A Frozen Lee Stinger

[Briar Lee]

When new, the stinger on any Lee pipe is removable. You’ll usually need a pair of pliers, but they pop right out.

Using the pipe causes tars to build up that make the stinger harder to remove.

I was delighted and privileged today to become the proud owner of a Four Star Bulldog and Two Star Omm Paul Lees.

But on disassembly of the Omm Paul it was obvious the stinger had frozen in the tenon and a previous owner had snipped it and filed it almost flat.

It was very difficult to draw.

I worked on the stinger with a pair of lineman’s pliers I keep in my office kitchen, and mauled it, and improved the draw a little, but permanent repair will wait until I take a series of ever larger drill bits and drill that frozen stinger out.


As caked as these were, I’ll bet they are tar clogged inside.

Both also were varnished by a previous owner.

Not every Lee was opened as a present and found it’s way to a drawer.

Some were smoked like any regular pipe.

 

[telescopes]

Unfortunately many Lees that are available now have been abused similarly. You may want to send it out to briarworks. They know Lees well and the pipe will come back as if brand new.

 

[Briar Lee]

I screwed up my courage, found my drill set, chucked up the stem in a vice, and used the tiniest drill bit that would enter the busted stinger, then the next size one up, and about the fourth one the old stinger broke in half, and a fifth and sixth one removed all trace it was ever there.

Now while the sun sinks low in the West, I’m feeling very privileged and happy, and feel sorry for those folks that want a Lee but don’t even have a one, and here I have a nice Lee Omm Paul in high condition, cost $61.50 delivered as part of a pair of high end Lees.

Here’s the Four Star Bulldog. $61.50 delivered.




Reminds me of an old song, but most of life does.