DIY & Field Expedient Tampers

[Hovannes]

I have several Czech tools, but seldom employ them. I don't know exactly why this is so.
When I started with the pipe I simply used the bolstered end of my trusty Schrade Old Timer pocket knife until my employer banned pocket knives. I then started using a spent rifle cartridge (.30-06 is a nice size) however that raised the suspicions of gentler people so while pruning a grapevine in the back yard I lopped off 3 inches of cane between two "knuckles" and that immediately became my favorite tamper. I've added another tamper of apricot since but that one was quickly mis-placed.

What's your tamper situation like?

 

[Duck]

I just use a horseshoe nail.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I've got these and a few more,



but I just use my index finger.

 

[mingc]

I had this exact tamper. It was my favorite but I lost it and cannot find another. I am still sad.

 

[kurtbob]

These……
This or whatever I can find……

 

[scout19d3]

fingers, thumbs, twigs, nails, empty cartridge shells, AA battery (not recommended), or any other handy item. I keep one of these at each of my smoking stations though... a Rattray's Bone Tamper with a removable pick
I acquired several of these on special (1x free with each purchase of a Rattray's pipe) and seem to prefer the balance, weight, and feel

 

[FurCoat]

Pointing finger the vast majority of the time. I got tired of keeping up with a tamper.

 

[The Amish Tyrant]

I know of someone who created this tamper (and can create similar ones) with a bullet casing and razor on the end for plugs and ropes.

 

[Jaylotw]

Ive always got a Czech tool or a Brebia pipe nail in my pocket, but use my pinky or pointer finger 90% of the time. Just do it quick lest ye get burned.

 

[warren]

Yup, fingers are good and I always seem to have a couple with me.

 

[warren]

Just do it quick lest ye get burned.

Tamp as needed with a quarter twist. You'll soon have a decent callus so not to worry about a bit of a char.

 

[kcghost]

I use the same ones as kurtbob uses.

 

[Jaylotw]

Tamp as needed with a quarter twist. You'll soon have a decent callus so not to worry about a bit of a char.

I've got guitar calluses so thick I've stuck a thumbtack in my fingertip and not felt a thing.

The problem is when I use my right hand fingers.

 

[romaso]

Aluminum pipe nails, they don't rust if left outside or in field use.

I had some nice metal medieval knights from a toy store, but they must have ridden off...

 

[Christos D. Tsatsaronis]

Here are mine. Upper row: bought and gifted. Second row: selfmade (one from a friend):

 

[Ettrick puffer]

Currently using this one, a .22 Hornet case fitted into a .243 Winchester case. The .22 Hornet is good for really narrow tobacco bowls.
Happy smokes
Ettrick puffer

 

[didimauw]

Didimauw's Tamper Thread :: Pipes Accessories

Hahaha very funny Embers! I can only hope! Lol

pipesmagazine.com

Still have all of these, along with my pipe knife, and other tampers from friends. I rarely go without.

 

[LotusEater]

My index finger or the butt end of my case peanut.

 

[monty55]

Like most, I have several tampers, but when I was living in the mountains, I'd do like you did and snap a twig off the ground and bob's your uncle.

 

[Simmerdown☕️]

Best field expedient tamper I own…️