Hairline Crack - 10 mm band for Ropp Etudiant J04

[Fralphog]

Went to smoke my Ropp J04 earlier this week when I noticed a hair line crack along the left side. It was 3/8 of an inch long and went from the end of the shank towards the bowl

I’m not sure how it developed. I never remove stems while the pipe is still hot and don’t abuse them when removing Dottle - tapping them while holding by the stem or shank. These J04 pipes dont have thick walls running along the shank. Maybe there was a flaw that evolved into a crack with use?

When I measured the shank OD is was 10mm. I looked on line for a repair band. Couldn’t find any in stock.
Hmm, I headed to the reloading bench. I don’t own a 10mm, but always “police up“ unclaimed or discarded brass at the range.
I found a couple of 10mm cases- picked out the best one and test fit it on the Ropp- perfect fit!

I cut off the primer end with a Dremel. I carefully fit the case onto the shank; tapping it on so it went past the crack. It fit very tight and uniform. I sanded off the excess flush with the shank.
A simple, cheap and practical repair to a inexpensive pipe.
I’m pleased with the results.
Ropp pipes are great workhorse pipes offered at very modest prices. Being able to repair this little J04 makes me happy and gives it some unique “Flair” now.

 

[ThermionicScott]

I put a small crack in the shank of mine as well. It wasn’t hot, but I made the mistake of holding the briar end by the bowl instead of the shank while twisting. Like you say, it’s pretty thin wood. To fix mine, I applied a bunch of chapstick to the tenon and then wicked a little thin superglue into the crack. It’s held ever since, thank goodness!

 

[Fralphog]

I put a small crack in the shank of mine as well. It wasn’t hot, but I made the mistake of holding the briar end by the bowl instead of the shank while twisting. Like you say, it’s pretty thin wood. To fix mine, I applied a bunch of chapstick to the tenon and then wicked a little thin superglue into the crack. It’s held ever since, thank goodness!

I was contemplating superglue as a fix. I think the band will work well.
I’m glad you got yours repaired. Great little pipes.
Hopefully, both pipes will provide many more years of smoking enjoyment.

 

[Sobrbiker]

My J04 hasn’t cracked yet, that I’ve noticed. But I have noticed the stem is a little loose lately (spins a bit too easily)-I’ll investigate further.
Good news is that if it does, I’ve got plenty of 10mm brass

 

[Thepipehunter]

That is a perfect fit. Very nice!

 

[Fralphog]

SoberBiker,
I didn’t mention it in my OP, but the tenon fit was too tight after fitting the cap.
I did use some high grit to get it to fit correctly.

 

[Byrd]

What a great idea! Now you can either polish the brass or let it platina. I've got 5 gallon buckets of 9mm and .45 ACP I'll have to check it see if they fit any basket case pipes I have.
Another thought, you could use nickled brass as well.

 

[Lumbridge]

Nice fix. I sanded the tenon a tiny bit on mine when I got it to loosen it up a bit as it was very tight and I thought a crack might happen. Great pipe!

 

[tartanphantom]

Very nice work. I have a Bjarne churchwarden with the same problem, and plenty of nickel brass casings available. may attempt this myself.

 

[jhowell]

Well done!