Stuck Stem

howardparsons · Jan 25, 2013

Gentlemen,

I have a Brebba with the stem canted to the left rather than the right. I'd love change this but the stem is stuck; it doesn't want to turn when I twist it. I don't want to apply too much torque because we all know what will happen . . . right?
I've had similar things happen over the past 4 decades & have always been able to rectify the situation but this time the stem really does not want to turn. Any suggestions? :?:

dottle · Jan 25, 2013

And let us know if it works for future reference,,,please.

ejames · Jan 25, 2013

I've left them overnight in the freezer with no ill effects.Some stubborn ones I freeze,thaw and freeze again.

peckinpahhombre · Jan 25, 2013

I had a pipe the other day where the stem wouldn't move at all. 5 minutes in the freezer and it easily came off. A little dab of graphite powder and now it works fine.

allan · Jan 27, 2013

On this subject, my estate Dunhills came in fine with the stem coming apart with gentle to moderate turning power.
Now, a few months later, the stem seems to need quite a bit of force to remove it when its cold. So much so that I'm worried that I will break it.
I read on an earlier post about using mineral oil; then later a read about graphite.
Went searching for graphite in the garage until i realized that a pencil is graphite. So I 'colored' in the stem and it worked fine.
My question: Why is this happening? I do clean the tenon area well (alright, not probably as good as Harris does ) after smoking, so I'm confused as to why this is happening.
??
Allan

peckinpahhombre · Jan 27, 2013

I believe it comes from liquid/humidity expanding the briar. I wouldn't recommend mineral oil since it is also "wet". Cool thought on the pencil.

mrenglish · Jan 27, 2013

In addition to the excellent advice offered above, I have also used bees wax and bar soap on the stem. Just a little bit, but both work in keeping a stem from getting to tight.

oldredbeard · Jan 27, 2013

I have left pipes in the freezer for several hours to get a stuck stem out, with no ill effects. I have also used scotch brite to bring them down a bit, with very good results. I wrap it around the tenon and just turn it by hand with very light pressure.
Will have to give the graphite a go, haven't heard that before, but it sounds like a good idea.

lestrout · Jan 28, 2013

Will the freezer help with a stuck KW stinger?
hp

les

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