What’s the Purpose of a Carb on a Hand Pipe?

When it comes to methods of smoking, each smoker has a personal preference. People who tend to smoke at home may favor bongs, because they filter smoke. Smokers who prefer concentrates might opt instead to smoke a dab rig, rather than dry herbs. But, hand pipes are a simple method of smoking that everyone can appreciate. While there are several styles of glass hand pipes with different features,all of them contain a carb. The carb is important in helping the glass pipe to be simple yet enjoyable. Read on to learn more about the purpose of the carb, and how it improves the hand pipe experience.


What is the Carb on a Glass Hand Pipe?

calibear hand pipe

As we mentioned before, the shape of bowls and hand pipes can vary by style. Some glass pipes are shaped like spoons, with a simple, flat design. Others are created in the popular Sherlock Holmes style. Some smokers prefer hand pipes that are shaped in the standard tobacco style, with a long, straight pipe. Bubblers are slightly larger than the normal glass hand pipes, allowing for water filtration in the same style as a bong. One of the major similarities between these glass pipe styles is the carb.

The carb is a small hole on the glass pipe. It is generally located directly next to the bowl, which is where the dry herb is packed. However, it may also be on the front of the hand pipe. While the carb is subtle on some hand pipes, the carb hole can also be a crucial part of the design. 

What is the Purpose of the Carb Hole?

Believe it or not, the carb hole on a glass hand pipe is quite important for the smoking process.

First and foremost, the carb allows you to introduce air at the right moment. As you light your dry herbs and begin to inhale, you should be covering the carb hole with your thumb. So, when you finally move your finger and continue to inhale, the air helps to push the smoke into your lungs.

Clearing the Bowl

In theory, the purpose of the carb hole is to divide the smoking process into two steps. During the first step, the smoker creates the smoke by burning the dry herb. During the second step, the smoker inhales the smoke. The carb hole is what allows this process to work correctly. When you remove your finger from the carb hole, you should be able to inhale all of the smoke that was inside the bowl. So, paying attention to the carb will help you to clear the bowl.

Cornering the Bowl

Concerning the bowl is one of the most important aspects of proper smoking etiquette It may sound complicated, but cornering is actually quite simple. Instead of holding the lighter directly over the dry herb, you should place the lighter on the rim of the bowl. While doing so, you should be keeping your finger over the carb. As you inhale, the piece will generate smoke from the section of dry herbs that you lit, rather than the entire bowl. Cornering the bowl ensures that you use your dry herbs wisely, and do not put anything to waste. Some smokers choose not to corner, and instead light the entire bowl. Covering the carb is a crucial part of cornering the right way.

Control Over the Smoking Experience

Generally speaking, the carb hole is crucial in helping smokers to control the smoking experience. For seasoned smokers that understand how to use the carb hole correctly, this is important. The carb hole helps you understand when to anticipate an influx of smoke.

Why Don’t Bongs Have Carb Holes?

In a way, bongs and water pipes are quite similar. Both of these smoking pieces rely on controlled airflow for the smoker to properly inhale the smoke. In fact, the primary difference between the two is that bongs offer advanced filtration,with both a water chamber and perch. So, why don’t bongs have carb holes?

The answer is simpler than you might think. When smoking a hand pipe, the carb hole cuts off air from everything but the bowl. The same concept applies with a bong. When you remove the bowl after drawing smoke into the chamber, the airflow that you create helps you to inhale. So, in a way, the bowl area or downstem acts as the carb hole.


High-Quality Glass Hand Pipes

Whether you’re smoking from a Sherlock pipe or a spoon pipe, you want to do it right. Paying attention to your finger placement on the carb can go a long way in improving your smoking experience.

At Clean & Clear Glass, we never stock any glass hand pipes created with low quality glass As smoking enthusiasts, we’re here to help you enjoy your dry herbs to the max. If you’re looking for a new piece that will take you through the years, then check out our collection of glass pipes!

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