Pipe Screen Size Guide
How to Choose the Right Pipe Screen Size
Screens are sold by diameter — the measurement across the opening of your pipe bowl. Order a screen that's slightly larger than the inside diameter of your bowl so it sits flat and doesn't fall through.
Step 1 — Measure Your Bowl's Inside Diameter
You'll need a ruler or a set of calipers (most accurate). Measure across the widest part of the bowl opening, inside edge to inside edge.
- Measure in inches for standard sizing (e.g., .500")
- Measure in millimeters then divide by 25.4 to convert to inches
Round up to the nearest screen size we carry. A snug fit is better than a loose one.
Step 2 — Match Your Bowl to a Screen Size
| Common Pipe Type | Typical Bowl ID | Recommended Screen Size |
|---|---|---|
| Small spoon / chillum | ~8–9 mm (≈ .330"–.360") | .375" |
| Standard spoon / bowl pipe | ~12–13 mm (≈ .470"–.510") | .500" |
| Mid-size bowl / Sherlock | ~15–16 mm (≈ .590"–.630") | .625" |
| Large bowl / Gandalf / churchwarden | ~18–20 mm (≈ .710"–.790") | .750" or .812" |
| Jumbo bowl / one-hitter tin | ~24–26 mm (≈ .945"–1.02") | 1.0" |
Standard (Inch) vs. Metric Sizing
All of our screens are listed in inches, which is the industry standard for brass pipe screens in the US. If you're used to metric measurements, here's a quick reference:
| Screen Size (inches) | Approximate mm |
|---|---|
| .375" | 9.5 mm |
| .500" | 12.7 mm |
| .625" | 15.9 mm |
| .750" | 19.1 mm |
| .812" | 20.6 mm |
| 1.0" | 25.4 mm |
Tips for a Good Fit
- Go one size up if you're between sizes — a screen that's slightly wider than the bowl sits securely on the rim.
- Brass screens are flexible — they can be gently pressed into shape to fit bowls that are slightly smaller than the screen diameter.
- If your screen keeps falling through, move up one size.
- Replace screens when they become clogged, discolored, or brittle.
Still Not Sure?
When in doubt, order a size up. Brass screens can be trimmed slightly at the edges or domed to fit a shallower bowl. If you have questions about a specific pipe, feel free to reach out before you order.