Stem Replacement or Softy Bit?

[rev413]

I have a pin hole on the underside of my Peterson Aran 150 P-lip stem, and I dont know if I should either try and find a replacement stem for it, fix it or just throw on a softy bit. Granted I would like to get it fixed right, but trying to find a new stem might be a pain. Any and all advice is appreciated. thanks

 

[ssjones]

A pinhole can easily be filled with superglue. I just did a Comoys stem last week that had a crater. This is after the fix:

 

[flyguy]

The softy bits are like having sex with a condom, it's sort of OK, but you can't get used to it and it's never the same.

:rofl:
I don't like condoms but I like softy bits. Much easier to clench a pipe with one. I wasn't aware you could use a softy bit with a P-lip. I thought they were for fish tails only.

 

[dnietosi]

I use both softy bits and those heat retractile tubes of rubber. Both work well depending on the stem. Many times I like to smoke while doing some work on my computer or grading some homework. Then I clench to hard and the are necessary.
:puffpipe:

 

[crpntr1]

I think Peterson will replace it for you, so you have a Pete stem. But I'm with Al, superglue

 

[rev413]

I am going to try the superglue and see how it turns out. Al, besides just applying it is there any thing else that has to be done to it, or no? Im not so much a biter but a clencher. The stem is off an estate pipe that I just picked up here recently.

 

[ssjones]

Well, all steps in a stem restoration follow the super glue, sanding smooth, buffing the shine back etc. Check out the "Reborn Pipes" blog which details this process with pix and detailed explanations.

 

[rev413]

Alright will do. Thanks alot!

 

[gmwolford]

Dong forget to grease/apply petroleum jelly to a pipe cleaner and insert it before the super glue is applied.

 

[mlyvers]

hey guys, has anyone ever tried heat shrink tubing on the stem instead of softy bits? i have started using this stuff, and i thinks it performs well. just curious.
take care.

mike.

 

[ssjones]

There is a thread here somewhere with heat shrink tubing and they even make it in food grade.

 

[waymon]

If you have a old vulcanite stem you can do the following:

Use a file and file off enough shavings to fill the hole.

Insert a pipe cleaner into the stem

Fill the hole with the filings

Apply adaquate heat to melt the filings. Add more filings if nessasary to build up the patch.

Allow patch to cool.

Using a file, roughly file the patch.

Finish smoothing the patch with sandpaper.

Buff stem to high gloss, remove pipe cleaner and enjoy.

I have done this many times and it is a permanent fix which is barely noticeable!!

 

[undermidnight]

I am a grinder where I move the stem side to side especially when I am driving or thinking about something. I have softy bits on all my pipes and I like them personally. I have a really nice Peterson pipe that I chewed a hole into. I put a softy on it and it works like new (to me).
I want to get the stem replaced eventually (including my P-Lip stem on my other Pete).
BTW.. at first I liked the p-lips.. not I am not very fond of them.
Jason

 

[ssjones]

I might just have to give that a try Waymon!

 

[peckinpahhombre]

I don't like condoms but I like softy bits. Much easier to clench a pipe with one. I wasn't aware you could use a softy bit with a P-lip. I thought they were for fish tails only.

Does anyone use condoms on their pipe stems instead of softy bits?
Seriously though, I'm glad some folks on here like the softy bits because I thought I was the only one. I am a clencher and I like the feel of them, and they protect the pipe stem. This is also why I am largely indifferent between vulcanite or lucite - doesn't really matter once you put a softy bit on. Interesting to see they bother some folks. Maybe I just have a big mouth so don't notice.

 

[mso489]

Mostly I don't use softy bits, but I recent bought one to use on a corncob pipe with its lesser plastic stem that had started to chew away.

It allows me to continue to use the original stem without investing in either a new stem or a new pipe for a $7 corncob that has

broken in nicely. I'm hoping to smoke it 'til the bowl cracks, which could take a while with lots of other nice briar pipes to smoke too.

I actually bought this pipe at a convenience store in Missouri with a pouch of Sir Walter ... that was stale.

 

[drwatson]

I'd actually replace the stem with a new one..But I personally love the softy's..But they do have to be modified. To use them has is, I find awkward also. Try cutting the thick part off, gives a much lower profile and protects the pipe.