Applying Graphite

[sparrowhawk]

What would be the best way to apply graphic to the tenon, and where and what form would the graphite be in? I'm sure it must be available in some commercial form. Just something to make the stem slide away easily. (I once managed to snap an acrylic stem while taking it off the shank.) Thanks.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

I've heard of people just using a graphite pencil.

 

[sparrowhawk]

I know of that method, of course, and I even have some "soft" drawing pencils that could do the job. I was thinking of something a bit more sophisticated. But thanks for the input! I should probably drag out those soft drawing pencils and trying them out. While we're on the subject of pipe care, what is a good finish to apply to a pipe, short of actual wax, to wipe it down and preserve its sheen?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I just use a standard HB. Softer into the Budweis range isn't necessary as a plain No. 2 will do the job quite nicely.

 

[sparrowhawk]

What is your method for applying the graphite? Do you rub it on paper and apply the dust with a fingertip?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I just dull the point of the pencil on a sandpaper block, and scribble around the tenon with the flat side of the lead.

 

[sparrowhawk]

I just tried a variation of Chasing's method: scribbled a soft pencil on a shard of fired clay (didn't have any sandpaper) until I had a good pile of dust, then applied the dust with the tip of a pipe cleaner, tapping it at the same time. Appied some more to the mortise. Seems to work. I'll save the dust in a small bottle until I accumulate a larger pile for doing the same with my Peterson pipes (which hold on to the stem like a devil). You can also get little sticks of pure graphite from an art store as well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

They used to market a container of graphite called tenon lube just for pipes. Sadly, I haven't seen any for over a decade.

 

[Chasing Embers]

I usually just apply directly from the pencil.

 

[jerwynn]

Hail Captain... powdered graphite lube tubes are out there in droves...

These are often available at Lowes, Home Depot, Wally's World, automotive stores, etc etc etc. Might not be marketed as pipe specific, but they might do the job!!

 

[cortezattic]

I use dry powder graphite too -- a variety marketed as a lubricant for locks.

Just squirt some on a paper towel and rub it onto the tenon.

 

[clickklick]

Sounds like we are overcomplicating this.
I prefer the pencil method as it is easier to control and not as messy.

 

[sablebrush52]

I use to use a liquid graphite that was sold as a lubricant for lubricating piano actions, among other things. Works like a charm and is easy to use. That's also available.

 

[jpmcwjr]

All the above will work fine. Jesse's method is probably the slickest, (pun intended) as the oil in which it's suspended will have a loosening effect.

 

[sparrowhawk]

Thanks for the tips, gents!

 

[Chasing Embers]

Beeswax is another option as well.

 

[Chasing Embers]

@jerwynn
You make a very good point.

 

[igloo]

A number 8b or 9b pencil will do the trick .

 

[huntertrw]

"Beeswax is another option as well."
Because of its sticky nature, beeswax is typically used to help tighten the fit of a loose stem's tenon to a pipe's mortise.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Because of its sticky nature, beeswax is typically used to help tighten the fit of a loose stem's tenon to a pipe's mortise.

As well as preventing overly tight stems. Magical stuff.