Pipes Magazine » Pipe Repair and Maintenance

1. 

   carpart67
   

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   Hello,

   I'm new to the world of pipes. I've read that most people like to clean their pipes with strong,potable, alcohol. Due to foolish regulations where I live I only have a few choices for strong alcohol, and am looking for some advice on what would be the most appropriate choice.

   The strongest alcohol I can purchase is 151 proof rum,dark or amber. I am worried about this as the dark has molasses and the amber has caramel added for flavoring. I'm concerned about these flavorings affecting the flavor of my tobacco. The other options are alcohol of about 80-90 proof. The pro side I see to the weaker alcohols is they have less added flavouring(Vodka for example), however the higher alcohol content of the rum would probably clean better.

   I will be cleaning my pipes regularly so they probably won't get too dirty, however I'm also picking up some estate pipes that may need a good scrubbing. Out of the options I have available to me what would some of you suggest? Any help is appreciated.

   Posted 4 months ago #
2. 

   winton
   

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   80-90 should work.

   Posted 4 months ago #
3. 

   jchaplick
   

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   It doesnt matter much. Everclear is known to be the best, but im in PA and you ant get it. Ive used gin, vodka, vermouth, scotch, whiskey, rum, and whatever else i happen to have access to. Use what you haev provided that it doesnt have any sugar in in, like flavored vodka or coconut rum

   Congress seems to believe that 'Children are our future' is a phrase coined by tobacco advertisers.
   Jef I. Richards

   Posted 4 months ago #
4. 

   ejames
   

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   91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It's all I've ever used. No,it will not kill ya,leave behind residues or strange tastes if allowed to dry. Cheap also.

   Posted 4 months ago #
5. 

   Mick
   

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   I've been partial to the Everclear as well. But I've used scotch and vodka. They taste better to drink while cleaning

   "The fact is, squire, the moment a man takes to a pipe, he becomes a philosopher. It's the poor man's friend; it calms the mind, soothes the temper, and makes a man patient under difficulties. It has made more good men, good husbands, kind masters, indulgent fathers, than any other blessed thing on this universal earth."
   -"Sam Slick, the clockmaker" aka T.C.Haliburton

   Posted 4 months ago #
6. 

   nsfisher
   

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   yup drug store alochol is good, cheap at 2.00 a bottle too

   Now i gotta larn how to reed and rite good

   Posted 4 months ago #
7. 

   ace57
   

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   91% Isopropyl Alcohol. It's all I've ever used.

   That's what I use.

   U.S.M.C. (SEMPER FI)

   Posted 4 months ago #
8. 

   carpart67
   

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   Everclear is not available here. I thought about Isopropyl alcohol, but I thought it may be best to use a potable alcohol. If it's worked for some with no ill effects perhaps I'll consider it.

   I have Lambs Navy dark 151 around most of the time. Out of curiosity, has anyone ever used it and found that it did leave behind unwanted flavors?

   Posted 4 months ago #
9. 

   docrx
   

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   I use Rum all the time with no after effects

   Posted 4 months ago #
10. 

    OTD
    

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    Iso is used by a huge number of folks carpart, myself included. Perfectly safe and efficient.

    Snus, snuff and briar.
    Not much more required in a day.
    Brian from Oregon USA

    Posted 4 months ago #
11. 

    unclearthur
    

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    All I use any more is the 91% from the pharmacy at Wally World. Cheap and effective.

    If at first you don't succeed you are running about average.

    Posted 4 months ago #
12. 

    jcsnaps
    

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    I use Bacardi 151. A little for the pipe a little for the pipe cleaner.

    Posted 4 months ago #
13. 

    Anonymous
    

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    Same here, 91% Isopropyl Alcohol.

    Posted 4 months ago #
14. 

    kennerth
    

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    Goslings Black Seal Rum for me (and my pipes)!

    Posted 4 months ago #
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    zanthal
    

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    Good thread, thank you.

    "Under all speech that is good for anything, there lies a silence that is better. Silence is deep as eternity; speech is shallow as time."
    
    Thomas Carlyle

    Posted 4 months ago #
16. 

    seakayak
    

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    I agree with the others. Don't over think it. Any good alcohol should work just fine. I get mine at CVS.

    Posted 4 months ago #
17. 

    tab812
    

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    Everclear or Clearsprings which ever is cheaper at that time.

    ----> "The measure of one’s character is how you treat people who can't do anything for you."

    Posted 4 months ago #
18. 

    sirsmokesalot
    

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    Where I live In the Mountains of North Carolina, There's this stuff called Moonshine....

    Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.
    
    Henry David Thoreau

    Posted 3 months ago #
19. 

    nsfisher
    

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    sirsmokesalot: Where I live In the Mountains of North Carolina, There's this stuff called Moonshine....

    ya that'll take more than the ghosts away hahahha past, present, and future

    Posted 3 months ago #
20. 

    tokerpipes
    

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    @nsfisher
    it really depends if its for the pipe or the cleaner.

    If you can't pack it, light it, and smoke it then why do it. It's a dieing art that must be rekindled in all of us as fortold by our forefathers.
    
    Words to live by for all pipe smokers.

    Posted 3 months ago #
21. 

    nwgibson85
    

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    @Sirsmokesalot,
    Wife and I are planning on moving to Wilmington in the next two years... after I finish Nursing school. Any thoughts on the area / city?

    EDIT: sorry got excited and forgot to add that I use wild turkey 101. I do not drink it much, but at 11$ a bottle I think it works fine, and nothing is better than the smell of bourbon in a pipe.

    Posted 3 months ago #
22. 

    irishsmoker
    

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    I use plain old Jack Daniel's! It cleans well and leaves a flavor I enjoy.

    "May my last breath be drawn through a pipe, and exhaled in a jest." - Charles Lamb

    Posted 3 months ago #

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