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Pipe screens are smoking devices that enable smokers to take long draws without filling their mouths with dry tobacco. They’re little screens that you can put in the bottom of your bowl and then layer your flowers on top of, and they come in a variety of shapes and sizes.

A pipe screen stops tobacco from getting drawn in via the bowl and directly into the mouth by applying a layer to the pipe’s bottom.

Pipe screens have the advantage of preventing dry tobacco inhalation. Pipe screens often prevent the tobacco mix inside from dropping through the hole and being discarded. It is always a challenge for smokers with big bowls and bowl-holes.

The greatest quality of everything, though, is that pipe screens prevent the dottle – the ash leftovers and burned-up herb that can get pulled in before the bowl is full.

It is not complicated to use pipe screens. Everything you have to do is lie the screen horizontally in the pipe, covering the bowl’s rim.

Smoking experts prepared top 5 pipe screens that you may use daily or occasionally. Make a final decision after reading the guide, tips for buyers and comparison table. 

Grimm SUPA 50 Pipe Screens – the best for the fit!

It’s a hassle when the screen gets so rigid and only lies on top of the bowl; it’s also a perfect way to waste any weed.

You’ll receive 50 premium brass screens that were built to render smoking more fun while needing less cleaning. They’re even designed to last, which means you won’t have to change the screen as frequently.

These screens are more robust and need less regular replacement. They have a good appearance. Also, these are heavy and long-lasting.

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Stanker Brass Pipe Screens – the best for the quantity!

They come in three separate sizes; if you’re unsure about the size of the pipe’s bowl, go for the large-size screens and cut them down to match with a pair of scissors.

These screens are really useful and will save you money by growing the amount of tobacco lost. They’re dense and constructed of high-quality metal, and they’re even simple to clean. After a few applications, you could reset the filter.

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Nesohyy Brass Screens – the best for the storage box!

The luxury screens are covered by a tin case. Other products held in the tin are kept apart from the screens due to ingenious wrapping, and you could take them everywhere.

Tips for first-time users:

• In the bowl’s opening, place the screens;
• Using a stick or a pipe tool, strongly press down;
• Verify that the screen is firmly attached;

A plastic bag contains 200 pieces of pipe screens, which are then packed in a lovely tin box to avoid deformation and injury. Around the same time, the package is compact and the filter can be stored for a long time.

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Stanker Stainless Steel Pipe Screens – the best for durability!

These heavy-duty screens are simple to shape to the size of your bowl. They even come in a handy tin that matches the packaging meaning you don’t have to worry about losing them.

There are outstanding filters constructed of thick, solid steel. They could even fit a standard smoking gun.

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Everydlife Crystal Pipe Screens – the best for small pipes!

These screens you would like to use as a filter adjustment for the Boundless CF and CFX vaporizers. They fit right in without a hitch.

Many tiny pipes, Boundless vapes, and bongs are compliant with them. Make sure you order a few packets ahead of time because they are expendable.

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The Buyer’s Guide

The most important aspect of any pipe screen is the ability to be easily removed for cleaning. Pipe screens with clamps are a great way to make sure your screens can be taken off with ease. Most people don’t know that it’s illegal in many jurisdictions not to have removable screens on all of your intake pipes!

Major types of pipe screens:

1) Glass 

Glass pipe screens are frequently shaped into unusual forms like flowers or animals. In general, they are recognized for being:

• Safe;
• Easy to clean and maintain;
• Good for airflow;
• Versatile designs;

So, though they cost a little more upfront (about $3-5 for 100), they last only a lot longer and bring a little artistic flourish to your piece – whether that’s anything you’re interested in.

Glass screens, on the other hand, excel in terms of flavor. They have no discernible influence on the flavor of your smoking experience, unlike metal screens. It is significant to certain smokers. The gases that metal screens produce while heated induce a difference of taste, and they are often a source of health issues. Glass screens are the best solution overall.

Glass screens do not need to be replaced due to wear until they are broken. These screens are brittle since they are constructed of glass. Glass screens will last a lifetime if handled with caution. However, once they get chipped, make sure to patch them.

2) Brass 

The most affordable kind of pipe screen is brass pipe screens. They are well-known for being:

• Inexpensive;
• Available in multiple sizes;
• Awesome when it comes to looks;

One factor to keep in mind for brass screens is that the heat from the pipe will degrade them over time. This may lead them to deteriorate over time, resulting in wider holes in the middle or, in some instances, total crumbling. If you use brass screens more than once, you can verify their longevity on a regular basis to ensure they are always healthy to smoke. Inhaling brass is the last thing you would like to do.

