Is There a Difference Between Using 70% and 99% Alcohol to Clean Briar Pipes?

[craig61a]

Funny how people flip out over denatured alcohol, but are ok with patching up a pipe chamber with JB Weld and subjecting it to 800 F…

 

[Akousticplyr]

I should be able to claim at least 3 college credits for this post.
Lots of interesting information!

 

[greeneyes]

This is what I use at work:

https://riccachemical.com/WebsiteDocuments/SDS/R2546700.pdf

And the methanol is 3.5% (page 3).

This is what I use on pipes (I buy it at Home Depot; very affordable):

https://www.sunnysidecorp.com/pdfs/Data_Sheet_834G5.pdf

It is 50/50% ethanol methanol.

 

[captainsousie]

Yep, methanol = poisonous in several situations. Not sure about residue after evaporation though. On the other hand, the combustion of tobacco is problematic over extended periods of time. Personally I'd not disparage anyone for choosing not to use one or both.

For the moment, I'll stick with what I know and do ethanol with as few additives as possible. Do what you gonna do.

 

[ChuckMijo]

I use Denatured Alcohol. I usually retort.

 

[saltedplug]

I find the first time reviews stink of a lack of experience with a blend. Why should I care to hear about your neophyte chops first acquaintance with a tobacco? Used to be the standard that you smoked a tin before you put pen to paper.

On a different forum there was a dope who regularly wrote first time reviews. Didn't appreciate it.

 

[ncshawn]

For a pipe I don't think it matters. 70% is cheaper and more available so I'd go with that if I didn't use everclear.