Have you ever wondered what a grinder is made up of? Up until now, you might have used a grinder on the recommendation of someone you know or what you've read online. However, in order to maximize your experience of using these devices, it's worth knowing everything about these devices and what they have to offer.
With that being said, this guide will explain grinder parts so that you can become an expert when choosing and using a grinder for your next smoke.
Grinding chamber
The grinding chamber is a second chamber of the grinder that has both teeth and holes.
What is it for?
As a secondary chamber, the grinding chamber is one that has teeth for grinding the bud further. Not only that but it also has holes in it for the weed to fall through.
Screen
The screen of a grinder is often referred to as a storage chamber. You'll typically find this on grinders that have Kief collectors.
What is it for?
This third compartment is helpful when it comes to storing weed. It collects all of the ground-up cannabis. The screen helps to filter the kief, the most potent part of the bud.
Kief catcher (4-piece grinders only)
If you own a 4-piece grinder, then you'll likely notice the fourth chamber, known as the kief catcher as parts of a grinder. The kief is additional grounds of the herb and is the most potent in flavor and strength.
What is it for?
As an extra chamber, it provides users with more potency from any bud they're using when grinding it up. A kief catcher is a must-have for those who want to elevate their smoking experience as such.
Every grinder will have at least three main components: A grinding chamber to grind, grinding teeth, and a lid to contain it all. Place your herbs inside the chamber and then shred them to pieces. When it’s reached your desired consistency, open the lid and dump them out.
What is the best grind size for different smoking methods?
The consistency of your grind will determine what devices you use when it comes to smoking. Here are the most common grinds and what grind sizes you'll need for your smoking preference.
Coarse - Most popular grind consistency and is achieved with most grinder sizes. This type of consistency is best for those who are using hand-rolled joints, bubblers, and pipes.
Medium - A finer consistency, suited for those with a 2 or 3-piece grinder. Ideal for those using vaporizers, bubblers, and pipes.
Fine - The finest of grinds, suited best with 2-piece grinders. Often used with both portable vaporizers and desktop alternatives.
Which part of the grinder is better for grinding sticky herbs?
The grinding chamber is going to be the best location for getting the results you need from sticky herbs. There are useful methods in which to grind these herbs more effectively. From pulsing to reverse grinding, both can prevent clogging and better control over the grind consistency you're looking to achieve.
Pulse the grinder with a number of rotations and then pause. For reverse grinding, grind in an anticlockwise direction. You'll hopefully notice a big difference in the consistency of your grind, particularly when it comes to sticky herbs.
It's worth looking at our guide on how to use a weed grinder, in order to get the best experience from your grind usage.
How often should I clean my grinder parts?
To help keep the parts of a grinder in good shape, it's important to clean it regularly. Just like anything that goes ignored in the cleaning department, is likely to become damaged as a result.
It's therefore recommended that you clean it at least once a month or every other month if you only use it occasionally. The more regularly you clean it though, the more use you'll get out of it in the long run.
How do I know when to replace my grinder?
There are some clear signs that would indicate that replacement of your grinder is needed. If you notice any of these issues, then it's worth replacing them sooner rather than later.
- Broken or dull teeth
- Rust has started to form on your grinder pieces
- The grinder keeps getting jammed
- Residue from the grinder is showing up in your herbs
- Uneven grinds
- Doesn't grind the way it used to
Where can I buy a grinder?
In order to get enjoyment from all parts of a grinder, it's good to buy a grinder you can rely on. That means picking out a good quality, affordable option that caters to everything you need when smoking. Whether it's a two-piece or four-piece grinder, you'll find plenty of options here on Smoky Rolling.
Take a look at our collection and discover some fantastic grinders, perfect for your everyday smoking needs.
Parts of a grinder FAQs
How do I fix a grinder that is not working?
When your grinder stops working, there might be a few problems that are easy enough to fix yourself. Firstly, you'll want to disassemble the grinder before cleaning out any of the loose gunk that's formed in any one of the chambers.
If the grinder is made out of metal, then applying heat can be helpful where the grinder has gotten stuck and is perhaps not turning properly.
Cleaning the grinder parts fully is likely to fix the problem. However, if it's no longer working or working effectively, it might be best to just replace it.
What are some tips for maintaining my grinder?
In order to maintain your grinder, regular maintenance is recommended. There are a number of maintenance tips worth knowing. These include taking apart your grinder and submerging it in alcohol. Clean any residue off with a Q-tip and rinse your grinder before drying it completely to avoid rust.
