Essential List of Tools and Cleaners?

sladeburns · May 2, 2014

I was wondering if any one has put together a master list of tools and cleaners for pipe restoration? I've got a buffing wheel for my drill, a reamer and a block of carnauba wax along with a few other odds and ends but it seems every time I turn around I don't have the right tools for the job.
What would our master pipe restorers suggest as essential starting supplies for newbies?

petes03 · May 2, 2014

For my methods, I need a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, Scotchbrite pad, toothpaste, Q-tips, lots of assorted pipe cleaners, alcohol, stiff bristled toothbrushes, cotton cloths, extra virgin olive oil, cotton balls (or salt), a medicine dropper, a shank brush, and a reamer.

tuold · May 3, 2014

Here's my list:

Buffing wheels (three)

Variable speed drill

Dremel with sanding drums

Sanding sponges

Micromesh pads

Cotton makeup pads

Que Tips

Pipe cleaners, soft and bristle

Soft cotton rags

Set of small files

Senior reamer with airway tool

Castleford reamer

Carnauba wax

White diamond compound

Acetone

Alcohol

Kosher salt

Olive oil

Stem polish

Small bristle brushes (from gun cleaning kit)

Superglue (gel and regular)

Wood stains (oxblood, walnut and ebony are the three I use)
A heat gun might come in handy for bending stems or lifting tooth marks.

sladeburns · May 5, 2014

Great stuff guys! The best part is even buying most of the list is under $100.
Things I'm picking up so far:
Mr. Clean Magic Eraser - $3.50

Micromesh pads - $20 for set of 18

Sanding sponges - $7

Set of small files - $5

Castleford reamer - $15

Small bristle brushes - $7

Wood stains - $5-7 each

Buffing and Polishing Kit - $25 for 3 wheels and 4 compounds
tuold - What is your favorite brand of stem polish?
Thanks!

cmdrmcbragg · May 5, 2014

@tuold, thats a no BS list you put together. I use jeweler's rougue on my stems and it works well for polishing the bands as well.

tuold · May 5, 2014

I've been using "denicare" which you can get Pipes & Cigars. Amazon has it but it's more expensive there.
It doesn't take the place of removing oxidation from the stem using the preferred methods. It's only for shine and protection.
I apply the stem polish as the very last step. I rub it on, let it sit a bit, then buff it thoroughly with a cotton rag. Carnauba wax probably accomplishes the same thing but I think denicare supplies a much harder surface that won't oxidize or wear quite as quickly.
That seems to work for me. Anyone else have any experience with denicare or other polishes?
Oh, and 5/32 drill bit for opening the airway in a pipe shank is a necessity for estate pipes. The Senior reamer comes with such a tool built into the handle.

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