Stuck stem

W

wannabe

Lurker

Mar 9, 2015

8

0

• Mar 10, 2019

• #1

What's the best way to remove a stem from briar pipe that is stuck? Tried everything except vise!!

Lot of knowledge on this site, so I know I'll get some answers.
Thanks

 

anthonyrosenthal74

Lifer

Jan 8, 2013

7,493

733

• Mar 10, 2019

• #2

Put the pipe in the freezer for about 20 minutes.

 

W

wannabe

Lurker

Mar 9, 2015

8

0

• Mar 10, 2019

• #3

Tried that! Maybe if I put it in overnight?

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate

Nov 12, 2014

43,404

109,171

• Mar 10, 2019

• #4

Cap the stem and fill the pipe with alcohol and let it sit for a few hours.

 

anthonyrosenthal74

Lifer

Jan 8, 2013

7,493

733

• Mar 10, 2019

• #5

Tried that! Maybe if I put it in overnight?

Click to expand...

I've had a few that took longer than 20 minutes. I think the most I've left a pipe in the freezer before it finally loosened up was about an hour. Try it again at 35 to 40 minutes and see if that helps. If not try an hour.
I've never tried Ember's method of using alcohol, but I trust his judgement. Just be careful not to get any alcohol outside of the chamber on the bowl, so you don't mess up your finish if you try that.

 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate

Nov 12, 2014

43,404

109,171

• Mar 10, 2019

• #6

My thinking is the stem's gummed up with tar.

 

sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings

Jun 15, 2013

19,747

45,288

Southern Oregon

jrs457.wixsite.com

• Mar 10, 2019

• #7

My thinking is the stem's gummed up with tar.

Click to expand...

If it's tar, alcohol will definitely help. There are times when you absolutely do NOT want to put a stem in the freezer, such as an amber stem. Amber is already a brittle material and it gets more so when chilled.
I'll leave a pipe in the freezer for an hour or more. Seems to do the trick if it's a size issue.

 

georged

Lifer

Mar 7, 2013

5,529

14,176

• Mar 10, 2019

• #8

I've found that putting the entire pipe in a blacksmith forge is a reliable way to eliminate all current and future problems with that pipe.

 

sablebrush52

The Bard Of Barlings

Jun 15, 2013

19,747

45,288

Southern Oregon

jrs457.wixsite.com

• Mar 10, 2019

• #9

I've found that putting the entire pipe in a blacksmith forge is a reliable way to eliminate all current and future problems with that pipe.

Click to expand...

I'll have to try that with my Dunhills.

 

georged

Lifer

Mar 7, 2013

5,529

14,176

• Mar 10, 2019

• #10

I'll have to try that with my Dunhills.

Click to expand...

Please send them to me. My forge is hotter than yours---check CA's environmental code if you don't bleeve me---and their end will be less likely to result in zombies, infectious alien diseases, etc. (Nuking them from orbit is the only way to be sure.)

 

W

wannabe

Lurker

Mar 9, 2015

8

0

• Mar 10, 2019

• #11

Just got it apart! Freezer time!!

I'll rub a little pencil lead on the stem, and should be good to go.

Thanks for all the advice.

 

A

aldecaker

Lifer

Feb 13, 2015

4,407

42

• Mar 10, 2019

• #12

Beeswax is another good lubricant for the tenon.

 

anthonyrosenthal74

Lifer

Jan 8, 2013

7,493

733

• Mar 10, 2019

• #13

Just got it apart! Freezer time!!

Click to expand...

Good to know! :clap: That first time you have a stuck stem can be scary! 8O