Oxidized Stems

[pipeude28]

Hi would anyone be able to give me any ideas on an easy way to polish oxidized stems?

 

[python]

Plenty of threads about it. Peruse the Pipe Repair and Maintenance sub forum.

 

[sablebrush52]

You can do a google search with “pipesmagazine” and “stem cleaning” and find a few hundred threads on the topic.

 

[Casual]

I recently used hot water to make the stems really brown. Then a magic eraser pad to get rid of it. Then wet sanding with those hobbyist micro mesh pads, 1500 through 12000, to bring back the shine. Alcohol on pipe cleaners to clean the inside.

Takes some elbow grease, but shows good results. Still not sure of the best way to avoid rounding the shoulders on the stem though.

 

[burleybreath]

I recently used hot water to make the stems really brown. Then a magic eraser pad to get rid of it. Then wet sanding with those hobbyist micro mesh pads, 1500 through 12000, to bring back the shine. Alcohol on pipe cleaners to clean the inside.

Takes some elbow grease, but shows good results. Still not sure of the best way to avoid rounding the shoulders on the stem though.

Do you mean the part of the stem that butts up against the shank? Not sure of the best way, but I always put a thin washer on the tenon, then assemble the pipe normally. Next step is to be mindful of how easily tenons break when leverage of any kind is applied to the juncture, then proceed.