Damn Rubber Grommits

[piperjason]

So I joined the party and got my nice bit KM hookah which looks really nice but I haven't smoked it yet.

However, one aspect of it that is driving me nuts is the darn vase grommet which is made out of rubber instead of something like silicone. As such, it sticks to the glass vase probably way more than required to seal it. Apart from ordering online, does anyone know if home depot or the like sells a grommet that would work for the vase that is made out a slightly better material?

[mushrat]

those grommets are fairly special....try a little olive/vegi oil.

[Wharbone]

I had the same problem with my KM. I used a very small amount of non-toxic grease (made to be used on musical wind instruments) on mine. Worked great. Still fits very snug.

[piperjason]

those grommets are fairly special....try a little olive/vegi oil.

that won't eat the rubber at all or get sticky itself? I was thinking a very light coating of petroleum jelly. But then again, that may eat it too who knows.

[Doubon]

The grommet on for my KM had a silicone o-ring around it (to make it thicker i guess).
I removed it and it sits level now and is still airtight. Perhaps you have a similar issue?

[piperjason]

I have managed to get it off, no o-ring. It isn't really that the grommet is too big around IMO. When i seat it on the stem and hold it against the opening it is only a couple mm more in diameter than the vase opening. it just that the rubber does not slide, it sticks.

[AmunRa]

I've had this problem, too. You could order a new one from a hookah shop, but that is hit or miss. Using veggie oil is your best bet. And no, it won't "eat" the rubber. It bay leave a residue that you will want to clean off though.

I use water to put mine together, but for the ones that are really really hard to get put together, the oil works wonders.

[NickReppinThe909]

i just sanded mine down and i use a silicone band around it no more problems with it getting stuck in the base