How To Fix Tooth Holes In Stems

[danielplainview]

I learned this easy fix for stem repairs from Joeman, a master restorer on DGCF. I thought I'd share the wealth. This stuff works great. You'll be amazed how tough and how well this blends with vulcanite. I took a few pictures of a tooth hole repair from my latest refurb.
items you will need
Activated charcoal

Cyanoacrylate glue (medium viscosity)

Needle file, sand paper

Pipe cleaner

Clear tape

thin piece of cardboard

First you will need to clean and score the area around the hole.
Use a pipe cleaner with the cardboard wrapped in clear tape and insert in the stem to keep the air way clear. The glue will not stick to the clear tape and is easily removed after the glue has set.

Mix up small amount of glue and charcoal to the thickness of honey and apply to the area. I use a q-tip with the cotton removed and the tube cut in half to make a little scoop/spoon for an applicator. Accelerator is optional. It will set up on its own but I use the accelerator to speed up the process.

After it has setup, use a needle file to remove excess and smooth out.

Final step: Use sandpaper or micro mesh and buff to shine.

This stuff blends in very well and is only noticeable under close inspection.

 

[dulgunz]

Dave, awesome write up and very informative! Thanks for sharing the "home remedy" ingredients. I currently use StewMac tinted CA with a fret dam. When I run out I will have to try your method.

 

[gloucesterman]

Dave, what's the source for the materials you use (Glue, Charcoal, Accelerator. etc.)?

 

[danielplainview]

I bought everything on ebay.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Activated-Charcoal-Powder-1-oz-Indigestion-Heartburn-Relief-Weight-Loss-/141348205942?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item20e9027576
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REGULAR-HYPERBOND-CA-SUPER-GLUE-2-oz-bottle-MEDIUM-Cyanoacrylate-Pin-Cap-/261205504013?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item3cd10fb00d

 

[tobyducote]

Dave thats a real nice write up...thanks

 

[newbroom]

Write on! We want all your secrets! Thanks for sharing.

 

[brass]

Excellent expository.

 

[okiescout]

Dave, thanks for taking the time to be so specific, and for sharing the information.

 

[buroak]

Dave, Thanks for the very helpful instructions and links to the necessary supplies. I have a couple of stems in need of exactly this repair.

 

[cobguy]

Great write up and pics are always appreciated! :clap:

 

[mcitinner1]

Dave thanks for tips. I've been working on learning stem repair lately.

 

[ssjones]

Outstanding post Dave. The cardboard and tape idea sounds just the ticket (and clearly with great results)

 

[tobyducote]

Dave, this is one of my favorite posts!!! Thanks for the images and How To..

 

[menuhin]

Thanks for sharing Dave, an excellent repair work with the photos and the secret technique shared!

::

 

[danielplainview]

Thanks guys. This isn't an ancient Chinese secret. I've learned everything I know from others on the forums. I've asked ejames and joeman so many restoration questions they should charge consultant fees. I was hesitant to give this stem repair a try. It seemed like it would be difficult to get good results but I pretty much nailed it the first time I tried. The only problem I had at first was that I didn't mix it well enough and there were some air bubbles in it when I sanded it down. I just made another batch and covered it again, and it looked great. I've seen joeman rebuild almost the entire bit and a huge missing portion of the end with this stuff. Don't be afraid to dig in and try it.

 

[lightmyfire]

Nice work. In general, I prefer to replace a damaged stem with a new one, as I a have tools for making it precisely, but I can understand that some stems are stamped/marked with the brand logo and that the owner of the pipe would like to keep the original stem. In this case, yes, this process is a good thing. :D

 

[doughboy]

Will be trying this soon. Can this be used to fill some of the deeper teeth marks too?

 

[captainprophesy]

Dave... man thanks so much for this post... I currently have a Stanwell acorn that has a tooth hold in it, up till now Ive just used a rubber stem bit to cover the hole... but really I'm not the biggest fan of those things.
I will have to try this out in the next week or two.

 

[drwatson]

Thats awsome, I have always just got a new stem..This is cheaper.