To Bristle Or Not To Bristle: A Poll

[spyder71]

I have only used the bristled cleaners to date and am about ready to order more. Just wondering if you all think the bristles are necessary or not. I am a little tired of them poking fingers when I clean my pipes.

I couldn't find any info on this topic in the search function so though it might be a fun one.

Do you use bristle pipe cleaners or do you prefer them soft and why?

 

[nickg]

I agree, I hate them. I use a Wire Shank Brush when I have to do some extra cleaning, otherwise I use soft tapered cleaners.

 

[sjpipesmoker]

I use both, and it gets annoying when the bristled ones poke my fingers...

 

[sixmp]

I agree, I hate them. I use a Wire Shank Brush when I have to do some extra cleaning, otherwise I use soft tapered cleaners.

+1

 

[auspipe]

I just use standard soft pipe cleaners, and often have to resort to craft cleaners as they are not common here. Do not see the point in bristles, a bit of alcohol on the cleaner and its as good as new.

 

[taerin]

I use bristled ones on bowels with alcohol when I want to thin out some caking without resorting to reaming. It also really does the trick at removing cake from my clay pipe.

 

[grizzly86]

I use bristle mostly, they just seem to clean better for me.

 

[mrenglish]

I use soft when I am smoking and after the bowl is done, then I use bristled when I clean the pipes out w/ denatured alcohol. They seem to get more stuff out. Then for really deep cleanings, I use a shank brush.

 

[puffy]

I use both..Bristles when I clean pipes.

 

[cigrmaster]

When I am smoking I use soft cleaners, when I am done with that bowl, I will use half a dozen or so to clean the pipe before the next use. When I am cleaning my pipes, I use bristle cleaners, shank brush, everclear and soft cleaners. I hate using the bristles but they do a good job for deep cleaning. I really never thought of using bristles after each bowl, but I might try it to see if I can use less of them.

 

[nsfisher]

A package of 12 bristle cleaners last me about 4 months. Otherwise it's the soft obsorbent cleaners for daily swabbing.

 

[schmitzbitz]

I too reach for the bristled when I'm performing a deep-cleaning; although for some reason I have convinced myself that they will wear out vulcanite - so my stems only see regular (tapered or fluffy as applicable) type cleaners.

I use bristled ones on bowels with alcohol when I want to thin out some caking without resorting to reaming.

Ouch! 8O

 

[uberam3rica]

I use bristle pipe cleaners for the shank and normal pipe cleaners for the stem. You shouldn't use bristle pipe cleaners on the stem as it can wear out the stem and could eventually put a hole through it.

 

[spyder71]

You shouldn't use bristle pipe cleaners on the stem as it can wear out the stem and could eventually put a hole through it.

Do you think that the material that they make the bristles out of is harder that Vulcanite?...interesting.

Thanks all for playing along

 

[judcole]

I use both.

 

[nsfisher]

Do you think that the material that they make the bristles out of is harder that Vulcanite?...interesting.

Thanks all for playing along

No mate, it is not harder than Vulcanite, neither is water harder than stone. But let drops of water fall repeatedly on a stone and it will eventually wear a hole tru.

 

[ruggierm1]

I use bristles. That's all I have, so that's what I use.

 

[photoman13]

I clean with soft cleaners after every smoke and clean my pipes once a month with the bristles.

 

[spartan]

Bristles for a deep cleaning only. Fluffies all the way. As soon as I get a shank brush I'll never again let a bristle pipe cleaner hurt my fingers again.
Nasty little devils...

 

[bentmike]

I have a bag of bristle cleaners around that I've had for years so nope not much of bristle guy here.