Broke My Pipe

[joe912]

i broke my pipe last night. Had it in my chest pocket while I was fighting a frozen arctic hose (go figure) When it broke free, I fell forward into my equipment and heard/felt the pop of the tenon breaking. I'll spare you the choice language I used at the moment, but here it is.

Is it a total loss? I have only $50 in this old estate pipe. I liked it though.

 

[jchaplick]

Send it to walker briar works, if anything, email them and explain the situation to them, i did about the same to a pipe of mine, they quoted me 18 bucks plus shipping

 

[bigvan]

Not a lost cause. A good pipesmith can install a new tenon rather easily. Dave at Walker Briarworks did this exact thing for me.

 

[PeriqueMyInterest]

Uncle Arthur mailed me a pipe once and left the pipe intact. When it arrived I found that it broke in the same way in the mail. I super glued the stem back to the tenon and waited for it to dry then gently twisted the stem and pulled it out.

 

[joe912]

I looked it up, and a replacement vulcanite tenon will cost $22. Add in shipping (approx $12 rt) and this turns into an economics issue. $34 is 68% of original purchase price. That's a high percentage to justify the repair. There is a little sentimental value because it was the first decent pipe I purchased as a new smoker. I'm really not sure what path I want to take on this

 

[PeriqueMyInterest]

super glue

 

[rd02sir]

If you like the pipe, and it has sentimental value, then I would get it fixed. You will get so much more enjoyment out of it and have a nice pipe with some good memories.
But may I suggest getting a vest pipe in the future, it'll be a lesser chance for it to break like that again.

 

[withnail]

super glue

If super glue is the same in USA as UK (Cyanoacrylate), I would be a little careful about using it on a pipe. Once it gets warm it releases some fairly nasty fumes.

 

[joe912]

I'll probably get it fixed. A philosophy I was taught growing up was, "if it's worth owning, then it should be worth repairing"

 

[kennerth]

Here's a cheaper version to try before you send it off. No loss if it doesn't work. Go to a local hardware store that has the McGiver section of bolts, nuts, and nobs in those pull out drawers. Find the nylon spacers 1" long that fits closest to the hole in the shank (after you have removed the broken stem piece). Bring the pipe bowl in. remember: if it does fit exactly, then get the one that is a bit big. The spacer will be less than a buck.
take your hand drill and find you bit that makes a hole that fits the spaces. Drill some holes on a scrap of wood to find this out. Then drill out the broken stem hole for the spacer 1/2" deep. Glue the spacer in the stem and let it dry. If the spacer fits the shank, life is good. if it doesn't, I use my Ken lathe, whick consists of a foot of ribbon sandpaper (100ish grit), turn on the TV, wrap the paper around the stem and turn it in one direction until is fits the shank.
If it doesn't work, send off for a new stem. If it does, you are now in the club and have beat the system. It has worked for me. I will post pictures of what I did that way>
Good luck!

 

[kennerth]

The black stem is a five dollar replacement that I would b=need to size down for the same repair. The yellow stem is similar in diameter to what the shell one was before sanding by hand.

 

[kennerth]

 

[kennerth]

Next I am going to rusticate the pipe.

 

[bob1]

I would attempt a home repair using a piece of hard plastic tubing (Home Depot)and drilling out both ends and gluing the replacement tenon in place.

Since it's broke already and the cost of professional repair can't be justified.
good luck

 

[joe912]

Good Ideas! I'm gonna give it a shot since I pretty much have nothing to lose. But, It's going to have to wait until I get home to do it (8-10 weeks)

 

[gecko13]

Wow Joe, I hope you brought along a few spare pipe in case of the situation you find yourself. One of many reason I keep a cob or two stashed away.....disaster recovery plan.

 

[joe912]

I brought four, now it's three.

 

[bob1]

Joe,

I noticed your broken pipe is square. You will be able to secure it in a small vice with pieces of wood on each side to protect the finish before clamping. Just be gentle with clamping so you don't crack it.

The toughest part is getting the drill to go straight without the pipe moving.

I think a sharp bit would help for sure, just go slow with it and I think you will make a good repair.