Advice for Using Smaller Tips

I use the 00 and 0 all the time... You have to use a bit thinner consistency icing with those. Not so much that it will spread, but not a lettering consistency icing or you will be squeezing really hard to get the icing to come out. If it clogs, I hold my tip facing down under warm running water. Then just squeeze a little out to get rid of the remaining water in the tip. I think the thinner icing consistency will help a lot though.

I pipe with parchment cones and rarely have any clogging unless I leave the cone inactive for too long and the icing dries in the end. My best advice is to make sure you're hydrating your meringue powder first before you add it to the sugar, because otherwise it can be gritty and cause plugging. And also to keep the tip covered with a piece of plastic when the bag is not in use. This slows the drying of the icing at the end of the tip that happens when exposed to air.

I actually have a great way to keep my 0 & 00 tips from clogging...I use a tiny screen that you can get in the plumbing dept and stuff it in the end of the tip...I thin down my icing so that it's not too stiff and the screen collects any particles that would clog the tip while I am trying to use it and then I pipe away...

I'll take pics of what I mean next time I have to use the 0 or 00 tips.

I have something to help with that!  Years and years ago, I just about pulled my hair out, trying to pipe fine lettering with a PME 0 and 00.  It kept clogging and I lost so much time cleaning the tip out over and over again. The next day, I happened to go into our local cake and cookie supply shop and mentioned it to the owner. She then passed on a tip that had been shared at an ICES convention.  You use… a new, clean new knee high stocking!  Try not to laugh, but that has saved me from pulling my hair out more than once since then!  You take the new knee high, wash it in dish soap, rinsing very thoroughly and dry it.  I played around with the idea and put this over a tall glass, pulling the excess over the top so you can easily access the bottom of the stocking.  Pour your RI in, twist the top, then put a piece of plastic wrap around that area to protect your hand from any icing as you squeeze the RI through.  The stocking catches those little bits that would clog your small tips and makes life SO much easier!   Ta da!  Tip clogging problem solved! 

I shared the tip with a group of friends and Lisa, the Bearfoot Baker did a post about the idea, if you want a visual:  http://thebearfootbaker.com/20...g-0-and-00-pme-tips/

Hope that helps!  ~ Tracy

Thank you all so much! I really appreciate it! 

I can't wait to try the screening ideas!

<3

Oooooo, I LOVE this tip! Any details on the type of screen to ask for so I don't look like an idiot when I'm in the plumbing department???

GeminiRJ, can you give us more information about the screens that you use in those small tips. I used the 0 and 00 a lot this weekend and needed to clean the tips more than I liked. This sounds like a good tip to me, we just need some more information! Thanks!

The tip came from The Tailored Cookie and I think it's a great one! I haven't gone to the hardware store to look yet, but what you're going to need to look for is the little screen mesh that you have on your faucets. Ask for faucet screens, and an employee at the hardware store should be able to show you what's available.