Repairing a cracked stem?

[classicgeek]

Hi all,
I'm finally back in town and am setting about refurbishing the couple of Dr. Grabows that I won off of eBay a few weeks ago. Overall, the pipes are in decent shape; in need of a cleaning and a reaming, but I'm on top of that. Lots of advice to be found here and elsewhere on the 'net.
The disappointing thing about one of the pipes is that it has a cracked stem, near the end where it fits into the shank. It's fairly obvious to me that the owner had overtightened the stem in the shank and they had a bit of a mishap when they were pulling it out. I suppose I should be thankful that the shank is fine.
Anyhow, the crack is in a position where I could easily apply some sort of an adhesive. However, I can't seem to find any guidance on what type might work... without releasing deadly chemicals when I smoke it. Any thoughts? It's a black (vulcanite?) stem. Pretty typical. It's smokeable as-is, or will be when I finish my restoration. It's just annoying.
Simon

 

[python]

Maybe one of the members who work on and/or make pipes can chime in and let you know what to do.
As far as I know, once a stem is cracked, it will need to be replaced. But if it is not affecting the smoking properties of that pipe, I wouldn't worry about it.

 

[unclearthur]

I have used super glue on a few cracked stems in the past. It requires very careful working down once it is set.

 

[cortezattic]

Like Bob said, if it's smokeable, then the problem is cosmetic. Maybe a filler material like epoxy putty (Google it) might be all you need. If it turns out to be an absolutely wonderful smoker, then consider having a replacement stem made. If it's just a so-so pipe, consider using it only when you need to test a tobacco.

 

[pipemaker]

You will probably need a band on it because the crack will travel like a windshield crack does. I can put a band on it for you if you want? Shoot me a message if your interested. Bob Clark

 

[classicgeek]

Since I'm not finished the restoration yet (haven't got my hands on a reamer yet--maybe today), I don't really know how it smokes. Judging from the nature and position of the crack, I don't expect that it will have any other effect than leading to the stem being loose someday if it gets worse. Having done a little more searching, I realize that the actual name of the cracked part is the tenon. I was just curious about whether or not there were adhesives which could be used in this hot, wet environment that wouldn't have some sort of chemical reaction that released foul tastes.
I looked into epoxy putty, but this particular crack doesn't require filling, just sticking two pieces back together again. I think that Super Glue is probably what I'm looking for, especially since it is deemed safe for medical and veterinary use, as well as in aquariums.
Simon

 

[bytor]

An alternative to having a new stem made, would be to have the stem fitted with a new tenon. Delrin is finally becoming a pretty popular material for the tenon as it is quite a bit more durable. Not exactly a DYI task though, but I would think it would be quite a bit cheaper.

 

[admin]

Here in the land of pipe makers, I have found the the be all, cure all for broken stems is to just whip up a new one. It's easy when you have a pipe making workshop loaded with materials and machinery though.
Man, I wish I had a buffing wheel.

 

[igloo]

This is a low cost alternative http://www.gates.com/brochure.cfm?brochure=927&location_id=546 .

 

[unclearthur]

Such deal I could make you on a nice buffing wheel. Or free directions on how to whip one up.

 

[bubbadreier]

I fixed a split stem with a little super glue and some fine sand paper, it worked out perfectly. I didn't even think about the chemicals!
Unclearthur, I think we would all love those directions on how to make nice buffing wheel.

 

[briarbrian]

Yes it should be replaced but you can use superglue. I have cracked stems myself and just reglued them back together until I could get time to make a stem for it. Just be careful with the glue so as to not let glue into the draft hole and it will be fine.