Stem Sticking

[oldmannk]

The stem on my pipes fell like they are sticking when placed back. I was looking for suggestions on how to prevent the stem from sticking. Thanks for the help

 

[ocpsdan]

Sticking? Please clarify.

 

[tuold]

I sometimes use "cork grease" or a vegetable based lubricant. It's basically the same thing clarinet players use to keep the joints of their instruments from sticking. I wonder if a light coating of olive oil might work as well.

I've heard some people use chapstick.

 

[oldmannk]

Ok to clarify. Cleaned the pipe and let dry. When I tried to put the stem back in it was hard to turn in a circular motion. I know not to force it or push it. I was using the rotation method. One of the other estate pipes stem broke which I will send off for repair. I am a little hesitant to try and put the other stem at this time. I was hoping all you guys here can help me fix this.
Thanks Oldmannk

 

[yorkshirepipe]

I have had the same problem! I find (if the tenon can be removed) beeswax is the best lubricant. It was recommended it to me and I like to recommend it to others with appears to have had good results!
On a similar note, it works fantastically for tight stems and also works great on loose stems as it adds another layer to the tenon. Hope this helps!

 

[andrew]

Stick the pipe in the freezer for a good 8 hours or so before removing the stem, the cold makes the stem shrink in siize, and then lubricate it so you don't have this problem.

 

[judd]

I have an old Grabow that sticks, I will try the beeswax. Sounds like a great idea.

 

[gmwolford]

If the stem has been seperated from the shank for a lond time period atmosphere/environment issues might be the culprit, as may moisture from the recent cleaning. You may need to wait a few days for the briar and stem to get back to "normal" before assembling the pipe. As suggested, when you do put it back together a bit if beeswax on hone tenon may be a help.

 

[oldmannk]

Mr. Andrew, are you recommending bees wax also?

 

[oldmannk]

Mr. Andrew, are you recommending bees wax also?

 

[ejames]

Beeswax or a #2 lead pencil.

 

[lurch76]

Any suggestions on a stem that is too loose? I have a St. James estate pipe that the stem just barely stays on. With any pulling it comes off. It is a nice pipe so I would like to fix it if possible.

 

[docrx]

@lurch Try some clear nail polish

 

[allan]

Any suggestions on a stem that is too loose? I have a St. James estate pipe that the stem just barely stays on. With any pulling it comes off. It is a nice pipe so I would like to fix it if possible.

I have heard that bar soap smeared on the tenon will help tighten it up

 

[dmcmtk]

#2 pencil, "graphite grease".

 

[zack24]

On the too loose subject- boil some water, use a fine paint brush to apply hot water to mortise. Let dry. Stick stem back in. That should gain you .002"...
Or the alternative- heat the tenon with heat gun- force it over the smooth end of a drill bit slightly larger than the hole in the stem. Let cool- that will also get you .002"

 

[goldsm]

When pipe stem is stick or loose I do recommend a beeswax for both. It can be a rublication also a holder.

 

[andrew]

Never tried beeswax but I'm sure it's fine. Probably vaseline would be fine too. For a loose stem I just heat the tenon with a lighter for a few seconds then press it against a hard surface, of course all of my pipes only cost me about 12$ each but I've only had to do it to 2 of them and it worked fine with no damage.

 

[ejames]

Or the alternative- heat the tenon with heat gun- force it over the smooth end of a drill bit slightly larger than the hole in the stem. Let cool- that will also get you .002"

+1

 

[anglesey]

I'd recommend beeswax. There's a whole host of lubricants you can use, I'm sure even WD40 would work. I once used beef dripping on an awkward stem, there wasn't anything wrong with it but yknow...