Tight tenons

[nathaniel]

Ive got maybe 2 dozen pipes i use and no joke probably 3-4 of those came new from good brands with the tenons waaaaay too tight. Like i feel they're gonna snap off when removing the stems. Ive tried graphite Pencils and beeswax and still smoking and waiting on them to loosen up on their own but they're not getting better. Whats the best way to amend this problem? Sand the tenon or mortise? What grit? They're new $70+ pipes I dont wanna mess up but its simply unten"on"able at this point.

 

[ThermionicScott]

If there’s finish on the inside of the mortice, just removing that with alcohol or acetone could make the difference.

 

[Servant King]

I have always had success rubbing a little nub of dried-out bar soap on the tenon. Beeswax I have only found useful for a loose fit, not a tight one.

Just my two cents...

 

[RustiePyles CPG]

Sanding a tenon can believe it not actually make it worse, you’re adding texture to it which will give it traction. Polishing the tenon on a buffer can reduce surface friction and reduce the size ever so slightly.

 

[nathaniel]

I have always had success rubbing a little nub of dried-out bar soap on the tenon. Beeswax I have only found useful for a loose fit, not a tight one.

Just my two cents...

You're not left with an Lakeland ghost after that?

 

[nathaniel]

Sanding a tenon can believe it not actually make it worse, you’re adding texture to it which will give it traction. Polishing the tenon on a buffer can reduce surface friction and reduce the size ever so slightly.

Not a bad idea! Seems the least destructive thing to try first.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Beeswax

 

[Servant King]

You're not left with an Lakeland ghost after that?

I walked right into that one...

I've used unscented soap for so long, I'd forgotten how prevalent its fragrant counterpart is. Flimsy excuse, I know, but sometimes a flimsy excuse is better than none at all.

Good luck!

 

[Briar Lee]

Before I use beeswax I clean the tenon and mortise with Everclear and apply a drop of Obsidian Oil.