One of the most common reasons given for not buying glass pieces is how fragile they are, and let’s be honest, if you’ve ever owned glass pipes or bongs, chances are you've broken a bong before. Many people don’t want to expand their collection because “it’s just going to break.” Does it have to be this way though? I don’t think so. If you store your glass properly and give some thought to where you keep it while you’re using it, you can make your pieces last much longer and alleviate some of the risk of breaking your beloved pieces. Below, I’ll share some of the tips and tricks I’ve picked up over the years to help my glass last even in the hands of some of my clumsiest friends and prevent broken bongs.
When it isn't in use
In my experience, most broken bongs and pieces occur when they aren’t even being used! This is a travesty and completely avoidable if you just put them away when you’re done. You don’t have to keep an elaborate storage system, just somewhere out of the way of traffic where they won’t be bumped or knocked over. If you don’t have an overly active household, this may be as simple as finding a lightly trafficked area, and you may even be able to get away with leaving sturdy pieces in out of the way areas. This is still risky even with the most stable water pipes, but, if you want the convenience, you can still limit the risk of a broken bong by keeping a designated place on a stable surface in a lightly trafficked area. If you have pets, clumsy roommates, or frequent house guests though, I would recommend finding a safer enclosed area like a closet or cabinet to keep your glass safe. Leaving out your glass may be convenient, but it’s just nonsensical to let a piece break while you aren’t using it. Keeping my glass put away has made the biggest difference in helping my collection stand the test of time and can save you countless dollars replacing your glassware.
When it’s in rotation
Another risk prone time is when you’re using your glass. Now, of course, that is what you got it for, and it’s supposed to be a time to relax, so it’s easy to let your guard down. I don’t know about you, but for me, the sound of shattering glass pulls me out of any relaxation. Make sure everyone in rotation is paying attention while they exchange the piece and using two hands when necessary! Alternatively, if you are using a larger water pipe that is stable and convenient to use on a table, ask your friends to go to the pipe instead of passing your fragile glass around. If you have a tabletop piece, you’re introducing unnecessary risk by passing it around the living room. For the same reasons, try to avoid transporting your glass if possible. Transporting your glassware also introduces unnecessary risk, so I like to keep around a cheap option to transport so I won’t be too upset if something happens.
Also, there’s nothing wrong with reminding friends to handle your glass with care. It may be a bit annoying to remind people often, but it could also save you money in the long run. If it gets too bad with a friend, try to keep metal or silicone options around or try to get them to take responsibility for their carelessness by asking them to replace what they broke. In my experience, this will make friends take being careful with your glass much more seriously, and if they’re constantly breaking your glass this conversation may help relieve some of the strain on your friendship.
Cleaning
Perhaps the most disappointing time to break your glass pieces is while your cleaning them. There’s just something about breaking a piece you’re trying to restore to its former glory that feels extra defeating. So, be gentle while you clean. Some stains might require some elbow grease but be sure to use caution while applying pressure to your glass. If possible, I prefer to use cleaners that require less intense scrubbing and that can get the stains off those difficult to reach areas. I generally wouldn’t recommend using a metal tool to scrape out any residues. Instead, you can add some salt to your cleaner as an abrasive, seal the openings of your glass, and shake. Make sure you have a good hold on your piece and that there is nothing you could hit your glass on while shaking it though.
As a side note, if you want to clean your water pipe on a soft surface, make sure your water pipe is stable on it first. I broke my first water pipe while cleaning it because I thought I was being safe by putting it on a soft bath mat. Unfortunately, my top-heavy water pipe wasn’t stable on the bath mat, and when it fell over, it was just slightly longer than the mat. Ever since this, I carefully hold onto my water pipes while I clean them and only set them down on stable countertops, and I recommend you do the same.
In short:
- Keep your pieces put away
- If you must keep it out, only keep stable pieces in lightly trafficked areas
- Keep tabletop pieces on the table
- Avoid transporting your glass
- Encourage your friends to be careful with your glass
- Be gentle and careful while cleaning
Sure, accidents do happen, and glass is fragile, but by exercising some caution and taking control of the situation you can really limit the risk of breaking your pieces in the future! For those times when accidents do happen, you can always purchase the TAG 2 Year Warranty, and we’ll have your back against the uncontrollable! If you purchase the TAG 2 Year Warranty, just let us know if something happens and we’ll replace your piece for free! All you’ll have to pay is shipping on the new piece, and you can get your favorite piece back in no time! Hopefully this article has given you some ideas on how to make your glass last and take control of the unforeseen. Now that you feel more comfortable, pick out that next piece and expand your collection!