3) Stainless steel

The most common pipe screens on the market are made of stainless steel. They are known for being: 

• Budget-friendly;
• Available in large quantities;
• Available in many sizes;
• Durable;

In the long run, they are noticeably more robust than brass screens, and they often seem to have a somewhat lower impact on taste.

Stainless steel pipe screens, like brass screens, may be damaged by heat over time, allowing bigger holes to appear and the screen to crumble. To keep yourself healthy when smoking, be cautious while using screens several times and ensure to verify their longevity.

To prevent clogging, keep metal screens clean and inspect them for gaps on a regular basis. Overheating a metal screen can weaken it and can also leak hazardous chemicals, based on the hardware. Consider replacing metal screens once a couple of weeks or once a month if you smoke often.

These are commonly regarded as the best types of pipe screens since they are long-lasting, simple to clean, cheap, healthy to use, and have no discernible taste impact. 

There are also titanium pipe screens, but they, like titanium nails, are considered to have a harmful effect on taste.

The fit

Thin steel mesh screens may be shaped to match any smoking device’s bowl. Glass screens can’t be shaped and are designed to match more accurately. Screens often tend to maintain the bowl and stem cleaner for prolonged periods of time. When a screen becomes clogged, replacing it is an easy task. The longer you will go without wiping your pipe, the easier it will be.

Are pipe screens safe? 

Overall, there are no clear signs advising smokers not to use brass or steel pipe screens or suggesting that they can be harmful. Eventually, picking a metal pipe screen is unlikely to have a major detrimental effect on your health. However, over time, it can introduce more contaminants into the mix, while utilizing a glass pipe screen removes this risk entirely.

How to use a pipe screen for the first time: 

• Thoroughly clean out the pipe or glass bowl;
• Make sure the screen fits this bowl well. Too small screens may fall off and clog your pipe, while too large screens may sit too high inside the pipe and you won’t be able to pack it normally;
• Carefully pack the bowl as you normally do. But the pipe screen should be on the bottom;
• Smoke the pipe until all the tobacco is gone or turned to ash;
• Carefully take the screen out after smoking. Shake it to remove the ash leftover;
• Place it back in the bowl if you want to use the screen again. You may re-use the pipe screen only when it seems clean. If it has resin in it, clean the screen or place a new one;

How should you clean a pipe screen? 

• Take out the screen and check the resin buildup in it;
• Carefully blow on the screen to remove the first layer of ashes. If it is still dirty after this, you definitely need to clean the screen;
• Take lighter and tweezers. Hold the pipe screen with tweezers over the sink. Use the lighter to warm the screen for 2 minutes. Do not heat longer – you may damage the screen;
• Leave it to cool down for 2-3 minutes;
• Then blow on it again. If resin remains, repeat the previous steps. If there is no resin, do the next step;
• Let it soak in warm water for about 20-30 seconds. Leave it to dry;
• Once again soak the screen. Mix 2-4 tbsp of table salt and 8 ounces of Isopropyl alcohol in any container. Place the screen in this solution. Leave for 30-60 minutes to soak;
• Rinse the screen after soaking if it is already clean. Use clean water for rinsing. If the screen is still dirty, repeat the soaking procedure;
• Before each use always rinse and dry the screen. There should be no alcohol leftovers on its surface. Otherwise, you may be exposed to hazardous alcohol fumes active by smoking. The screen should be dry to prevent the moisture of your tobacco mix;

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FAQ

Are pipe screens worth it?

You bet they are! Pipe screens not only keep the tobacco in your pipe, but they also keep out all of the ash and other debris. This means that you won’t have to clean your pipe as often, and it will stay in good condition for much longer.

There are several different pipe screens on the market, but the best pipe screens are ones that you make yourself. You can use a variety of different materials, including metal mesh and paper towel rolls.

The best pipe screens are the ones that fit your pipe perfectly. You can find screens that are specifically designed for certain pipes, or you can make your screens using a variety of different materials.

No matter what type of screen you use, it’s important to keep it clean. Cleaning your pipe screen regularly will help ensure that your pipe stays in good condition for a long time, and it will also keep the tobacco burning nicely.

What size pipe screen should I get?

Pipe screens come in a variety of sizes, so it’s important to get the right one for your pipe. The most common size is 18mm, but you can also find them in 12mm and 14mm sizes.
If you’re not sure what size screen to get, measure the diameter of your pipe’s bowl and then look up the appropriate screen size on our website.

The most common mistake people make when picking out a pipe screen is getting one that’s too small for their bowl, as this can cause you to end up with tobacco in your mouth. If you’re having trouble drawing from your pipe or if it seems like there are bits of tobacco blocking the hole, it might be time to switch to a larger screen.

