Carved Meerschaum

[jazzlover]

I can't get a pipe cleaner all the way through the shank of my carved meerschaum because of its pronounced curve. Is there anything else I should be using to push all the way through the smoke hole?

 

[warren]

You might try putting a small, just the merest hint, bend in the tip of the cleaner. Insert the cleaner and when it "bottoms" out start twisting the cleaner as you gently push it in. This works on one of my full bents. Also, use one of the thinner cleaners available, not the full, fluffy cleaners. If not available then one of the tapered cleaners.

 

[redbeard]

The twist method is probably the best way to go

 

[voorhees]

I use the "twist" method on my LVC meer. It will get caught in the joint between stem and shank. A little twist helps it get through. I try not to remove the stem everytime I smoke it as this is the most fragile part on it.

 

[anthonyrosenthal74]

Yep the twist method. Put a very slight kink on the end going into your stem and twist while you move the cleaner in and out of the shank (just barely) until the cleaner finds the right path. Falcon cleaners will be a huge help as well. They are thinner.