A joint filter, frequently referred to as a crutch or a tip, is a small, supportive piece placed at the mouth-end of a hand-rolled cigarette. Its primary function is to maintain the integrity of the roll, preventing the opening from collapsing during use. A properly constructed crutch provides a stable mouthpiece, which improves airflow and draw resistance. It also prevents small, loose bits of plant material from being pulled into the mouth during inhalation.
Pre-Made Filter Options
Purchasing pre-made tips offers convenience and specialized features that traditional paper crutches cannot replicate. Glass tips are popular reusable options that feature a small channel to block plant matter while simultaneously helping to cool the smoke as it passes through the inert material. Their smooth surface and reusability make them an environmentally conscious alternative to disposable tips, though they require regular cleaning to prevent resin buildup.
Ceramic tips function similarly to glass, offering durability and heat-resistance, which also contributes to a cooler smoke, enhancing flavor preservation. Unlike glass, ceramic is less prone to breaking if dropped, providing a more robust, long-lasting option.
Specialized activated carbon filters represent a different approach, as they are designed with internal chambers containing activated charcoal. These filters offer actual smoke filtration, aiming to reduce various particulates and harsh compounds without substantially trapping the psychoactive components or terpenes.
Corn husk tips are a unique, natural option sometimes found in pre-rolled products, as they are known to provide subtle cooling to the smoke. Their natural texture makes them durable and resistant to becoming soft from moisture. These tips are naturally designed to hold the ground material in place while providing a firm, biodegradable mouthpiece.
DIY Crutch Materials
The most common materials for a structural crutch are semi-stiff paper products, chosen for their balance of rigidity and flexibility. Paper tips designed for rolling are widely available as perforated strips of unbleached cardstock, offering the safest and most convenient option. When commercial tips are unavailable, thin cardstock from household items can be substituted effectively. Materials like the cardboard from a rolling paper package, index cards, or thin, unprinted business cards provide the necessary thickness and structural support. It is important to select materials free from heavy dyes, glossy coatings, or excessive ink to minimize the inhalation of unknown combustion byproducts.
Techniques for Rolling a Paper Crutch
A paper crutch is typically formed from a strip of material measuring approximately one-half inch wide and one to two inches long. The simplest method is the spiral roll, where the strip is tightly coiled into a cylinder. While fast, the spiral center offers minimal obstruction for loose plant matter and can lose its structural shape easily.
The preferred technique is the “W” or “M” fold, also known as the accordion style, which provides a more robust internal structure. This method begins by making three or four small, tight, alternating folds at one end of the strip. The folds create a pleated barrier that prevents ground material from passing through and ensures consistent airflow. The remaining, unfolded length of the strip is then tightly rolled around the pleats to secure the shape and form the cylindrical body of the crutch.
Materials That Must Be Avoided
Certain household materials should never be used as a joint filter due to the risk of inhaling harmful compounds when heated. Traditional cotton-based cigarette filters are not suitable because they absorb tar and nicotine, which also absorbs a significant percentage of psychoactive compounds, potentially reducing potency by 30 to 60 percent. Highly inked paper, such as magazine pages or receipts, is dangerous because the dyes and chemicals in the ink can be aerosolized during combustion. Aluminum foil should also be avoided, as high heat can cause it to release microscopic metal particles or toxic aluminum oxides, posing a serious health concern.