Taking Care of Your Pipe

[Edwin Weaver]

Have you ever had the tenon get stuck in the shank of your pipe? In the past, I busted a few stems attempting to twist them out of the shank. Now, I shave the tenon (just a little) so that the stem can be inserted and removed easily. Not too much, you don’t want it to fall out, just enough so that you can remove the stem easily.

I clean my pipe after each bowl. Run a pipe cleaner through the stem and then a bristle pipe cleaner through the stem and shank. Every 15 to 20 bowls I lightly ream the bowl to keep the cake from building up too much and to keep the bowl keep clean and to keep a fresh taste to each bowl I smoke.

Just my way of doing things

Edwin

 

[cosmicfolklore]

I have only had a stem be too tight a few times, but I did have one pesky Chacom that just felt like I was trying to squeeze a fat woman into skinny jeans. And, with a little help from friends on here, I took a graphite pencil and drew the graphite onto the tenon, and voila... it fit. After that, I never had an issue with that pipe.

If shaving the tenon worked for you, that's great! I'm not knocking it. But, I would try the least permanent evasive action first. It only take micrometers to make a tenon become a trombone slide.

 

[Edwin Weaver]

I have only had a stem be too tight a few times, but I did have one pesky Chacom that just felt like I was trying to squeeze a fat woman into skinny jeans. And, with a little help from friends on here, I took a graphite pencil and drew the graphite onto the tenon, and voila... it fit. After that, I never had an issue with that pipe.

If shaving the tenon worked for you, that's great! I'm not knocking it. But, I would try the least permanent evasive action first. It only take micrometers to make a tenon become a trombone slide.

comicfolklore,

Thank you for your input on the Graphite. When i shave the tenon, believe me, it is only a hair. The tenon is never lose or sloppy, just easier to insert and remove. with a new pipe the stem is usually easy, but over the years it seem to get harder. i busted a 'Lorenzo' pipe stem that way. at first it was great, but over time it became harder to remove.

Thanks

Edwin

 

[cosmicfolklore]

When i shave the tenon, believe me, it is only a hair.

And, if it works, who could argue with that. If I might ask, how do you shave it?

 

[Edwin Weaver]

I have a 'razor sharp' blade and rub it gently over the Tenon. I get only a light powder, just enough to loosen the stem so that i can remove it easier.
My hands are crippled now (as of 3 years ago) so it is harder for me to do things than it was years ago. I never had this problem in the 70's, 80's, 90's or afterward, only recently. I am also in a wheelchair so my mobility is hampered also.

Thank you for your input and questions. I hope you never become afflicted so that it becomes hard to clean your pipes.

May the God of all creation bless you and help you.

Edwin

 

[sandollars]

Call me crazy but Bee's Wax works both ways for me. Tightening and loosening.

 

[Casual]

Call me crazy but Bee's Wax works both ways for me. Tightening and loosening.

Bees Wax will tighten a loose stem.
Bees Wax will loosen a tight stem.
Bees Wax will make the ladies crazy for you.
Bees Wax will inflate your bank account.

Sounds like Big Bee might be sendIng Sanddollars cheques.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Bees Wax will tighten a loose stem.
Bees Wax will loosen a tight stem.
Bees Wax will make the ladies crazy for you.
Bees Wax will inflate your bank account.

Sounds like Big Bee might be sendIng Sanddollars cheques.

I bet bees wax makes a lousy personal lubricant.