Tampers (Common Items)

[John]

While not necessarily the most common item, I had a friend who used a valve out of an old motorcycle engine as a tamper. That was probably the most manly/cool tamper ever.

Now that is a great idea. Time to look for a small valve, thanks!

[ted]

I go to the apple trees with clippers.
Cut a branch a size that will allow me to insert a thumb tack in one end and be flush.

Now wait, I've got about 15 tampers that were gifts,

The serrated tacks and the apple wood work best.. ted

[ted]

I go to the apple trees with clippers.
Cut a branch a size that will allow me to insert a thumb tack in one end and be flush.

Now wait, I've got about 15 tampers that were gifts,

The serrated tacks and the apple wood work best.. ted

BTW, You can sharpen one end to use as a 'pick'. Just don't carry it in a pocket.
Some parts of the male anatomy doesn't react well with this idea... ted

[Hitzy]

Spent cartridge case...nice shiny nickel plated 44 mag, or whatever bigger/smaller that suits you and your pipe. Lots would work, could even glue a dowel in something small like a 9mm/40/45. I think I'll try this out for a bit with a 30-30.

Spent though... don't forget that part.

[John]

Spent though... don't forget that part.

That would be exciting! Thanks for the idea. I have a feeling I'm about to have a bunch of homemade tampers lying around. Good thing I have some buddies getting into pipes. I can make some for them if they come out good.

[Preacher1611]

Czech tool on my key chain, cheap pipe nail in the truck, I have a couple of fancy ones lying around that I really don't ever use. I've used nails, pieces of wood and stones before. Mainly I use a black one of these:

[Wooda]

I find a stick. pinky size diameter or smaller.

cut one end with 90* face, cut other end at a 30-45* angle.

Voila, a free, serviceable tamper.

I still have the first one I made from good ol' North Carolina Hill cane I got from a trade.

If I'm in the garage, and there are no sticks around, I grab a bolt or deck screw.

[Bigflo]

I generally use a tamper I made from pronghorn antler and a penny it works and the antler tips are good for picking the bowl out at the end

[Bigflo]

[sisyphus]

I've always used a Tsuge, which is a clone of a Dunhill Jr.. This is the one I have currently.