Articulated crutches | LOOKAH

A Beginner's Guide to Crutches

“Filter” or “crutch” are synonymous terms for a mouthpiece that allows smokers good air circulation in their joints.

If you are rolling joints for the first time, you should improve your skills.

Adding filters to your joints can enhance the smoking experience and is easy to learn.

Experienced smokers may find this element unnecessary, but newbies to rolling joints will likely find it helpful. This article highlights the main benefits of crutches and provides detailed instructions on how to build a filter for your joints.

A step-by-step guide to rolling the crutch

You don't need any origami skills or special equipment to make a hinged filter.

However, some basic techniques make it easier.

Most people roll their first filters by simply rolling paper into a cylinder. However, this spiral structure has some disadvantages:

• It is not stable and can easily lose its shape.
• The large hole that forms in the middle of the filter allows grass particles to enter your mouth.

The best and easiest way to create a shared filter is:

• Take a piece of filter paper and cut out a rectangle 2.5 to 3 inches long and 3/4 to ½ inch wide. The size doesn't have to be perfect, but it's easier to roll something even.
• Start folding at one end of the paper, alternating directions, like an accordion. Create a zigzag pattern in the shape of an “M” or “W.” Some people use “V” or “N” patterns. Keep the folds as tight as possible, as these will catch the excess herb particles. Three or four folds should be enough, but feel free to experiment and find something that works better for you. Be sure to leave at least half of the paper unfolded.
• Roll the remaining end of the paper around the folded section. Press down on the paper as you roll it to prevent the springy folded part from unraveling the filter. This extra layer of paper around the folded part acts as a casing that prevents the filter from expanding. You can trim off excess paper if you have too much.
• Place the crutch at the end of the roll paper so that it sits in the gap.

Once rolled into the joint, the filter retains its shape while its elasticity prevents the filter from falling out of the end of the joint.

Now you can enjoy the benefits of rolling crutches while smoking. With a little practice, you will find the ideal rolling material and be able to make crutches like a pro.

What is a joint filter?

Filter and crutch are synonymous terms for the mouthpiece that is inserted into the end of joints.

It is a holder that allows the smoker to open the joint structure to create airflow. It has many benefits, but it does not filter out the fine grass particles like cigarette filters do. The main idea behind using crutches is to enhance the smoking experience.

They are usually used in joints and spliffs, but are less commonly seen in blunts.

Why use filters in the joints?

Filters are not a necessary part of your joints, and you can still enjoy smoking without a filter. Still, some users have a better experience when smoking marijuana with a filter. Here are some reasons to try them out.

• Crutches give your joints a good shape. They have more structure and are easier to hold.
• A well-shaped support improves airflow and provides a smoother and more consistent smoking experience. It is beneficial when rolling tightly rolled joints.
• Crutch paper does not absorb moisture, so you will not get a wet joint when twisting.
• The joint creates a buffer space between the weed and the part you are holding and smoking. As you get closer to the end, this prevents your lips and fingers from burning.
• The filter allows you to smoke marijuana without waste.
• The filter holds back the grass so that no herbal particles get into your mouth when you smoke.

Choose materials for your filter

Filters can be made from different materials, but are almost always made of paper. The best crutches to choose from are:

• Business card
• Thin cardboard
• Back of a checkbook
• index card
• postcard
• Top of a cigarette pack
• Manila folder.

It is important to use sturdy paper. It should not be as bulky as a cereal box, but also not as thin as printer paper. Avoid paper that contains a lot of paint and ink. It should be free of bleach and other chemicals. Make sure you are only breathing natural materials that are safe for your health.

Now that marijuana has gone mainstream, other versions of filters are coming onto the market. Some of these are rolled into the joint, while others slide over the end like cigarette holders. In addition to paper filters, there are also filters made from:

• Corn husk
• plastic
• Wood
• Ceramics
• Glass
• silicone
• metal
• Activated carbon.

Glass filters are becoming increasingly popular. They look like small hollow cylinders. You roll them into the bottom of the joint like paper. These combined filter alternatives are stronger and reusable, which is good for the environment. They cool the smoke and filter out the ash, but do not retain the herb particles as well.

Finished with homemade filters

If you don't feel like making your own filters, or if the process adds a lot of extra work to your smoking experience, choose pre-cut or pre-rolled filters that require little to no work and save time. When you buy a pre-rolled cone or joint, it usually comes with a filter. There are reusable glass filter tips for joints that are easy to clean and can be used countless times.

Choose paper versions as they allow you to taste the marijuana better and enjoy the cleanest smoke. Typically, pre-cut filter paper is 2 to 4 inches long and 3/4 inch wide, depending on the manufacturer. Also, pre-cut filters with visible filters help remove tar.

Head shops and dispensaries sell brands that make crutches from fiber-based paper. They are made in special factories and are easy to work with. Long-fiber paper is designed to roll easily and hold its shape well.

The size of homemade crutches varies depending on the material and the smoker's rolling technique.

The art of articulated crutches

Much like rolling a beautiful joint, there is the art of rolling filters. Depending on your creativity, there are different ways to roll the filters. You can try making some of the following shapes:

• accordion
• Stars
• Heart
• Mercedes logo
• hemp leaf.
• flower head

Once you've mastered the basic principles of rolling, you can perfect your technique and impress your stoner friends with your creations.