Another Loose Stem Fix

[tuold]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this way of tightening a loose stem on a pipe, but recently I've been applying a very light coat of super glue to the tenon and letting it dry thoroughly.(It takes very little) Then you can try fitting it back on. If it's too tight you can just sand some of the glue off. I've tried this on several estate pipes and it has worked like a charm. I just applied this method to an old Yello-Bole pipe tonight. Before, I could shake the stem off it was so loose. Now it's nice and snug.
Please wait for the glue to dry before reconnecting or you could have a worse problem. :lol:

 

[huntertrw]

tuold:
I use beeswax instead. It is simple to apply (and remove), holds up well to heat, and is non-toxic.

 

[cortezattic]

Good tip! I hope it's a more durable fix than nail polish.

 

[tuold]

@huntertrw,
Beeswax is not something I have at hand but it sounds like something I could definitely use. I'll get some with my next Amazon.com order.

 

[huntertrw]

tuold:
In my state the Beekeepers Association sells it each year at their display at the State Fair. You could also use a pure beeswax candle (which is what I do). Just rub some on the tenon, then smooth it with your fingertips. It is surprisingly sticky, and will firm-up all but the sloppiest fitting stems.

 

[forest7]

By my experience, Be careful when you use Superglue.

If it's too thick coating(tenon) of Superglue it can break a shank(mortise).

Because Superglue is harder than Bee wax.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I will either wet the inside of the mortise with a damp pipe cleaner to swell the briar, or heat the tenon with a heat gun and slightly expand it by pressing it against a hard surface.

 

[okiescout]

Anybody know a fix for threaded in meers? I have heard there isn't one. I bought a little pipe of e-bay that turns about 5% too far. I can try a spacer if nothing else comes up.

 

[Chasing Embers]

You may try epoxy or tape on the threads, as retapping could be risky.

 

[gmwolford]

Here's another idea http://rebornpipes.com/2013/08/22/another-loose-stem-fix/

 

[jitterbugdude]

The super glue is a great idea but I'd feel a little silly if I had to go to the ER with a pipe stem glued to my finger..

 

[dottiewarden]

Thanks for posting the article Greg, as it seems a great technique for a permanent fix.

 

[huntertrw]

"any repair shops or pipe repair guys that the group would recommend"?
Yes, Walker Pipe Repair, LLC (Walker Pipe Repair Website) in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Mike Myers, the owner, is a true craftsman whom I can recommend highly.

 

[boilermakerandy]

I'll pass. I currently have a pipe with a loose stem I sent to Tim West. I know Tim will fix it to like new for a reasonable price.

 

[toby67]

I also use beeswax, apply in seconds and is an immediate fix. I use 100% natural beeswax purchased on eBay for about $2-3 including postage

 

[kf4bsb]

I have been working on stems and tenons for quite some time. If you think about what is happening, the problem more often than not is not with the tenon, it is with the mortis. Stems can become loose for a variety of reasons, but my experience has shown me the tenon is not generally the culprit. I honestly believe that it is not the tenon changing size, but the wood in the mortis has become dry and compacted and has changed shape. I have found the trick of using distilled water on the inside of the mortis works well to swell the wood back to its original size.

It that does not work, I then move to expanding the tenon. Of course, you have to be very careful with that as well because it is possible to split the tenon. Careful heating and manipulation of the tenon is required.

If I am working on a pipe for an individual, and the above methods do not work, I suggest either shimming the mortis, or replacing the tenon. I personally do not like using the bees wax or super glue option as I do not think that they are permanent fixes, but in all reality it is up to the owner of the pipe.