Tight Stem

[barepipe]

I would start with pencil lead first. Cover the tenon with pencil lead, twist it in slowly, twist it only in one direction, don’t go back and forth. Go slow and careful so you don’t crack the shank, if it is still too tight you need to sand the tenon down a fraction and repeat with the pencil lead. To remove the tenon, twist in the opposite direction and lightly pull.

 

[pipesticks]

Pencil lead works for a moderately tight stem. I have also used the Burt's Bees Lip Balm for both tight and loose stems as the #1 ingredient is beeswax and is available at any drugstore. Another great use for the lip balm, and my favorite, is treating your vulcanite stems. Immediately after a smoke, I wipe off any gunk with an old washcloth and dry it, then put just a little dab of lip balm onto the stem and rub it around with my finger, taking care to get the button indentation real good. Most times, I just put it back on the rack and let the balm soak into the pores of the vulcanite. Then if needed, wipe off the next time you smoke it but normally that isn't even necessary as it has been absorbed. You will greatly reduce stems from oxidizing and it only takes 5-10 seconds after each smoke.

 

[tom12]

Wait - don't force Peterson stems to fit flush (at least on System pipes), they are might to be a slip-fit that decreases the gap over time (Peterson's "slip-fit"), hoping that the OP didn't force the issue with that model.
Pipe still good after all these years May I ask, How would I know what a slip-fit looks like?

 

[ssjones]

@tom12 - a better choice of words would be "Space fitting stem".

See Mark Irwins excellent blog article on that type of stem and pictures, this is on nearly all Peterson System pipes.
https://petersonpipenotes.wordpress.com/tag/peterson-deluxe-stems/

 

[whiteburleydude]

Put it in the freezer for a bit. Stem will come right out. Make sure its not hot obviously. If you live in a humid area the briar will swell just like any wood and make the stem extra tight. Or roll up some fine grit sandpaper and lightly sand the tendon. It really doesn't take much so be careful.

 

[Civil War]

Graphite it usually works for me. I use a carpenter's pencil; thick surface.

 

[tom12]

Thanks for the infor ssjones, no my pipe was not one of the ones featured in that article, so I can breathe freely.

 

[brendhain]

whatever you do, do not try to sand the tenon. Just ends in a bad job that can't be undone.

 

[oldmansmoking]

Beeswax and if all fails light sand paper, but be careful!