Tight tenon

[weezell]

Cleaned some of my pipes and now it is nearly impossible to get the stem back in!Any help out there??

 

[kyletheaviator]

Could be temperature related, set them in the fridge or freezer for 5-10 minutes it should be no problem. If not, it could be whatever you used to clean with. Just let them dry for a bit and try again. Usually works for me anyhow!

 

[weezell]

I use high test moonshine to clean with.This was a few weeks ago.It's not a question of getting the tenon out,its gettin it in..

 

[kyletheaviator]

I understand that, but whether it's stuck inside or out, the freezer will expand briar and contract the tennon. If anything I doesn't hurt to try :puffpipe:

 

[mlaug]

Try rubbing a lead pencil on it...the graphite should help lube it enough to go back together.

 

[nsfisher]

Just a dab or so of Olive oil on the tenon and problem solved

 

[pstlpkr]

Sounds like the shank has swelled.

I suggest you let the pipe rest in a very low humidity environment.

Possibly the warm area on the top of your fridge.

However; I would not put it in an oven.

 

[stogie37]

Just a dab or so of Olive oil on the tenon and problem solved

+1 have also used chapstick in a pinch!

 

[weezell]

Thank you my friends,will remember your tips in the future. ::

 

[asteroid1]

The graphite pencil method works well in most cases but sometimes you need to sand the tennon down a little to make it fit correct. Be careful if you have to force the tennon in as when the pipe expands during smoking it can lead to a cracked mortise.

 

[steyrshrek]

If it fit before I'd be hesitant about removing material to make it fit now. What did you clean it with that has changed the dimensions so much?

 

[weezell]

High test moonshine,the real deal!

 

[jchaplick]

If you get it out,rub some beeswax on it, that usually keeps the stem free

 

[steyrshrek]

How much of it did you use? Seeing as it's being used to just really clean and maybe leave a little flavour for about 2 seconds after you first light it, the fact that it's "high test Moonshine" really isn't all that impressive. A word to the wise I wouldn't use it again.