Small Air Opening in Lip

[bearwolf56]

Not sure if this comes under "repair" or not but here goes. I have a couple of pipes that have extremely small air slit in the lip. Most pipes I have you can at least get a tapered pipe cleaner in but not these. I can't figure out a way to clean those. Any suggestions?

 

[TheIronMonkey]

Falcon makes Extra Thin pipe cleaners, which I use for late 19th Century/early 20th Century pipes with pretty small draught holes. They usually work with pretty small holes. I've read there are even thinner pipe cleaners for kids' craft projects that might even get into smaller spaces, but I haven't investigated that avenue too thoroughly.

You may wish to make the holes in the slots bigger, but, you may not wish to alter your pipes.

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Second the Falcon cleaners, thats what I also use on very old pipes with with small draught holes. I would stay away from craft pipe cleaners though. They are not made of cotton and can leave fibers that you do not want to inhale in your shank/stem. They are also not at all absorbent.

 

[camaguey]

Open it with a small file.

 

[woodrow]

Small flat file. Also I’ve had success with a small piece of sand paper top and bottom of the lip. Lots of older yard pipes have the problem.

 

[jhowell]

Clay saw...