Another stinger question.

[scloyd]

I started a new thread because I don't want to hijack Bluto's stinger question.
I have a Big Ben with a stinger that I easily removed by pulling on it (no effort). I have two estate pipes with stingers that I can't pull out? Are some stingers threaded where they have to be twisted out? Do they have to be cut out?

 

[eggrollpiper]

I have a kaywoodie drinkless that has a permanent stinger. Pretty sure its not threaded on. They are often found with stingers cut off. From a collector's standpoint it would lower the value if cut off. From a smokers perspective it would be fine to chop it. I've been on the fence about chopping mine. To cut It or to sell It is the question. It smokes fine with it when clean but clogs very easily.

 

[jpmcwjr]

Here's what I would try if I were concerned about removing, but saving, the stinger: heat the stinger enough to soften the glue, then twist counter clock wise (in case it's also threaded) to pull it out. If the pipe were massively valuable, I'd send it to a professional restorer... (or just smoke with with the bloody stinger!)

 

[sablebrush52]

Stingers vary from maker to maker, some are removable and some are permanently embedded in the stem. With Kaywoodie, the stingers are permanently embedded and they also attach the stem to the shank. With Brebbia and Dunhill the stingers can be removed. Sasieni used both permanently embedded and removable stingers. Some can be unscrewed while getting others out will result in the destruction of the stem.
If threading a pipe cleaner through the stinger is difficult, try some Dill pipe cleaners. They're thinner than the BJ Long pipe cleaners and should pass through the stinger without difficulty.
Cutting off the stinger will lower the value of the pipe.

 

[mikethompson]

Comes down to how much you like the pipe essentially. I have a 1955 Dunhill with a sort of a metal condenser thing in there. I probably won't use it when I use the pipe so I just take it out. However I am hanging on to it in case I want to sell it at some point.

 

[scloyd]

Thanks for the responses. I don't want to damage them. I'll just leave the stingers as is.

 

[mso489]

My Drinkless stinger that also screws the stem in place works pretty well. I think it's glued in place since I straightened the bit by heating it and turning it gently, on advice of a Forums member. I'd leave the Kaywoodie Drinkless alone, on the basis that it is the pipe's design and smokes well. All my others have been easily removable by sliding them out.

 

[crashthegrey]

I'll only add that most Kaywoodies are permanently attached and threaded. There are some which are push tenons and still have a stinger. But yes, many makers decided that they should not be removed.