If you’re using a pipe with a deep bowl, you might want to consider getting a screen that’s bigger than 18mm. We offer screens in sizes up to 26mm, so there’s sure to be one that fits your needs.

Screen size is just one factor to consider when choosing the right screen for your pipe. You also need to think about the type of material the screen is made from.

How long does a pipe screen last?

That depends on how often you smoke and how much build-up of residue accumulates on the screen. Generally, if you clean your pipe screens regularly, they should last for quite a while. But if you let them go for a while without cleaning, they’ll likely need to be replaced.

Here are some tips for keeping your pipe screens clean and lasting longer.

Always take your bong apart when you are done smoking so that the resin can cure for a few days before cleaning it out completely (see above). This will keep buildup from getting sticky or hard to remove later on.

Cleaning with isopropyl alcohol helps to sterilize pipes and screens and dissolve the resin.

Soak the screens in isopropyl alcohol for a few minutes, then scrub with a pipe cleaner or toothbrush to remove residue. Rinse off the screens and let them dry before re-installing them.

What can I use instead of a screen for my pipe?

Because the screen is one of the most important parts of a pipe, many people like to know what else they can use instead. While there are some workarounds for this problem, such as using a metal mesh or even tin foil for smoking weed out of your pipe (which has been done in the past), these methods will not produce the same high-quality vapor that a screen will.

With any other type of smoking device, it seems to be true that you get what you pay for. This is no different with pipe screens as they can vary greatly in price depending on their size and where they are purchased from. While some people may try to find a cheap alternative, they will quickly find that this is a false economy as the low-cost screens often do not fit properly and are therefore not very effective.

If you want to get the best possible experience from your pipe then it is important to ensure that you purchase a high-quality screen for use in these devices. Although there may be cheaper alternatives available, these are often not as effective and can lead to a poorer smoking experience. Instead, it is recommended that you spend a little bit more money on a quality screen that will fit properly and provide the best possible results. When looking for a new screen, make sure to take into account the size of your pipe so that you can find a screen that is the right fit.

Do you need a screen to smoke a glass pipe?

Yes, you will need a screen to smoke out of a glass pipe. The screens help catch the ash and debris so it doesn’t end up in your mouth. Not only is it unpleasant to have ashes and debris in your mouth, but it can also be harmful to your health.

Glass pipes come with a small metal or plastic screen that is inserted into the pipe. The screen helps to catch the ash and debris, but it can also clog up over time. This is why it’s important to clean your pipe screens regularly.

If you’re looking for a new screen for your glass pipe, we’ve got you covered. We carry a variety of high-quality screens made of stainless steel, ceramic, and even titanium. These materials are strong and durable enough to last you a very long time.

What’s better: brass or steel screens?

Brass screens are the better option compared to steel screens. Brass is a softer metal, so it’s less likely to cause damage to your pipe or screen. It also doesn’t corrode like steel does, meaning that your screen will stay in good condition for longer.

Steel screens can be used in a pinch, but they’re not the best option. They don’t fit nearly as snugly on your pipe or water piece and are more likely to allow plant material through than brass ones do. Unless you have no other choice, it’s probably better to just go with something that was designed for this purpose.

How often should you change your pipe screen?

This depends on how often you smoke and how dirty your pipe gets. Most people recommend changing screens every week to ten days.

How do you smoke a bowl without a screen?

A screen is part of a smoking pipe that prevents loose resin and ash from getting into the smoke chamber. Without one, you would have to clear your bowl after each hit or else use it as an incense holder.

I started out using screens on my water pipes because they came with them in every package but I soon discovered these little metal gems also work great in dry pipes. Not only do screens help keep your pipe clean and free of debris, but they also make it easier to light the bowl because you can get your flame closer to the tobacco.

How do you clean a pipe stem?

To clean a pipe stem, you will need to remove the old screen. You can do this by holding your thumb over it and tapping gently with a hammer on top of the cork covering (to make sure no ash falls into your bowl). Do not press too hard as to crack or break the glass! The best way is to hold the screen with a pair of pliers and twist. If it is stuck, you can try soaking the stem in hot water before trying to remove the screen.

Once the old screen is out, replace it with a new one. Make sure that the hole in the new screen is facing down (towards the bowl) so that the ash and tobacco can fall through it.
Replace the cork and tap it gently back into place.

You are now ready to smoke your pipe!

Video Tutorial: Pipe Screens by Up in Smoke – Leafly Reviews

Final thoughts

In this guide, you’ll find the best range of 5 pipe screens. There are top-of-the-line, budget-friendly pipe screens that can last a lifetime. These convenient smoking devices eliminate the need to watch the screen or wipe it independently from the pipe.

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