The Pipe Cleaner Test

[lqjones]

I've been thinking about this a lot lately (bored). I'm not so convinced a good pipe has to pass this test. I know both of my Petersons non system bents don't pass the test, but the pipe cleaner does go in far enough to soak up the moisture and improve the smoke. Granted, I prefer a pipe that does pass the test and goes all the way to the bowl where you can see/feel it literally touch the tobacco in there, but not entirely convinced it is absolutely necessary. Thoughts?

 

[papipeguy]

I've experienced the same thing with several of my pipes. Most notably with my new Brigham Country Club. I removed the mot a deal breaker for me but I like to pass the cleaner all the way through.aple filter yet I can't get a pipe cleaner to pass all the way through. I'm considering giving to a pipe maker friend of mine to "improve". It's not a deal breaker for me but I do like to pass the pipe cleaner all the way through.

 

[pipingruotsi]

I agree that a good pipe doesn't necessarily need to pass the pipe cleaner test. It is nice to be able to do though. I generally think the moisture during s smoke has more to do with technique and tabac moisture. What I look for is a good mortise/tenon fit. The better the fit, the easier to clean. Clean pipe, better smoke.

 

[cortezattic]

Sometimes a slight bend in the very tip of the cleaner will allow it to find the right path through the shank.

I can understand it when an artisan one-of-a-kind won't pass a cleaner, but machine made pipes should never have that flaw.

Manufacturers should take the time to plan and set up their equipment before making a run of the particular shape.

Ironically, it's usually the artisan pipes that pass the test.

 

[foggymountain]

It is second rate if you can't get a cleaner through it.

 

[cigrmaster]

A pipe that does not pass a cleaner in my mind is defective as it can never be a dry smoker. I have had a few early in my smoking career and everyone was a wet smoker. If you are used to always needing pipe cleaners to soak up excess moisture while smoking then it might not be a big deal. All of my pipes that I own now, never need a pipe cleaner for moisture so for me it is a huge deal.

 

[lqjones]

Thanks for the input to all.

 

[billypm]

I can understand why some bent pipes will not pass a cleaner and still smoke well, although all of my bents, with a little jiggling, do. But there is no excuse for a straight pipe not to pass a pipe cleaner. None. That is the reddest of red flags to me.
Interesting how the pipes that pass a cleaner seem not to need them as much.

 

[zack24]

I think the biggest reason you need the ability to pass a cleaner is that's it's a terrible idea to take a hot pipe apart(except for military mounts). It's not that difficult to design the pipe to pass a cleaner- even if the mortise and draft don't meet dead center (common in bent pipes), you can cut a ramp to ease the transition. The only pipes I make that won't pass a cleaner are my reverse calabash designs- they all have a 5/8" secondary chamber and the draft usually enters halfway up the wall- even after 3 bowls in a row, there's just a little moisture to wipe out..And they are designed to be taken apart hot...

 

[murf]

I agree with cortez about the bend in the cleaner. I also give my cleaners a twist and push if they get stuck. sometimes, I have to pull it out and try the other end. But it tends to work pretty well.

 

[petes03]

In some ways I agree, and in some ways I disagree. Nearly all of my bent pipes (20+), won't pass a PC, and yet most all of them are great smokers. There are a couple of them that smoke a little wet, but they are exceptions. Now with my straights, all of them will pass a PC. Most of them smoke dry, with the exception of a couple. All of that being said, passing a PC is not a huge deal for me, but I do understand why it is to some. To me anyway, how wet a pipe smokes depends on many factors. Not just tenon/draft hole alignment.

 

[taerin]

Pete System pipes do not pass pipe cleaners because the holes are not in alignment, and there's a well to soak up moisture between the holes, even if you bent the cleaner and twirled it around, it would never happen. These pipes smoke fine, no issues with them smoking any more wet than any pipe I own. I always pass pipe cleaners through to dry my pipes during the smoke, it keeps it tasting nice and fresh. I don't own any pipes that need it, or that smoke wet, it's just a preference. As I love my full-bent pipes, I have yet to meet one that passes a cleaner all the way to the bowl, it's something you gotta give up with certain styles of pipes. I also have pipes that do pass a cleaner all the way, but with those the smoke is not noticeably any better, but they are noticeably harder to clench.

 

[kcghost]

A pipe has to be awfully special before I would buy one that didn't pass this test. Sometimes you have to finagle around to get them through but you can usually get it done. I have a Julius Vesz that has two 90 degree turns and I can get one through.

 

[metalheadycigarguy]

I think all my pipes but one can get a cleaner through, though a couple take a little twist or wiggle to accomplish it. I'm a fairly wet smoker at times so I just always have a cleaner with me when I'm enjoying a pipe.