Stem Tightener Kit

[Jwebb90]

I have a few loose stems that need some attention. I typically use a little beeswax but wanted to explore other options. I found a 'stem tightener kit' on Vermont Freehand and am interested to know if any has used it. If so, how does it work? Thanks.

 

[Jwebb90]

Here is the link for the kit
Stem Tightener Kit - Vermont Freehand - https://vermontfreehand.com/product/stem-tightener-kit/

 

[BROBS]

AKA the butt end of a drillbit.

 

[BROBS]

I’ve done it but I feel it’s a sketch way to tighten the fit. Very easy to fuck it up. I would only do this if the fit was so loose the stummel literally falls off the stem.

 

[Jwebb90]

AKA the butt end of a drillbit.

ARe you more or less just jamming it into the tennon in order to expand?

I’ve done it but I feel it’s a sketch way to tighten the fit. Very easy to fuck it up. I would only do this if the fit was so loose the stummel literally falls off the stem.

So you force expansion of the tenon by jamming the bit in? Yeah, I can see that going wrong pretty quickly. However, I do have one pipe that the stem falls right out so I may give it a try.

 

[adui]

ARe you more or less just jamming it into the tennon in order to expand?

So you force expansion of the tenon by jamming the bit in? Yeah, I can see that going wrong pretty quickly. However, I do have one pipe that the stem falls right out so I may give it a try.

Yes and no. You first heat the tenon so it's pliable. I've used this method successfully, though I don't have that kit. I just used a tool on hand. I would caution you not to try and go to fast. I split one that way

 

[sablebrush52]

Perhaps this will be useful:

 

[adui]

There's a YouTube video on the subject, I'm on my phone or I'd find and link it

 

[adui]

@sable lol you beat me

 

[peregrinus]

There is an important difference between the Pimo kit and a drill bit.
With the Pimo kit the steel mandrels are tapered. This taper allows you to stretch the heat softened tenon incrementally. I’ve used this system for 20 years without a failure. Trick is, easy does it. Heat tenon, stretch a little, cool tenon, check fit. Repeat as needed until fit is correct.

 

[BROBS]

I’ve used one of these with success.

 

[sablebrush52]

Or, you can first try out the method shown in Walt Cannoy's video above, and not spend money on a kit while deforming the tenon.

 

[sablebrush52]

I’ve used one of these with success.

I used one'a dese on Fat Guido. Worked great!

 

[BROBS]

The one I posted even has a chrome gangster hat.

 

[peregrinus]

I’ve used one of these with success.

Why not!

 

[Jwebb90]

Perhaps this will be useful:

The Cannoy method worked perfectly! Thanks for sharing.

 

[mso489]

I watched the youTube that sable posted and it is brief, well presented, and informative. I've had one adventure with a loose stem. It actually healed itself, but now I understand why.

 

[sablebrush52]

I watched the youTube that sable posted and it is brief, well presented, and informative. I've had one adventure with a loose stem. It actually healed itself, but now I understand why.

I've had stems return to a perfect fit without doing anything to them, after they've been out of rotation for a while.

 

[sasquatch]

SO much easier to just dab a little CA glue on the walls of the mortise and leave the tenon alone.

 

[F4RM3R]

If you are going the glue route. Get the "BONDIC" epoxy pen. Hardens instant by the built in uv light. Results are similar to super glue.

If not just wrap some Teflon tape if it's for your own use. Works great but you gotta replace it every once in a while.