The Stem Lip

[finnian3]

All,
One are of the stem that I have the most difficulty cleaning has to be the lip. The little crease before the button just seems to be the most difficult to reach. I have spoken with Jamie Connely at Stem and Briar. He has his own tricks for getting into the crease, but what works for others? How do you clean the crease?

 

[jpmcwjr]

I use a finger nail and/or a toothbrush.

 

[ChuckMijo]

Yep they are difficult to get perfectly clean. If it’s a pipe I’m restoring I use a needle file, because I’ll have to blend and sand the whole stem anyway. On my daily smokers I just use dental pick to remove that brown build up when it becomes unsightly.

 

[jaytex1969]

I find a standard "army" style nylon gun cleaning "toothbrush" helpful.

The bristles on the small end are so short and stiff, you can really get them into the corner from both angles.

Amazon.com : Skyline Center Inc. - Gun Cleaning Nylon Brush Double Ended 3 Pack - Made in USA : Gun Cleaning Kits : Sports & Outdoors

Amazon.com : Skyline Center Inc. - Gun Cleaning Nylon Brush Double Ended 3 Pack - Made in USA : Gun Cleaning Kits : Sports & Outdoors

www.amazon.com

 

[dmcmtk]

A pipe cleaner across the crease to remove regular usage "crud", and polish the area.

 

[finnian3]

It is the oxidation that is near impossible to get out.

 

[Chasing Embers]

It is the oxidation that is near impossible to get out.

Some use the edge of a magic eraser, a micro mesh pad, or sandpaper folded over a popsicle stick. I just use my thumbnail and a wet paper towel after singeing the oxidation with a lighter.

 

[BROBS]

Some use the edge of a magic eraser, a micro mesh pad, or sandpaper folded over a popsicle stick. I just use my thumbnail and a wet paper towel after singeing the oxidation with a lighter.

I use a magic polishing cloth (jeweler cloth can work too) and my fingernail and run it back and forth in the crease. ?

 

[Chasing Embers]

I use a magic polishing cloth (jeweler cloth can work too) and my fingernail and run it back and forth in the crease. ?

Yep, use those myself for after smoke cleaning.

 

[BROBS]

Yep, use those myself for after smoke cleaning.

If you haven’t seen these cloths, they are by far the most amazing one I’ve tried and well worth it. They are cheaper in 3 or 9 packs off eBay. They also blast off oxidation while still being gentle on details, sharp edges, or markings.

 

[Chasing Embers]

If you haven’t seen these cloths, they are by far the most amazing one I’ve tried and well worth it. They are cheaper in 3 or 9 packs off eBay. They also blast off oxidation while still being gentle on details, sharp edges, or markings.

There's an auction I'm eyeballing, I'll pick some up when it closes.?

 

[niblicck]

If you haven’t seen these cloths, they are by far the most amazing one I’ve tried and well worth it. They are cheaper in 3 or 9 packs off eBay. They also blast off oxidation while still being gentle on details, sharp edges, or markings.

Hey Brobs is that just a soft cloth with coconut oil? My wife cooks with coconut oil and and I have old flannel shirts for polishing. Do you rub the stem with it when you see first signs of oxidation?

 

[BROBS]

Hey Brobs is that just a soft cloth with coconut oil? My wife cooks with coconut oil and and I have old flannel shirts for polishing. Do you rub the stem with it when you see first signs of oxidation?

No, It’s impregnated with polish. ?

 

[niblicck]

Its also got a prop65 on it. I guess don't smoke your pipe in Cali and you'll be alright.?

 

[BROBS]

Its also got a prop65 on it. I guess don't smoke your pipe in Cali and you'll be alright.?

Well yeah, I wipe it off before use haha

 

[niblicck]

Everything causes cancer in Califormia...

 

[BROBS]

Everything causes cancer in Califormia...

I know, even picture frames!!