you want to avoid wasting materials.
Conclusion
A broken or cracked glass bong can be a bummer, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your smoking enjoyment. Depending on the type and extent of the damage, you may be able to fix your broken glass bong yourself with some products that are easy to get your hands on. Or, you may want to get your broken glass bong fixed or replaced by a professional. Either way, you should always consider the safety and durability of the repair, as well as the cost and convenience of the option. We hope this blog post has helped you learn how to deal with a broken or cracked glass bong and where to get it fixed or replaced.
