Using Ream and Kleans

[jcberne]

Hi all,
While I'm not a first time pipe smoker, I would still consider myself a novice at it. I just got the feel for keeping a bowl lit for an entire session without re-lighting. But I like to clean my pipes after every smoke - call it OCD or whatever ;-) But with each bowl, I use a pipe cleaner on all the parts (stem included) with the very stiff Ream and Klean pipe cleaner - followed up by the much lighter standard pipe cleaner.
My question is this: since the Ream and Klean pipe cleaners are made up of metal scouring parts, will this decrease the life of the pipe? My fav pipe was bought at an estate sale, which I have no idea of the creator or what it is really made of . . . I would just die if this pipe would expire . . . it smokes so well with almost any tobacco - be it wet or dry . . . I just don't want to destroy it . . .
BTW - first post on here (new users) Cheers, all

 

[cosmicfolklore]

Welcome to the forums. I just use the soft cotton cleaners, no bristols on it, so I've never had a problem. But, I have read where folks on here have enlarged the draw accidentally by using cleaners that are too abrasive. One post was about a guy who wore a grove on the inside with the wire somehow. So, just be careful.

 

[12pups]

I like the Ream and Kleens for pipes that they'll go through. But more than half my pipes, no go. I have "Falcon" pipe cleaners for those. They don't have bristles. Just thin fuzzy things.

 

[sfsteves]

I not only pass the bristle pipe cleaners through both the stem and shank, but fold the cleaner and brush the inside of the mortise and the inside of the bowl with it ... a duplicate cleaning is done using a fluffy cleaner.
I've been doing this for many years and have never once fretted about negative long term effects ... I feel quite confident that the long term benefits are positive since I'm keeping the pipe clean and not allowing crud to build up in it ...