C Clips

For anyone who’s serious about their dab rig or water pipe setup, C Clips are a small but essential accessory. Known as C Clips, Keck Clips, or glass joint clips, these simple plastic clips secure glass-on-glass joints, holding pieces like nectar tips, bangers, and converters firmly in place. Without them, glass attachments can become loose, leading to accidental spills, broken glass, and wasted product.

What Are C Clips (Keck Clips)?

C Clips are small, C-shaped plastic clips that snap onto glass joints to keep two connected pieces from coming apart. Originally designed for scientific laboratory glassware, these clips are now widely used in the world of dabbing and water pipes to hold glass attachments in place.

For dab rigs and water pipes, C Clips are used to secure attachments like nectar tips, bangers, and converters, preventing these components from slipping off or disconnecting. Although they’re small and affordable, they play a big role in keeping your setup secure and stable.

Why Use C Clips in Dab Rigs and Water Pipes?

When using glass accessories like nectar tips or bangers, stability is crucial. Glass-on-glass joints, while airtight, can sometimes be slippery or prone to disconnection, especially during handling. Here’s how C Clips help:

Securing Nectar Tips: In a nectar dabber, the nectar tip is a crucial part that heats up and vaporizes your concentrate. A C Clip keeps the tip securely connected to the nectar dabber, reducing the risk of it slipping off when you’re in the middle of a session.
Attaching Bangers: A banger is a type of bowl attachment used to vaporize concentrates. Without a C Clip, the banger can become loose on the joint, especially if you’re moving the rig around. The C Clip holds it in place, preventing accidental spills and keeping your session uninterrupted.
Stabilizing Converters: Many people use converters (or adapters) to connect different glass joint sizes or types. C Clips secure these converters, ensuring an airtight seal and stable connection. This is especially useful if you like to switch between different attachments.

These simple clips make a noticeable difference, allowing you to handle your dab rig or water pipe without worrying about pieces coming loose or falling apart.

How to Use C Clips Properly

Using C Clips is straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure you’re getting the most out of them:

Choose the Right Size: C Clips come in different sizes, typically matching the diameter of the glass joints they secure. Common sizes are 10mm, 14mm, and 18mm. Using the correct size clip is essential for a snug, stable fit; a clip that’s too small won’t snap on, while one that’s too large will be loose and ineffective.
Attach the Clip Carefully: To attach the clip, simply snap it around the joint where two glass pieces connect. Position the clip carefully, so it holds the two parts securely together. Don’t force the clip too hard, as glass can be delicate, and too much pressure could cause a crack.
Keep Heat Away from the Clip: Since C Clips are made of plastic, they are not heat-resistant and should be kept away from any direct heat source. When heating a banger or nectar tip with a torch, avoid directing the flame near the clip, as this can cause it to warp, melt, or even break. Position your torch carefully, or temporarily remove the clip while heating if possible.
Check for Stability Before Use: Once you’ve attached the C Clip, give the joint a gentle tug to ensure it’s stable and secure. If it feels loose, you may need to reposition the clip or use a different size.