No Shank Brushes, My World is in Upheaval

[taerin]

@ mso You really need shank brushes, they save you a lot of money when you do the "thorough cleanings." When a pipe gets real dirty it can take a couple hundred pipe cleaners, but a single shank brush will do the job just fine and still be usable for other jobs after that. I also use pipe cleaners that are bristled for reaming the bowl of a pipe when it gets a lot of those chunks of cake in there, if you catch it early, it takes it all out and makes it even again.

 

[cigrmaster]

A shank brush is a must for people who want to clean their pipes properly. Yes you could use a ton of bristled cleaners( which I also use) but I always start out with the shank brush first. A shank brush is just a basic necessity that I believe everyone should use. I was taught to use them and told that to be a true piper, ya gotta brush your shank. lol
Allan, it was a slow day and I figured a thread like this could be good for a few laughs.
Ron, I have no idea what a rifle barrel cleaning brush looks like or where I could buy one. I have never owned a gun, and society is much safer for it.

 

[allan]

/Allan, it was a slow day and I figured a thread like this could be good for a few laughs./

Harris
I always love your posts.

 

[sparrowhawk]

My problem with shank brushes is two fold: first, how do you clean the brush itself after using it to clean the pipe, and secondly, the darn brush handle doesn't withstand pressure too much. Help!

 

[allan]

how do you clean the brush itself after using it to clean the pipe, and secondly, the darn brush handle doesn't withstand pressure too much.

I find that cleaning is very easy. After use, I run the brush through the left over everclear (or other spirits) and after that I just run it through the faucet. One could use soap, I suppose, but I don't bother.
As far as the weak twisted wire on the brush, I just find the correct angle of entry and use it with quick back and forth strokes. That way it doesn't stick as much.

 

[bluesmk]

Hey Gents Look:

http://www.amazon.com/Nylon-Beer-Faucet-Brush-6-1/dp/B005KB1QRA/ref=sr_1_61?ie=UTF8&qid=1381192949&sr=8-61&keywords=shank+cleaning+brush

seems like a reasonable substitute no?!

Dan

Gabrieli Pipes

 

[rcstan]

Harbor Freight Brushes
We use these guys when restoring estates. 5 different sizes, you can do the stem airways with them too and get that tough brown spot out of the clear acrylic funky-shaped 70s style stem.
A good soak in Denatured Alcohol or your choice of liquid cleaner gets the crap out of the bristles, and the wire is flexible enough to withstand sanitizing a couple hundred shanks or more before pooping out.

 

[guhrillastile]

Never really thought about it, but since its mentioned. Gun bore brushes here. I use the brass ones, and the nylon ones and never had any issues with them being too rough. Clean all the pipes you like and just a quick dip to clear and they are like new ready for next time. Think key is to match the bore with the brush. Work like a charm.

 

[timely]

Shank Brushes are a must for cleaning stems and the shank of the pipe.

Would be nice if the suppliers would make a stronger twisted wire on the brushes.

I clean them with alcohol.