Hookah Stem And Ashtray Questions

[Canuck Noob]

Just got my first hookah today (4 hose), and was wondering a couple things about the stem and ashtray.

I hear some rattling when I shake the stem and I understand there is a ball bearing or ball bearings in the hose connector section.



Q: How many ball bearing are there in the stem?

Q: Does one ever need to replace the ball bearings?

Q: If one has to replace the ball bearing/ball bearings, how does one do it?

As for the hookah ashtray, the opening seems bigger than it needs to be to fit over the stem ornamentation. It seems awfully loose, and can be moved around quite far from side to side.

Q: Is the hookah ashtray suppose to fit fairly snug or be loose and easily moved from side to side?

Q: The ashtray seems to be quite light/thin/flimsy, are they all like that?

Please forgive my noobness!

Edited May 16, 2007 by Canuck Noob

[Rubi-WAC]

That is the same stem I have. That noise you hear is actually bits of the metal from soldering that are inside the design. Sucks, but oh well.

Your stem does not have ball bearings at all. The hose connectors are just a hollow curved tube. Therefore, no need to replace. Get some rubber hose flip caps from social-smoke, so you don't have to use your thumb the entire time.

I also got the same ashtray that you described. It doesn't look anything like the picture. At first I hated it, but now I am glad I have it. Catches coals that fall easier. If you look at the picture you posted, there is a black rubber grommet at the bottom of the stem. Buy an extra one and flip it over and shove it on top of the stem. Then your ashtray will fit perfectly on top. Edited May 16, 2007 by whatsacorbin

[The King]

Ball bearings

Sounds like an auto seal system, the ball bearing moves into place to block off your hose when someone is taking a hit off another hose. Should just be one for each hose...not sure about replacing them sorry

Ash tray

Mine fits pretty snug, does yours easily lean or tilt or what?
Yeah, they are pretty thin, don't really need anything to thick...but mines not flimsy... sturdy little thing for how thin it is

[newsman]

"Your stem does not have ball bearings at all. The hose connectors are just a hollow curved tube. Therefore, no need to replace. Get some rubber hose flip caps from social-smoke, so you don't have to use your thumb the entire time."

Or, get some rubber stoppers and plug up the the hose connectors you're not using. My main hookah is a four-hoser that I use as a solo smoker with three connectors plugged. Works fine.

As far as the ash tray goes... there seems to be two basic kinds. The kind that snaps in place (and therefore should fit snugly) and the kind that rests on a flat base just below the bowl connector. From the picture you posted, it looks like you may have the latter. I have both kinds and they both work fine.

[lazria]

I have one with the same type of tray as yours. The opening is larger than it needs to be, but it works just fine.

And yes, many trays will be thin feeling, they are normally just stamped steel or aluimin (sp). You really don't want to too heavy tray, it may make the hookah top-heavy (a bad thing).

PS: if your tray is like mine - always dry completely and careful how long you leave those coals on here. Mine has rusted from 3 years of use. LOL - looks fugly, but works fine. Edited May 16, 2007 by lazria

[Canuck Noob]

Thank you all for your help.

Whatsacorbin hit the nail on the head. Its just pieces of metal from the welding that is causing the rattling. Guess I'll just have to get used to it.

As for the ashtray, I'll try to find a gasket to secure it a little better. Just wish they didn't look/feel so cheap.