Minor Problem with an Old Pipe

Log in

SmokingPipes.com Updates

Watch for Updates Twice a Week

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

PipesMagazine Approved Sponsor

Fransenn

Lurker
Apr 5, 2020
4
4
Sweden
EDIT: Fixed Capitalization in Title (See Rule 9)

Hi! I am a quite the beginner when smoking pipe. I really enjoy it tho. But I bought this old pipe and the part I place my mouth on is very sour. And i have no idea how to get rid of it. I got this pipe because my main pipe is quite large and I would like to use this one when I'm not at home because it is smaller and dont take as much space. The mouth part of the small pipe also have this wierd steel screw thingy that I assume is for tar to not get through as easily. But thanks for quick answers! With kindly hellos from me!
 
Last edited by a moderator:

mso489

Lifer
Feb 21, 2013
41,211
60,649
The weird screw thingy is called a stinger, and it sounds like it is also what screws the stem (mouthpiece) to the briar/wood of the pipe. It sounds like the pipe needs a good cleaning all around. Hot water and a good many pipe cleaners should clear out most of the staleness, for starters. More methods are described in videos and on other threads. A smaller corn cob pipe might also serve the purpose if the pipe doesn't clean up to your satisfaction. Welcome aboard.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Fransenn

Fransenn

Lurker
Apr 5, 2020
4
4
Sweden
The weird screw thingy is called a stinger, and it sounds like it is also what screws the stem (mouthpiece) to the briar/wood of the pipe. It sounds like the pipe needs a good cleaning all around. Hot water and a good many pipe cleaners should clear out most of the staleness, for starters. More methods are described in videos and on other threads. A smaller corn cob pipe might also serve the purpose if the pipe doesn't clean up to your satisfaction. Welcome aboard.
The weird screw thingy is called a stinger, and it sounds like it is also what screws the stem (mouthpiece) to the briar/wood of the pipe. It sounds like the pipe needs a good cleaning all around. Hot water and a good many pipe cleaners should clear out most of the staleness, for starters. More methods are described in videos and on other threads. A smaller corn cob pipe might also serve the purpose if the pipe doesn't clean up to your satisfaction. Welcome aboard.
Thanks for the quick answer and explanations of the parts. I will definitely try to clean it up more than I have already done. But I have never enjoyed smoking on a corn cob pipe. I just really like the feeling of wood. And thanks again!
 

Fransenn

Lurker
Apr 5, 2020
4
4
Sweden
The sourness may be due to oxidation of the stem. Is it black, or has it discolored? Removing oxidation is a bit of a task, but there are a lot of resources here to help with that.
I dont know the original colour of the stem but it is brown now and looks to be as it should. but oxidation sounds like that could be the problem here. What I know of it is that it have been laying around for 4 years in a shop by the sea. Thanks for the quick answer.
 
  • Like
Reactions: lightmybriar

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
45,537
120,971
I dont know the original colour of the stem but it is brown now and looks to be as it should. but oxidation sounds like that could be the problem here. What I know of it is that it have been laying around for 4 years in a shop by the sea. Thanks for the quick answer.
An oxidized stem can look natural, but they give off a nasty sulphur taste. Once cleaned up they are right as rain.?

20180613_180543-3.jpg
 

Chasing Embers

Captain of the Black Frigate
Nov 12, 2014
45,537
120,971
Thanks alot this is most certainly the problem because sulfur is the only taste on that pipe and the stem looks exactly like the stem on the left! Do you know any posts or videos on how to fix it?
There are many on YouTube, but on that one I just used Magic Erasers, Barkeeper's Friend, and toothpaste. The same effect can be reached with sandpaper, micromesh, and many other methods. I currently use a lighter and a wet paper towel to remove the oxidation and polish the stem with toothpaste as I did on this one.

20200119_091902.jpg