How to Make and Fold Filter Tips: Multiple Techniques

Filter tips (also called crutches) are essential for joint rolling, providing structure, preventing cannabis from entering your mouth, and giving you something to hold. This guide teaches multiple folding techniques and how to create perfect filters every time.

Quick Answer

To make a basic filter: Cut cardboard to 2"×0.5", fold one end back-and-forth 3-4 times (accordion), roll remaining paper around accordion. The accordion prevents collapse. Alternative techniques include spiral method, M-shape, and W-shape - all work well with slight airflow differences.

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Why Use Filters?

Benefits:

• Provides structure and shape
• Prevents cannabis/ash in mouth
• Cooler smoke (extra distance)
• Something to hold without burning fingers
• Can smoke joint completely
• Keeps joint from getting soggy at mouth end

Without filter:

• Joint can collapse
• Roach waste (can't smoke last bit)
• Harsh final hits
• Difficult to hold when small

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Materials

Best:

• Specialized filter tip paper (sold in booklets, perfect thickness)
• Business cards (uncoated, white)
• Index cards (cut to size)

Acceptable:

• Thin cardboard from packaging
• Playing cards (if desperate)

Avoid:

• Glossy or coated paper (releases chemicals when heated)
• Regular paper (too thin, collapses)
• Magazine pages (ink and coating)

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Technique #1: Accordion/Fan Fold (Most Common)

Why It Works:

The accordion prevents the filter from collapsing while providing good airflow through the folds.

Step-by-Step:

1. Cut material to about 2 inches long, 1/2 inch wide

2. Accordion fold one end: fold forward, then back, then forward again (3-4 folds)

3. Roll the rest of the paper around the accordion

4. Adjust tightness to match your joint diameter

5. Should be cylinder shape with accordion visible at center

Diameter: About pencil eraser size for standard joints

Practice tip: Make 10 in a row to develop consistency

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Technique #2: Spiral Method

Why Different:

Creates more concentrated airflow through spiral center. Some prefer the draw.

How To:

1. Start at one end of filter material

2. Roll VERY tightly into spiral (like cinnamon roll)

3. Continue rolling the outer paper around spiral

4. Should create dense spiral at center with rolled paper outside

Best for: People who like tighter draw and more resistance

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Technique #3: M-Shape/W-Shape

Why Different:

Creates structural channels along entire filter length. Very stable, won't collapse.

How To:

1. Fold entire filter material into M or W shape (zigzag along full length)

2. Can leave as zigzag or roll around itself

3. Creates multiple airflow channels

Best for: Structural integrity, less about airflow

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Technique #4: Simple Roll (Easiest)

For Absolute Beginners:

1. Just roll the filter material into tight cylinder

2. No accordion or folds

3. Works but can collapse while smoking

Pros: Fastest, easiest

Cons: Can compress, less stable

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Size Considerations

Standard Size:

• Length: 2 inches of material
• Final diameter: 6-8mm (pencil eraser)
• For 1¼ papers: Perfect fit

Larger Filters:

• For king size papers: 8-10mm diameter
• For blunts: 10-12mm
• Use more material (2.5-3 inches)

Smaller Filters:

• For slim/European papers: 5-6mm
• Less material needed (1.5 inches)

Rule: Filter should be slightly smaller than joint diameter for snug fit

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Common Filter Problems

Problem: Filter Falls Out

Cause: Too small, not integrated into roll

Fix: Make filter larger diameter, ensure it's rolled INTO joint not just placed at end

Problem: Filter Collapses While Smoking

Cause: Using simple roll instead of accordion, or material too thin

Fix: Use accordion method, use thicker material

Problem: Too Tight to Draw

Cause: Rolled too densely, accordion too compressed

Fix: Roll slightly looser, use fewer accordion folds (2-3 instead of 4-5)

Problem: Uneven/Crooked

Cause: Inconsistent rolling pressure

Fix: Practice rolling evenly, rotate as you roll

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Pre-Made vs Hand-Made Filters

Pre-Made Filter Tips (Booklets):

• Consistent size
• Perforated for easy tearing
• Designed specifically for purpose
• Various fun designs
• $2-5 per booklet (50-100 filters)

Hand-Made (Business Cards, etc.):

• Free
• Always available
• Can customize size
• Requires cutting

Most people use both: Pre-made when available, improvise when needed

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Advanced: Glass and Metal Filters

Glass Tips:

• Reusable, cleanable
• Very cool smoke
• Won't get soggy
• More expensive ($5-20)
• Can break

Metal Filters:

• Ultra-durable
• Cleanable
• Multiple designs
• Cool smoke
• Can get very hot

Cardboard still most popular due to disposability and perfect function.

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This guide is for educational purposes. Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction.