Looking to replace the downstem of your bong? Before you do that, you’ll need to figure out the width, length and joints you need. Luckily for you, it’s not that difficult! We at DankStop will guide you through it.
- Measure The Bong’s Inner Chamber
Insert a pencil (or any straight object) into the opening of the female ground joint until it is about ½ inch from the bottom. Mark the point where the object exits the joint.
- Measure The Object
Get a ruler or tape measure and determine the length from the mark to the inserted end of the object. The number you find is the approximate ground joint to bottom measurement, which is also the length of the downstem you need. Make sure that the downstem you get is no longer than this measurement, as it will then put pressure on itself.
- Measure The Joint
If you haven’t already, use the same measuring tool to determine the width of the female joint. Joint sizes of most commercial bongs come in a uniform 10, 14, and 18 millimeters with 14 and 18 being the most common. If you don’t have access to a measuring tool, you can take a dime and see if it fits inside the opening. If it does, then your joint is 18mm. If it doesn’t, it’s 14mm or possible 10mm. You want to make sure that the joint you get is EXACTLY one of these sizes: wider joints obviously won’t fit and narrower joint won’t create the air-tight seal you need.
- Pick A New Downstem
Using your measurements, you can now shop for a new downstem. Shopping at online headshops allows you to find the specific length and width you want. The downstem you pick also depends on the type of male bowl you plan to use. Like joints, glass bowls come in 10, 14 and 18mm, so you need to make sure your new downstem matches your bowl. Downstems have one joint for the bowl and another to connect to the pipe. Downstems come in 14mm to 14mm, 18mm to 18mm, 14mm to 18mm and 18 to 14mm.
Now that you know what you’re looking for, check out DankStop’s selection of high quality glass downstems, adapters and accessories to see what will best suit your bong and bowl.
