One of my pipe stems smells like chemicals. It also imparts a slight chemical taste to what I'm smoking. I can really taste it when I draw through it with nothing in it. I ran pipe cleaners through it and they came out clean, so whats wrong with it?
Stem Problems.Please Help!
- Thread starter uberam3rica
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I used gin to clean it. I'm not 21 so I can't buy alcohol. I just used what my parents had around. I might be able to get my dad to buy me something but I don't know. I cleaned my other pipes with it and they're fine
If you remember my horror story of the sticker in the bowl that left an awful chemical taste, I just smoked threw it. Being in the bowl there wasn't as much I could do that you can w/ a stem, but I bet if you take your least favorite baccy, puff it threw 4/5 bowls, bad chemical taste will be gone.
You just have to worry about smoking some strange chemical!
You just have to worry about smoking some strange chemical!
Uber, as others mentioned, try cleaning it with Iso. Available at most pharmacies, use the 91%.
Also the oxyclean does seem a good bet. I'd disparaged it's use for some time but no more.
I'm currently working an an estate that was really, REALLY bad. Someone here pointed out that with the oxyclean soak you have a good chance at removing possible oxidation that's inside the stem. The pipe I'm working on now, the oxyclean soak has done an incredible job simply soaking, let alone the follow up cleaning with Iso.
Also the oxyclean does seem a good bet. I'd disparaged it's use for some time but no more.
I'm currently working an an estate that was really, REALLY bad. Someone here pointed out that with the oxyclean soak you have a good chance at removing possible oxidation that's inside the stem. The pipe I'm working on now, the oxyclean soak has done an incredible job simply soaking, let alone the follow up cleaning with Iso.
I wish i could buy it. but I have some issues at the bank(it's a long story) but if I could I'd buy it
I'm gonna try the oxyclean soak. How long should I soak it? If I don't have oxyclean, what else can i use
My recent go with it I used about a tablespoon in dissolved in about 2 cups of warm water. After 24 hours the solution was black as Ol' Coaly's ass. Again the stem was horrid to begin with.
Suggestions as to what works using the OxyClean from others??
Suggestions as to what works using the OxyClean from others??
Out of curiosity, does it have a stinger? I know in a couple of estates I've received, the aluminum has oxidized (at least, I assume its oxidization) and picked up a truely rank flavour and aroma. The only work around I can suggest if this is the case is to pull it (the stinger) and smoke it to see if the issue is fixed.
it does have a stinger, but the metal is nice and shiny. plus the stinger is the only part of the stem that goes into the shank
I recently found the site of a pipe repairer in USA who bought an Ionisation machine that is guaranteed to kill every odour & germ on & deep within pipes, I think his charge is either $2 a pipe or was it $5 with $2 for each subsequent pipe.
Am I allowed to put the link up here?
Edit: Sure, go ahead.
Am I allowed to put the link up here?
Edit: Sure, go ahead.
Do the oxyclean soak. Put a dab of grease or vaseline over the logo. The inside of the stem oxidizes as well. I'd soak it for a few hours, than run a bristle cleaner dipped in the oxy solution. I bet you'll be surprised what comes out. The good news is, once you clean out the inside, those old Grabow stems feel great!
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