How to Pack a Pack of Cigarettes

Co-authored by wikiHow Staff

Last Updated: January 31, 2023 References Tested

Many times while smoking a cigarette, the cherry, or the lit part at the end, will fall out because the tobacco is too loose or the cigarette is flicked too hard. To ensure that everything is packed tightly, you can "pack" a pack of cigarettes, which basically just makes the tobacco more tightly packed together against the filter. Make sure to hold the pack correctly, then hit it against something hard and flat many times to make the tobacco pack down more tightly within each individual cigarette.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Holding the Pack Correctly

1
Obtain a pack of cigarettes. Purchase a pack of cigarettes of the brand of your choice. Do not remove the cellophane from around the box until after you are done packing it.^{[1]
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- Note that packing a pack of cigarettes is only possible with the kind that come in a cardboard package.
Warning: Only attempt this if you are of legal smoking age where you live.
2
Hold the pack upside down in your dominant hand. Flip the pack upside down so the tobacco will pack down towards the filter. Hold it in your dominant hand so you will be able to hit it against something with force.^{[2]
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- This will also allow you to use your non-dominant hand as a flat surface to pack the pack against if you want to.
3
Grip the pack with your fingers on the side or the front and back. Hold the pack like you are holding a closed book or some other flat object. Hold it firmly so it won't fly out of your hand when you hit it against something.^{[3]
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- How you hold the pack is a matter of personal preference. However, do not place a finger on the bottom of the pack because it can make the tobacco pack unevenly and can even cause the cigarettes to break.

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Hitting the Pack Against Something

1
Hit the top of the pack against a flat, hard surface or your hand several times. Remember that the top of the pack is facing downwards now because you are holding the pack upside down. Use medium force to hit the top of the pack against a flat surface, like a table, or against the heel of the palm of your non-dominant hand.^{[4]
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- How many times you hit the pack is up to you. You will probably learn over time how many times is necessary to get the tobacco to pack to your liking. However, 5, 6, or 7 times is a good number to start.
2
Turn the pack 180 degrees and repeat. Rotate the pack in your dominant hand so your thumb and fingers switch positions. Hit the top of the pack against a hard surface or the palm of your hand several times again in the new position.^{[5]
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- This will help the tobacco pack down evenly throughout the cigarettes towards the filters.
3
Unravel and remove the cellophane and enjoy your packed cigarettes. Pull the tab on the strip of cellophane near the top of the pack that holds it in place. Open up the pack and take out a cigarette.^{[6]
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- Look into the tip of the cigarette before you smoke it to get an idea of how tighly-packed the tobacco is. You can adjust your packing technique next time to pack the cigarettes more or less by hitting the box less times.
Warning: Remember that smoking can lead to significant health problems. If you have not yet started smoking, consider the potential harmful side effects before you do. If you are already a smoker, consider quitting or cutting back to improve your quality of life.

Warnings

Smoking can lead to many harmful side effects and health problems that will hurt your quality of life.

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Only attempt to buy and pack a pack of cigarettes if you are of legal age to do so where you live.

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