Not all pipe cleaners are created equal.
I remember having some Peterson brand cleaners years ago that were about as effective as a wet noodle in attempting to put them down a pipe. They would bend and kink even on the most open stems. Very annoying.
Comoy makes some rayon cleaners which supposedly leave less lint than the usual cotton cleaners. I have a package, but don't think they are any better than the cotton Long's.
I try to use the thickest cleaner that will fit down whichever pipe I'm smoking. Standard, thin (Falcon cleaners), thick, or tapered, whatever it takes.
I have tried "coil" pipe cleaners that you can cut off whatever length you want with pliers. A few of my pipes are longer than a standard 6-inch cleaner, so the coiled type comes in handy.
I have heard that some people actually wash and reuse pipe cleaners which I consider odd. :crazy: Pipe cleaners are the cheapest part of pipe smoking and I use them wantonly. Your pipe can't be too clean. :mrgreen:
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