The Ultimate Bong Accessory Upgrade Guide for UK Smokers: Bowls, Bangers & Sizes Explained

You have got your favourite piece but the bowl or banger it came with isn’t quite right. It’s time to upgrade your bowl or banger. 

Time to Upgrade Your Bowl or Banger?

The right accessory can transform an average session into a fire sesh! Bong accessories make your set up. From finding the perfect bowl or slider to choosing the right banger or nail, understanding these attachments and their sizes is crucial with some many options, so if you are a curious beginner or a veteran you need to read this.
Experts at A Bong Shop UK, we have used our expertise to put together this comprehensive guide so you can select the best gear for your needs, confidently and easily. 

Understanding Bong Bowls and Sliders

Bowls and Sliders: Same Same, But Different

In most modern usage, the terms bowl and slider (or slide) refer to the same piece. The part you pack with your dry herb. They’re functionally the same and we use the terms interchangeably.

However, there’s a subtle distinction worth noting: sliders often refer to bowls that are removable and are used to clear the bong like you would a carb hole. Some bongs also feature fixed bowls and rely on a carb hole to clear the bong. Although at A Bong Shop UK we don't have many bongs like this.

Regardless of what we call them, the main job remains the same: hold your herb whilst it's being lit and deliver a smooth, flavoursome rip.

Popular Materials and Their Benefits:

• Glass Bowls: Offer pure, clean flavour and easy cleaning.

• Metal Bowls: Virtually unbreakable, durable and ideal for on-the-go and outdoor use.

• Ceramic Bowls: Retain heat well, enhancing flavour and consistency.

Common Sizes:

• 10mm: Commonly found on small portable pieces and dab rigs.

• 14.5mm (often called 14mm): The most popular size for standard bongs.

• 18.8mm (often called 18mm): For large setups, providing greater airflow and huge rips.

🔧 Size Tip: While 14.5mm and 18.8mm are the technical sizes, they’re frequently shortened to 14mm and 18mm in product listings. Always double-check compatibility with your piece.

 

Bangers and Nails Explained

What Are Bangers and Nails?

• Bangers: Typically quartz or glass attachments used for vaporising concentrates. Check this one out.

• Nails: Usually titanium, ceramic or quartz, used in dab rigs to vaporise concentrates.

Quartz vs Titanium vs Ceramic:

• Quartz: Superior flavour, heats up fast and evenly.

• Titanium: Highly durable, retains heat exceptionally well, great for frequent use.

• Ceramic: Excellent flavour preservation, maintains stable temperature.

Choosing the Right Size for Your Accessories

Understanding joint sizes is essential to match accessories with your bong or rig:

• Male vs Female Joints: Male joints fit inside female joints, and vice versa.

Standard Sizes: 10mm, 14.5mm (commonly called 14mm), 18.8mm (commonly called 18mm)

 

Make sure your accessory matches your bong's joint size

 

Quick Size Matching Guide:

• Most standard sized bongs in the UK use 14.5mm (14mm) joints.

• 18.8mm (18mm) joints are common in larger, higher capacity bongs.

• 10mm joints are typical for dab rigs and portable setups.

Essential Bong Accessories for Every UK Smoker

Enhance your experience further with these recommended accessories:

• Ash Catchers: Keep your bong cleaner for longer, improving flavour.

• Dab Tools: Stainless steel or titanium tools for handling concentrates cleanly. Like this 

• Cleaning Supplies: Specialised solutions like Limpuro Bong Cleaner to keep your accessories pristine.

Why Quality Accessories Matter

Investing in quality accessories from reputable UK suppliers like A Bong Shop UK ensures:

• Better flavour and smoother hits

• Longer lasting and durable gear

• Reliable, affordable and safe products

• Compatibility with popular UK bong brands

Recommendations from Jimmy Green

As the founder of A Bong Shop UK and a seasoned cannabis advocate, I've personally tested and approved every product in our store. My top accessory picks include:

• Quartz bangers for exceptional flavour.

• Glass sliders for a clean rip. Check out this ‘eye’ catching bowl 

• Limpuro cleaning products for effortless maintenance.

Frequently Asked Questions About Bong Bowls, Bangers & Accessories (UK Guide)

Q: What size bowl fits most UK bongs?
A: Most standard bongs in the UK use a 14.5mm (often called 14mm) joint. Always double check your joint type (male or female) before buying.

Q: Are sliders and bowls the same thing?
A: Yes, generally they are! In modern setups, sliders are often just another name for a bowl that also functions as a pull-out slide to clear the chamber. Some older setups or traditional designs may use the term differently.

Q: Can bowls be fixed instead of removable?
A: Absolutely. Some bongs come with fixed bowls and use a carb hole for clearing smoke. At A Bong Shop UK, we mostly stock bongs with removable bowls for better flexibility.

Q: What's the best material for a bowl or banger?
A: It depends on your preference. Quartz bangers offer clean flavour for concentrates. Glass bowls are a classic choice for dry herb and easy to clean. Titanium and ceramic offer durability and heat retention.

Q: How do I measure my bong joint size?
A: Use a ruler or caliper to measure the diameter of the joint across the outer edge (for male joints) or inner edge (for female joints). The three most common sizes are 10mm, 14.5mm, and 18.8mm.

Q: What size banger fits my dab rig?
A: The most common sizes are 10mm, 14.5mm (14mm), and 18.8mm (18mm). Make sure the joint size and gender match your dab rig for a secure fit.

Q: What’s better for flavour- quartz, titanium, or ceramic?
A: Quartz is the go-to for clean flavour. Titanium is highly durable and heats fast, while ceramic retains heat well and provides smooth, flavourful draws.

Q: Are nails and bangers the same?
A: They're similar in purpose but not identical. A banger is a bucket shaped attachment, while a nail (typically titanium or ceramic) is more traditional and may require a dome unless it's domeless.

Q: Do all bangers fit every dab rig?
A: No. Always check the joint size (10mm, 14mm, or 18mm) and gender (male/female). Domeless bangers tend to be more universal, but fit is still key.

Q: Can I use the same cleaner for my banger as my bong?
A: Yes! Products like Limpuro or 99% rubbing alcohol work well for cleaning both bangers and bowls, just avoid scrubbing quartz with anything abrasive to prevent damage.

Ready to Upgrade Your Session?

Explore our full selection of premium bong accessories and essentials designed specifically for UK smokers. Trust us to help up grade your set up because we are a headshop that cares deeply about your sesh, browse our curated accessories today at A Bong Shop UK.

Jimmy Green, Founder | A Bong Shop UK