Bong Bowl: The Complete Guide to Joint Sizes and Types

Whether you're a seasoned dabber or just starting out, finding the perfect nail to match your rig can be tricky - there are so many joint sizes and configurations out there. In this guide, we'll break down the various joint types and how to determine your rig's setup. Let's get started with identifying the basics!

What is a Bong Joint?

You've no doubt seen them on the bottom of rigs - those connection points where the nail meets the bong. But what exactly are they? Simply put, a bong joint is the piece that joins the nail to the rest of the smoking apparatus. It provides the pathway for vapor to travel from the heated nail, through the water chamber, to the lungs. 

Joint Sex

All vapor rig joints rely on a matched male-female system to ensure a proper seal. The first step when shopping for new glass pieces is figuring out if your water pipe's joint is male or female. That tells you which other parts will connect to it.

Every piece involved - the water pipe itself, bowls, ashcatchers, whatever - will have either a male or female fitting. It's like plugs and sockets. The female end is usually recessed inside the pipe opening, while the male side sticks outward. This male-female design helps ensure nails stay firmly locked for easy, stable dabbing.

Once you know whether yours has a socket-style female joint or a plug-style male joint, shopping becomes a breeze. Just look for the opposite - if your pipe is female, get male bowls and ashcatchers that will slide right in. And vice versa, if it's male.

Here are some common size options:

Male - 10 mm: Outward protruding design
Male - 14 mm: Widely compatible option
Male - 19 mm: For larger custom rigs
Female - 10 mm: Indented interior cavity
Female - 14 mm: Standard household size
Female - 19 mm: Accepts various male attachments

Joint Size Comparison

Joint diameters dictate what size replacement joints, nails, and bowls will securely connect to your rig. Let's take a closer look at some of the most popular sizes. 

10mm Joints: 

Slender and best for personal small rigs. You may also come across 10mm joints called "micro" or "nano" joints. Some shops list them as 12 mm. But they're correctly measured at 10 mm. 

Usually, the 10mm is on more compact rigs and pieces. Since it's a sleeker size, it allows the glass to be smaller and more portable. A lot of personal weed vapes or dab pens will have 10mm openings. If you're working with a petite water pipe or rig, chances are it's fitted with a 10mm joint. 

14.4mm Joints: 

Since so many pieces use the 14mm size, it opens up a huge selection of bowls, nails, and other glass parts that'll hook right up. Because of this near-universal compatibility, 14mm joints have become the default option. If you're not sure what size you need, going with 14mm is a safe bet that other pieces will connect nicely. 

18.8mm Joints: 

The largest standard joint size is 19 mm. While commonly referred to as 18mm by some shops, it is properly labeled as 19mm. This wider diameter accommodates larger smoking accessories like bowls and nails. You can find 19 mm joints on larger-sized water pipes and oil rigs. The increased bore size allows for fitting broader male components inside or with females.

How Do I Measure the Joint Size of My Bong?

To find the size, use a ruler or measuring tape on the inside of the joint. Get as close to the opening as possible for an accurate read of the width in millimeters.

• Male Joint Measurement: For male joints, measure the thickness of the protrusion.
• Female Joint Measurement: With female joints, measure across the inside of the recessed area.

Determining Your Joint Size with the Penny Test

Sometimes it's tricky to fully see the measurement inside your joint to determine if it's 10, 14, or 18/19mm. That's where the penny test comes in handy.

All you need is a US penny. They're about 19mm across. 

• Jam the penny into the joint opening - if it slides in easily, you know it's 19mm.
• If the penny is a tight fit or doesn't go in at all, try a quarter. Quarters are about 24mm so they should only fit into the largest 19mm joints.
• If the penny is too big but a dime (17mm) slides right in, you've got a 14mm joint.
• Usually only a nickel (16mm) or smaller will squeeze into a 10mm joint. 

Give it a try if you're unsure of the measurement - the penny test will reveal all.

What If I Have the Wrong Sized Joint?

It's not the end of the world if your measurements don't match typical sizes. Try a few mm up or down from your number - joints can vary slightly. Otherwise, you may need an adapter, like a reducer, to go between the rig and the new nail. Don't force a piece, as that could crack glass. With some experimenting, you'll find a solution that provides a secure fit.

What Are Common Bong Joint Neck Angles?

Most bong joints are either 90 degrees or 45 degrees. 90 joints point straight up and down, while 45-degree joints angle out at a diagonal. A few specialty designs incorporate other angles for unique water flow or hit styles.

90-Degree Joint: This upright orientation is the most common and conventional. It allows for upright bong placement and straightforward drawing from the mouthpiece above.

45-Degree Joint: These diagonal joints angle the bong tubing out to the side. This design takes some getting used to but can allow for more compact bong sizes with a unique hit experience.

How to Determine the Angle of Your Joints

To determine the angle of your joint, look straight into the joint opening from the end. If you're looking directly down the center without anything cutting off to either side, it's a 90-degree joint. But if the opening points off to one side at an angle, that's a 45. Some specialty pieces will have other fun angles too.

Knowing the angle lets you decide which attachments will fit best. 90 joints pair with bowls/nails that stick straight up, while 45 joints work with pieces designed for the diagonal orientation.