Hey guys, I bought an old Loewe that I’m very happy with, but the stem is very very tight in the shank. The pipe is so small I’m really worried that I’ll break it at some stage, any tips or tricks to get a better fit? Many thanks.
Tight stem.
- Thread starter DeerparkDays
- Start date
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Over the time, stem being taken off will wear out either the mortise or the tenon whichever is softer. I think you can put on beeswax to help with the situation. When you are taking the stem out, make sure to slowly twist in one way always, and be careful not to wiggle it. With ferrule in place, it should be rather stable unless things are forced.
If it is so tight you think it might break, very light sanding of the tenon can put it where you need it. I've had to do this with more than one pipe.
The downside of that is that if the pipe dries out from extended periods of no smoking, you end up with a loose stem. Beeswax lubricates it long enough to find a proper fit with no material loss.
What a lovely looking old Loewe!
I’d be inclined to leave it alone & just smoke it regularly for awhile. As it’s a straight pipe you’ve no need to take it apart to run a pipe cleaner through it.
If it doesn’t loosen up after awhile, leave it in a fridge overnight or pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t go near that pipe with sandpaper, you’ll knacker it! (for good!)
I’d be inclined to leave it alone & just smoke it regularly for awhile. As it’s a straight pipe you’ve no need to take it apart to run a pipe cleaner through it.
If it doesn’t loosen up after awhile, leave it in a fridge overnight or pop it in the freezer for 20 minutes. Whatever you do, don’t go near that pipe with sandpaper, you’ll knacker it! (for good!)
Not really sure why people are afraid of sandpaper... Have done it to several pipes and they are fine. It isn't hard to remove .0005"-.001" from the O.D. of the tenon.
As far as the pipe drying out and becoming loose, by that line of thinking, all properly fitting stems(non-insanely tight) from the manufacturer would eventually become loose from non-smoking... which I haven't experienced. But then, I don't have any 30 year old unsmoked pipes on my shelf either.
As far as the pipe drying out and becoming loose, by that line of thinking, all properly fitting stems(non-insanely tight) from the manufacturer would eventually become loose from non-smoking... which I haven't experienced. But then, I don't have any 30 year old unsmoked pipes on my shelf either.
I'm a big fan of graphite. Pencil led on the tenon. Like magic.
Problem is, you can take off material with sandpaper, but you can't put it back on. If there are other options, use other options first.
Bees wax, the miracle substance that take make too tight tendons easier to separate and looser tendons tighter.
I’d leave it for now. You can smoke it without removing the stem every time, If you want to remove the stem try putting it in the freezer. I’ve had pipes like this that have corrected themselves over time. If it was me I’d wait on using sandpaper but I don’t have the pipe in hand either. That’s a beautiful pipe by the way. I hope you figure it out to your satisfaction.
Bro, was this the trademe one with the aftermarket rose gold band?
Super excited for you! Chur.
Have you smoked the pipe yet, or did it just arrive?
Super excited for you! Chur.
Have you smoked the pipe yet, or did it just arrive?
I have always used graphite quite successfully on tight tendons. A number two pencil or softer works very well. I run it up and down the tendon and even in the mortise. Even super tight stems will work very nicely with a little graphite.
Graphite is a good lubricant without the drawbacks of oils or waxes, which tend to change in consistency over time, and become sticky. Also first choice to lubricate any locks or hinges.
It's the only thing that should be used for locks - anything else (oil, silicon, spray grease, WD40, etc.) will eventually gum up and f-up the tumblers...
I use beeswax to tighten tenon fit, not loosen, personally. And I agree that taking material off could be a problem later. I would try a little graphite from a pencil lead first. I often buff the stem with carnauba to remove the tiniest bit of material while making an ultra smooth finish, but not everyone has a buffing setup.
Put her ( in a plastig bag ) in the freezer for one hour or so, the stem should let go easily.
In my experience bees wax is for tightening loose stems, try a little soap from a block.
Old St. Claude pipe makers trick.
Graphite might work too, but looks a little messy.
In my experience bees wax is for tightening loose stems, try a little soap from a block.
Old St. Claude pipe makers trick.
Graphite might work too, but looks a little messy.
Sand it or use wax... But, I don't do those. I don't sand because as Chasingembers pointed out, the pipe does expand and shrink. It may be tight right now, but it may loosen up after you've smoked the dog out of it.
I don't like wax personally, because it gunks up the mortise, and can solidify if left on the rack for a long time.
But, if it works for some, maybe try that. I use it for loose fitting stems, sometimes.
I prefer graphite. Just take a pencil and draw all over the tenon, back and forth. It works, and doesn't have any of the other drawbacks as mentioned above. But, the above may work also. I just prefer the non-permanence of it.
I don't like wax personally, because it gunks up the mortise, and can solidify if left on the rack for a long time.
But, if it works for some, maybe try that. I use it for loose fitting stems, sometimes.
I prefer graphite. Just take a pencil and draw all over the tenon, back and forth. It works, and doesn't have any of the other drawbacks as mentioned above. But, the above may work also. I just prefer the non-permanence of it.