For me, using beeswax had two advantages. I didn't want to create a toxic risk or damaging a stem I would never be able to replace.
How to Tighten Up Tenon?
- Thread starter Jerry144
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A quick, non permanent, cheap and easy fix that needs to be replaced every once in a while but still works very effectively is Teflon tape. I use this on a few pipes that have loosened up or that I have replaced the stem and it doesn’t quite fit tight enough. Just be sure to turn the stem in the same direction to put it on and also remove it. it can last quite a few smokes, much longer if you don’t remove your stem every smoke
It also makes the stem turn smoothly without creaking or cracking.
Hey big brother. I've got an easy idea how to tighten this thing up so it will only come out with lots of grunting and sweating. First, go get some of your wife's meatloaf.....
Vermont Freehand - tenon tightening kit. Works great. Used it the other day on an old Stanwell.
use the least evasive methods first (beeswax and smoke it!) then proceed with caution on all other methods!
Vermont Freehand makes a kit for REALLY loose stems where nothing else works. A very inexpensive way to totally screw up a pipe - unless you are SUPER careful. Proceed at your own risk here.
Vermont Freehand makes a kit for REALLY loose stems where nothing else works. A very inexpensive way to totally screw up a pipe - unless you are SUPER careful. Proceed at your own risk here.
Stem Tightener Kit :: Pipe Repair and Maintenance
I have a few loose stems that need some attention. I typically use a little beeswax but wanted to explore other options. I found a 'stem tightener kit' on Vermont Freehand and am interested to know if any has used it. If so, how does it work? Thanks.
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My pipes are mostly used and probably pretty old. So, old plastic is a concern. If I crack a stem, I’m screwed.
Yep, same here. Old Brits, that haven't been smoked in 50 years are often the challenge.
Thanks but no, I mean the joint between the mouthpiece and the pipe shank (?)
A convenient product containing lanolin is cork grease which you'll find on any shop they sells band instruments. Clarinets, in particular, need cork grease for easy assembly and disassembly. I had a tiny plastic box of it, roughly 1"x1"x3/4". A little dab'll do ya.
Bro, today I repaired a loose tenon with superglue. Worked like a charm. I covered the entire tenon with glue, then turned it a couple minutes like a fishing rod, to keep the glue layer even. After it set, I started in with 600 grit until it almost fit, then switched to micro mesh pads.
It was generic glue that I keep on my truck. I hear there's a black version.
It was generic glue that I keep on my truck. I hear there's a black version.
I’m just a simpleton, but I simply wet a qtip Run it inside the mortise, let it swell the wood, and Im good to go. Sometimes it takes more than one application of the water swab, but it’s cheap and easy.
And now for something completely different :
A German pipe carver once told me he tightened the mortise by giving it one , or two water glass coatings.
How about that ?
When you moisten a clean mortise with demineralized water the fibre of the briar will expand a little.
Keep it wet, repeat a few times and it will work.
Briar shrinks over time; just put on the kettle, make yourself a nice cupper and hold the shank end over the steam, until the mortise expands a little. This could also work to tighten up the infamous tiny gap between the shank and the stem. Savvy ?
Careful though ; don't try to close the tiny gap this method when the tenon is tight already, it will expand.
Messing with tenons was never my forte, I prefer and alternate approach.
Trust me; I'm a doctor
A German pipe carver once told me he tightened the mortise by giving it one , or two water glass coatings.
How about that ?
When you moisten a clean mortise with demineralized water the fibre of the briar will expand a little.
Keep it wet, repeat a few times and it will work.
Briar shrinks over time; just put on the kettle, make yourself a nice cupper and hold the shank end over the steam, until the mortise expands a little. This could also work to tighten up the infamous tiny gap between the shank and the stem. Savvy ?
Careful though ; don't try to close the tiny gap this method when the tenon is tight already, it will expand.
Messing with tenons was never my forte, I prefer and alternate approach.
Trust me; I'm a doctor
So far, the bees wax is working on the one pipe for which it was used. To me, seems like the least invasive option.
Okay, so I'm not saying I would never make such a blunder, because....well, just because, but in this case I didn't. But according to some, dissemblance is highly overrated anyway.
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