Removing Stubborn Dr. Grabow Aluminum Filter/Stinger

[towhee89]

Hi all, I have a Dr. Grabow Westbrook Dublin just like this (Except it has a softer stem) but I wasn't aware until I saw these photos online you could actually remove the stinger. I know you can't on say, a Kaywoodie (of which I recently bought 2 estates) but I would love to try to remove this one. It looks as if it slides in and out, but mine's stuck. Any tips on getting it out without damaging it? I wouldn't mind a more open draw on this pipe, it is a little choked (and I don't even mind the stingers, I do keep them but since these are removable why not) thanks guys

 

[TheIronMonkey]

You could try dripping some high proof alcohol (i.e., Everclear) into the stem—tobacco juices have probably dried up and “glued” the pieces together. The alcohol should soften and dissolve the death grip.

 

[TheIronMonkey]

An easier delivery for the alcohol might be to soak a thin pipe cleaner and insert it from the button end and push the cleaner as far as it will go and let it soak.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Not all of the Dr G stingers were removable, the earlier the ones were not. Let’s see a picture of yours.

 

[towhee89]

Not all of the Dr G stingers were removable, the earlier the ones were not. Let’s see a picture of yours.

 

[Piping Abe]

2 options. Try and heat the area and see if it loosens the gunk. Use a lighter or tea light

What works for me is to pour some alcohol in a shot glass and let the stinger sit in the alcohol submerged as much as you can. Wait an hour and pull with some pliers.

You can always stick a pipe cleaner through the stem, coming out of the stinger so it’ll wick up the alcohol through the stinger.

 

[Sigmund]

Like above...I cant say myself about that one but Ive found heating the stinger with a lighter close to the stem gets it warm and will release.

Not scalding hot...get it warmed up. doesnt take any time

 

[FurCoat]

Like above...I cant say myself about that one but Ive found heating the stinger with a lighter close to the stem gets it warm and will release.

Not scalding hot...get it warmed up. doesnt take any time

This has always worked for me.

 

[theloniousmonkfish]

Heat the stinger with a lighter, grab it with a paper towel or rag and twist/pull out. Takes like ten/twenty seconds.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

View attachment 264011

That one is removable. But be gentle, a few trips through freezer after allowing it to return to room temp ought to loosen it up.

 

[bullet08]

Or..

 

[Buffalo]

Or..

View attachment 264142

Where'd you get a picture of my creme brulee torch?

 

[towhee89]

Thanks guys, I tried heating it and no luck yet. It might need a good soak. I mean, I don't mind leaving it on if I have to but with this Dublin shape the draw is a little too restricted at the top of bowls especially. But I can see the gunk and tar in between it, so I'll have to work on it.

 

[Sigmund]

Just an FYI. I dont know about those but some in france are threaded into the ebonite. You can pull those all day and nothing.