My Personal Journey Through Joint Sizes and Types
There I was, staring at the broken part of my water pipe setup after an unfortunate accident. Like many others, I didn’t realize that I had no idea what I was looking for when it came to finding a replacement. Trust me, with the variety of joint sizes, male and female styles, and different angles, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed.
To save you from the same confusion I faced, here’s what you need to consider when you’re in search of a new part:
- The joint’s gender (male or female)
- The joint’s size (10, 14, or 19mm)
- The neck angle (45° or 90°)
The Gender of the Joint
First, I needed to figure out the gender of the joint on my water pipe. Everything in the setup – from water pipes and dab rigs to bowls and ashcatchers – has a gender. This made it easy for me to know which accessories would fit. It’s like common sense: a female joint goes with male accessories, and a male joint goes with female accessories.
Comparing Joint Sizes
After determining the gender of my water pipe, I had to identify the size of the joint. Joint sizes are measured in millimeters and usually come in three standard sizes. However, smoke shops sometimes label these sizes differently.
18.8mm joints
These joints, the largest standard size, are often sold as 18mm or 19mm joints in smoke shops. They’re designed to fit larger attachments, like bowls and nails, and are typically found on bigger water pipes and oil rigs.
14.4mm joints
Often sold as 14mm joints, these are among the most common joint sizes you’ll come across.
10mm joints
Commonly called ‘Micro’ or ‘Nano’ joints and sometimes referred to as ’12mm’ joints, 10mm joints are mostly found on smaller dab rigs and water pipes.
Measuring Your Joint Size
For male joints, I made sure to measure the external diameter, while for female joints, I measured the internal diameter. This prevents the measurements from being affected by the thickness of the material. And with these measurements in hand, I was finally able to find the perfect replacement part for my water pipe setup!
Our Experience with Joint Neck Angles: 45° vs 90°
In our adventures with dab nails, we’ve noticed that some are designed with a 90° angled neck, while others have a 45° angled neck. We’ve come to learn that this is to accommodate different water pipe joint angles, ensuring that the nail always faces upwards when connected.
- When we found that the joint on our water pipe faced straight up towards the sky, we knew we needed a 90° angled nail (right) to make sure it faced upwards when connected to the rig.
- On the other hand, when the joint on our water pipe faced diagonally, we opted for a 45° angled nail (left). This allowed us to compensate for the sloped joint neck and keep the nail facing upwards.
As we continued exploring the world of water pipes and dab rigs, we discovered the importance of choosing the right joint neck angle for our setups. It became clear that the correct angle could make a significant difference in both the performance and the overall experience of using our water pipes.
Tips for Choosing the Right Joint Neck Angle
1. Consider your water pipe design
The design of your water pipe or dab rig plays a crucial role in determining the appropriate joint neck angle. Take a close look at the joint’s orientation and the angle it forms with the base before making a decision.
2. Evaluate your personal preference
Some users may have a preference for a particular joint neck angle based on their individual experiences. You might find that a 45° angled joint is more comfortable to use, or that a 90° angled joint provides better stability. Don’t hesitate to experiment with both to find your preference.
3. Keep compatibility in mind
Always ensure that the joint neck angle of your nail or banger is compatible with the joint angle on your water pipe or dab rig. The right fit will ensure a secure connection and optimal performance.
Other Factors to Consider When Choosing Joint Neck Angles
1. Cleaning and maintenance
Depending on the joint neck angle, some nails and bangers might be easier to clean and maintain than others. A 90° joint, for example, could be simpler to clean due to its upright position, while a 45° joint may require a bit more effort to reach all the nooks and crannies.
2. Heat distribution
The joint neck angle can also impact heat distribution during the dabbing process. A 90° joint may help concentrate heat more efficiently, while a 45° joint might provide a more even heat distribution across the surface of the nail or banger. Experimenting with both angles can help you determine which one works best for your specific needs.
3. Aesthetics
Last but not least, the joint neck angle can contribute to the overall appearance of your water pipe or dab rig setup. Some people prefer the sleek look of a 45° joint, while others might appreciate the symmetry and balance offered by a 90° joint. Ultimately, it’s a matter of personal preference.
