THREE ARM TREE PERC ASH CATCHER

Choosing the right ash catcher might seem tricky, but it’s easy when you know what to look for. Use this quick checklist to guarantee a perfect fit before you buy.

1. Joint Size: Check your bong’s joint. A 14mm opening is about the size of a dime, while an 18mm is closer to a penny. Match that size.
2. Joint Gender: This ash catcher has a male joint, so it fits bongs with a female joint. This is the most common setup.
3. Joint Angle: Look at your downstem. If it comes out at a diagonal, you need a 45° angle. If it's straight up and down, get the 90° angle.
4. Bong Style: 45° angles are typically for beaker bongs, while 90° angles are common on straight tubes.
5. Clearance & Stability: Ensure your bong has a stable base to support the extra weight and that there's enough room for the ash catcher.

Following this checklist helps you get the right part the first time.

• Evidence: An ash catcher's angle must match the bong's downstem angle to sit upright.
• Evidence: A 14mm joint is about the size of a dime; an 18mm joint is closer to a penny.
• Evidence: This ash catcher fits standard water pipes with female joints.

Understanding the details helps you know exactly what you're getting. Here’s a breakdown of the materials and features that deliver great performance.

These specs combine to create a reliable and effective accessory for daily use.

• Evidence: Borosilicate glass is the industry standard for high-quality smoking accessories.
• Evidence: Tree percolators are known for providing smooth hits through diffusion.
• Evidence: Having size and angle options ensures it's compatible with a wide range of bongs.

The most important factor for an ash catcher is a perfect fit. An incorrect size or angle will make it unusable. Here’s how to choose correctly.

Which Joint Size Do I Need, 14Mm Or 18Mm?

Your ash catcher's joint size must match your bong's joint size. To find yours, use the coin trick: if a dime fits loosely into your bong's joint, it's a 14mm. If it's closer to the size of a penny, you have an 18mm joint. This ash catcher comes in both 14mm and 18mm male options to fit your piece.

Should I Choose A 45 Or 90 Degree Angle?

The angle ensures your ash catcher sits upright and functions properly. Choose 45° if you have a traditional beaker bong where the downstem joint points out at a diagonal. Choose 90° if you have a straight tube or recycler where the joint sits vertically (straight up and down). Mismatching the angle will cause it to tilt, potentially spilling water.

Selecting the right size and angle is key to performance and preventing spills.

• Evidence: A 45-degree ash catcher is typically used with beaker-style bongs.
• Evidence: A 90-degree ash catcher is designed for bongs with a vertical joint, like straight tubes.
• Evidence: Matching the joint size (14mm or 18mm) is essential for an airtight seal.

Beyond the basic function, a few key design choices make this attachment a reliable and effective part of your setup.

How Does A 3-Arm Tree Percolator Work?

Inside the chamber, three individual glass arms with slits at the bottom sit submerged in water. As you draw, smoke is pulled down and forced through the slits on all three arms. This action diffuses the smoke into many small bubbles, dramatically increasing its surface area for rapid cooling and filtering out impurities before they ever reach the main chamber.

Why Is Borosilicate Glass Important For Durability?

Unlike regular soda-lime glass, borosilicate glass is engineered to be highly resistant to thermal shock. This means it can handle rapid temperature changes from hot smoke and cool water without cracking. It's the same type of glass used in laboratory equipment, prized for its strength and clarity.

The combination of effective diffusion and strong materials makes for a superior session.

• Evidence: The 3-arm perc provides a balanced level of filtration without excessive drag.
• Evidence: Borosilicate glass construction ensures the piece can withstand regular use and cleaning.
• Evidence: This compact design adds filtration without making the bong overly cumbersome.

Each percolator style offers a different experience. Here’s a quick comparison to help you understand where the 3-arm tree perc fits in.

The tree percolator offers a great balance of smoothness and function for everyday use.

• Evidence: Tree percs are known for their classic bubbling function and effective cooling.
• Evidence: Honeycomb percs offer less drag but sometimes less cooling than tree percs.
• Evidence: Matrix percs provide intense diffusion but can add more drag and be harder to clean.

Proper use and regular cleaning will keep your ash catcher performing like new and ensure the best possible flavor and function.

What Are The Steps For First-Time Use?

1. Rinse the ash catcher with warm water before its first use.
2. Fill it with just enough water to submerge the slits on the percolator arms (about 1/4 to 1/3 full).
3. Carefully insert the ash catcher’s male joint into your bong’s female joint.
4. Place your bowl with herb into the top joint of the ash catcher.
5. Light and use as you normally would. Enjoy the filtered hit!

How Do I Clean A Tree Perc Ash Catcher?

Tree percs have tight spaces that can trap residue. A soak-and-shake method is most effective.

1. Empty the old water and rinse the unit with hot water.
2. Pour in coarse salt (like sea salt or Epsom salt) to act as a scrubber.
3. Add isopropyl alcohol (91% or higher) until it's about half full.
4. Plug the openings with your fingers or cleaning plugs.
5. Shake vigorously for 1-2 minutes, allowing the salt to scrub the inside of the arms.
6. Pour out the dirty solution and rinse thoroughly with hot water until all alcohol is gone. Let it air dry.

A clean ash catcher provides the best flavor and performance.

• Evidence: Clean your ash catcher at least once a week for optimal function.
• Evidence: Using isopropyl alcohol and coarse salt is an effective method for cleaning glass.
• Evidence: Always rinse thoroughly after cleaning to remove any residual alcohol.

This three-arm tree perc ash catcher is a fantastic starting point for upgrading your setup. If you're looking for other styles, sizes, or percolator types, browse our full collection of attachments and find the perfect piece for your needs.

• Ash Catchers