Very Tight Stem - Difficult to Remove

[Singularis]

I have a Peterson Kinsale XL14 with vulcanite fishtail stem that I bought new a couple years back. It has been used fairly regularly (about once every 1-2 weeks). The stem has become quite difficult to twist off. I know some pipe smokers tend not to remove the stem and prefer to just clean it as is. I usually remove the stem to more thoroughly clean the pipe.

Any thoughts on why the pipe to shank fit is tight? Should I worry about snapping the stem (even if it is fairly stout)? What can be done to remedy this problem without making it worse (especially, for instance, too loose)?

 

[sablebrush52]

Stick the pipe in the freezer for a few hours to overnight. That should loosen the stem.

 

[cosmicfolklore]

^^ what Sable says, and then after it's out, use as pencil to apply graphite to the tenon. This will give it enough to lube to not get stuck again. But, you may have to reapply after every fifth time or so you take them stem out. YMMV

 

[sandollars]

When you get the stem out, do a thorough cleaning and then put some beeswax on it and reinsert using a gentle twisting motion. I use beeswax on all my stems. Works great!

 

[monty55]

When you get the stem out, do a thorough cleaning and then put some beeswax on it and reinsert using a gentle twisting motion. I use beeswax on all my stems. Works great!

I do the same, and it works great!

 

[sandollars]

I do the same, and it works great!

Funny enough, it also works on LOOSE stems. Beeswax is the BOMB!

 

[Servant King]

Take a dried out nub of bar soap, apply it lightly and evenly to the tenon all around. That should help with the tightness. I find this works better than the pencil graphite method.

 

[orlandofurioso]

Freeze the bitch dude.

 

[cigrmaster]

I have had some tight stems and even after freezing they remained tight so I have some 800,1000, and 1200 grit sand paper and I also have a few burningishing pads to shine up the tenon when I am done working on it. It works every time , you just need to go slow.

 

[SmokeRings79]

I actually like it when it's hard to remove. I take it as a good fit.

 

[Singularis]

I have a few pure beeswax candles in the house. I'll try that out (though it seems counter-intuitive).

It is still possible to remove the stem, but it makes a squeaky noise when it is almost entirely twisted in. And if it isn't on straight, it is hard to re-adjust.

I'll try the other methods (after putting the pipe in the cooler) if this isn't successful.

Thanks, gents!

 

[orlandofurioso]

Squeaky noises freak me out .

 

[FurCoat]

Beeswax will loosen a tight stem and tighten a loose stem. It's magical stuff.

 

[sandollars]

I have a few pure beeswax candles in the house. I'll try that out (though it seems counter-intuitive).

It is still possible to remove the stem, but it makes a squeaky noise when it is almost entirely twisted in. And if it isn't on straight, it is hard to re-adjust.

I'll try the other methods (after putting the pipe in the cooler) if this isn't successful.

Thanks, gents!

The beeswax acts as a viscous lubricant. It slicks around the inside of the briar and after application you will never hear squeaks or experience sticking again.

The first thing I do with my new pipes is apply beeswax, be it a Nanna Ivarsson or a Savinelli. YMMV...

 

[romaso]

Take a dried out nub of bar soap, apply it lightly and evenly to the tenon all around. That should help with the tightness. I find this works better than the pencil graphite method.

Does the soap impart a flavor when the pipe heats up?

 

[Servant King]

Does the soap impart a flavor when the pipe heats up?

Not a bit.

 

[sablebrush52]

Does the soap impart a flavor when the pipe heats up?

Tastes like Lakeland.

 

[jpmcwjr]

If you leave the stem out for any period of time, the moisture in the mortise may dry out, causing it to bind more on the stem.

And another vote for beeswax.

 

[orlandofurioso]

I beg to differ about the beeswax and prefer Harris' method.
It is a definite solution, beeswax is not and I resent squeaky noises .....
To each his own

 

[burleybreath]

The pencil thing has always worked for me, but you might want to use a graphite pencil, rather than a conventional one. The latter's leads are part clay or something. But a conventional #2 will work, it's just not quite as slick.