Sanding out the inside of a shank

[matchstickman]

I recently came upon an old Medico estate pipe that takes a filter. Turns out that someone left a heavily used filter in it while it sat for the 30 or 40 odd years that it sat. Due to this, once I pulled the stem out, I could not get it back in. I am almost thinking that the moisture from the filter swelled the briar so much that I am going to have to sand out the inside of the shank. Has anyone here ever done this? What grade of sandpaper do I need to get the job done? Also, what is the best way to go about doing this?

 

[docrx]

I would first clean the shank thoroughly with bristle cleaners and or a shank brush....then try a trip to the freezer for 15-30 mins and see if the stem goes in then.

 

[jasongone]

i have never tried to or felt the need to sand the inside of a shank, but if i were going to attempt such a thing i would think a very fine small round file would be the key. Just my thought.

 

[ace57]

Go slow slow slow, I broke a shank on a old no name doing the same thing.

 

[ejames]

Be very careful sanding the shank of that Medico. It's very easy to get it to big. Make sure the shank is thoroughly clean and dry,then lubricate the tenon with either some beeswax or take a # 2 pencil and rub it on the tenon-the graphite acts as a lubricant. Sanding should be a last resort!

 

[pstlpkr]

+1 on all of the above...

Sanding should be a last resort!

 

[unclearthur]

My take is:don't sand. Clean the mortice with high proof alcohol. You can get 91 % isopropyl alcohol at your local wally world.