Major Catastrophe: Please Help.

[ssjones]

That's pretty much what Woods and I were recommending, but with a proper size of solid core wire. I suppose a paper clip might be easier to source.

 

[philobeddoe]

Do you have access to an air compressor? If so, use a blow gun to push the pipe cleaner back out.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Well folks, the job is now done...but the bit shed two small pieces of (I'm pretty sure is) Lucite. I got a piece of wire coathanger and ground it down on the Dremel to the right size and started pushing. It really was stuck in there fast. Well aware that I could nawse the job up in so doing that is precisely what I did. Once the two bits of stem popped off I was able (with the Leatherman again) to grip a tiny piece of now bald wire and tugged out the last remaining inch of cleaner.
I have the two tiny pieces and tomorrow shall look into glueing them back in place but I'm fully aware it will never be the same again :crying:
Many thank to all for your suggestions chaps. If I'm up to it I shall post pictures on the morrow...until then I'm going to ponder about which cleaners might be better than the Wilson brand I currently use.
Regards,
Jay.

 

[woodsroad]

Jay, did you push the pipe cleaner remnant in the original direction of travel, or did you try to back it out? I will say that dremeling a round wire down in diameter is... an interesting pursuit.

 

[georged]

I have the two tiny pieces and tomorrow shall look into glueing them back in place but I'm fully aware it will never be the same again :crying:

Jay ---
I'd be glad to make you a new stem free of charge.
I know you're in England, but the mail people have the passing-back-and-forth thing down pat. (You never notice it.) :wink:
George

 

[fluffie666]

Get a stem from George!

 

[woodsroad]

George: Wow.

 

[weezell]

I was just reading this and thought I would beg George to look at it. Low and behold the pipe Gods smile again... :clap:

 

[jpmcwjr]

George-
That is splendid. Say, I lived in England for a year, do I get the same grace??

 

[mawnansmiff]

"Jay, did you push the pipe cleaner remnant in the original direction of travel, or did you try to back it out? I will say that dremeling a round wire down in diameter is... an interesting pursuit."


Dan, I did pretty much as you initially suggested when you said "Fashion a stiff wire and work it forward, button to bowl." I cut a piece of stiff coathanger and ground it down a little to use as a pusher. I was fully aware that I might 'burst' the stem but it was all I could think to do.
The pipe by the way is a Jean Lacroix 'Major Fine' chimney/stack with a plateau top, a very recent acquisition hence my uber disappointment.
George, what can I say! What a very generous offer you have made and one which I will humbly accept, very many thanks indeed. This I was not expecting at all 8O
Below is the pipe and damaged stem. Picture #2 suggests a crease on the stem, it's just a trick of the light.

Regards,
Jay.

 

[crashthegrey]

It's a shame, especially on a recent acquisition, but it looks like George is a generous fellow. I think the original stem can be repaired quite well, too. There are a number of people who do fine work with those types of damage. That's a beautiful pipe, as well.

 

[woodsroad]

That is a beautiful pipe, and the damage to the stem is not too bad. Should be very do-able for someone with George's skill set.

 

[deathmetal]

This whole thread had me gripping the arms of my chair. Glad it came to a good resolution. Reminder to self: be careful with those @#$! pipe cleaners.

 

[mawnansmiff]

Update: I've now made contact with George so things should get going shortly. I might ask if the replacement ought to be straight as I think it would look better. That said, I shall enclose the two broken shards just in case a repair would be easier than making a whole new one. Obviously I shall leave it to the expert to make any final decisions.
Thanks all for your input, it was most welcome ::
Regards,
Jay.

 

[oldmansmoking]

Lovely pipe. Damage to stem is regrettable, but then I have done similar on cleaning. Sometimes you wonder why you started!

The outcome looks good for you and your pipe Jay, very pleased for you. The generosity on this Forum makes me humbled.

Just done a new posting on pipe cleaners, check it out.

Look forward to your views.