Do You Use Picks?

[akfilm]

With a familiar tobacco I can smoke all the way down and never use a pick, with a new or too damp tobacco I can sometimes have trouble with the dottle if I'm not careful so will have a pick with me. I have some pipe multitools, but lately I just make a tool that has a small flat tamper, and a very narrow sharp spade that is the marriage of a pick and a spade, the creation happened when I couldn't find my pipe tools, but is what I carry fishing and hunting now since if I lose it I don't cry.

 

[pappap]

I like what jpm said about using the heel of his hand ,I watched my Grand p do that from the time I ws small ,and that was 50 some years ago

 

[akfilm]

Oh I saw the OP posted about emptying the pipe...I just tap it on my hand, I usually only have ash left so it falls right out. If I have to scrape something out I smoked it wrong.

 

[buster]

I like to pack a bowl and give it a first light. Then a light pack and use the pick. Push it down the center of the bowl and give it a twist. Then the next light seems to catch well for an enjoyable smoke.

 

[pipesmokingtom]

If I have to scrape something out I smoked it wrong.

This may be true for you, but is not gospel. If one has dottle that needs to be emptied, it does not mean that something was "done wrong." Ignore this "advice."

 

[newbroom]

I use a Czechs tool regularly and all three parts. The pick is perhaps the least used.

The pick can rescue a overly packed bowl by creating a draft or opening the draft hole, or it can make it worse.

Knowing that it's possible to save a bowl that has no draw using the pick is good info.

Another way to open the draw is to use a pipe cleaner through to the bowl and it displaces any blockage at the heel from within.

Try both methods when a blockage occurs and good luck. Some times it doesn't work and you'll have to give it up and dump it.

An easy draw is essential to a good smoke. Resistance is futile.