Won't Pass a Pipe Cleaner

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

I've noticed here that people ditch a pipe if if won't pass a pipe cleaner. Why is this? I have a bent basket pipe that won't pass a pipe cleaner. Its not my favorite pipe, the draw is not as open as I would like. I still smoke it though. Is this a sign of being drilled improperly, if a pipe won't pass a pipe cleaner?

 

[shanez]

I have a number of pipes that won't pass a cleaner and have no issues with them.

I understand the convenience but not the necessity of passing a pipe cleaner.

 

[sandollars]

It's poppycock.

Some people choose to clean out a pipe without disassembly and if it can't pass a pipe cleaner, this is not possible.

I always clean my pipes by removing the stem from the pipe so I don't even know know which of mine do, and do not pass pipe cleaners. I am assuming most of my bent Peterson's do not but it is irrelevant to me.

Some will say "If it can't pass a pipe cleaner. you can't remove condensation during a smoke"
Horsesh*t.
It is so much easier to just "Flick" the pipe and all the condensation is instantly gone.

Now a POORLY smoking pipe is intolerable. It negates the reason why I smoke a pipe (READ: It causes me stress, anger, and frustration) . When I end up with one of those in my possession, it doesn't remain there for long...

 

[Casual]

It’s a nice convenience. People have lots of dealbreakers: fills, draught hole size, thickness of the bit, whatever. We all have our own list.

 

[mso489]

I've never understood why this is an issue. Of course it is a convenience when a pipe passes a pipe cleaner. I'd say about half my bent pipes pass pipe cleaners, and I am proud of them for that. In other cases, the turn is too great for a wire to bend around, and then I just clean that portion from time to time when I remove the stem, and I feel no need to do it every time. I know some smokers claim they can crimp a pipe cleaner so it will pass through any bent pipe, and more power to them, but this is not my experience, and I have tried various times and various crimps, just for sport. With bent pipes that don't pass a pipe cleaner, I say, don't worry about it. Enjoy your smoke. Many fine pipes don't pass this test. To me, it seems a silly concern.

 

[Chasing Embers]

Often whatever is causing the pipe cleaner not to pass can cause moisture build up and gurgling. A deal breaker for me and an instant trip to the trash can for the pipe. All of my remaining collection will pass them, and not a wet smoke from any of them.

 

[Pierre1965]

Often whatever is causing the pipe cleaner not to pass can cause moisture build up and gurgling. A deal breaker for me and an instant trip to the trash can for the pipe. All of my remaining collection will pass them, and not a wet smoke from any of them.

The next time one doesn't answer muster for you don't put it in the can, put it in the post. I'll send you my address and gladly pay postage for your trash.

 

[hawky454]

If you put a slight bend at the top of your pipe cleaner you might be able to pass one. If you can get the bend just right you can even get a cleaner to pass in an Oom Paul.

 

[jpmcwjr]

It's not necessarily a sign of anything. A few go apeshit crazy over the notion; many don't care, and I sorta almost care!

I very seldom remove the stem, saves the wear and tear on the mortise, and to a lesser degree, the stem.

 

[Chasing Embers]

The next time one doesn't answer muster for you don't put it in the can, put it in the post. I'll send you my address and gladly pay postage for your trash.

Can't do it. It would be like passing on a bad car to a friend. I've tossed them from Grabows to Dunhills. Just can't let a pipe I find unsuitable to be used.

 

[jpberg]

I’m in the shitcan it if it won’t pass a cleaner camp.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Often whatever is causing the pipe cleaner not to pass can cause moisture build up and gurgling. A deal breaker for me and an instant trip to the trash can for the pipe. All of my remaining collection will pass them, and not a wet smoke from any of them.

So do you think it means it is drilled incorrectly?, or are you saying there are shapes of pipes youre just not "down with"?


This is the pipe I have in question. Mucho no passo..

 

[rushx9]

Is it a full bent? Many of those won't pass a cleaner. If it smokes dry and you dig it, it's a good pipe. If it likes to spit, it a piece of shit?.

 

[rushx9]

This is the pipe I have in question. Mucho no passo..

With that level of bend, I wouldn't expect it to pass a cleaner. As long as it's not a wet mess, you're straight. I really dig the diamond shank on that beast, btw.

 

[rushx9]

One more thing. There's a difference between not passing through the draft hole, which is common on full-bents, and not passing through the mortise, which sucks if you want to run a PC mid-smoke.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Is it a full bent? Many of those won't pass a cleaner. If it smokes dry and you dig it, it's a good pipe. If it likes to spit, it a piece of shit?.

I think my last post and yours were at the same time.

Yea that's why I'm asking, I do get a gurgle from time to time. Sometimes I wonder if its me, the goopy shit I'm smoking, or the pipe. I guess my question was, if it doesn't pass a pipe cleaner, is this an indication of improper drilling. With the exception of "system" style pipes, I see from other threads that those mostly don't.

 

[Chasing Embers]

So do you think it means it is drilled incorrectly?, or are you saying there are shapes of pipes youre just not "down with"?
View attachment 24082

This is the pipe I have in question. Mucho no passo..

Could be an issue with both. These pass a pipe cleaner with ease.











These did not.

 

[BROBS]

Where does it seem to build up the moisture? Is it in the slot of the button?

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

With that level of bend, I wouldn't expect it to pass a cleaner. As long as it's not a wet mess, you're straight. I really dig the diamond shank on that beast, btw.

Thanks man. Its a cheap pipe, I'm trying to learn to love it. Sorry for the echo in the line, my internet connection is weak.

 

[Richmond B. Funkenhouser]

Where does it seem to build up the moisture? Is it in the slot of the button?

Yea some there.. haha That could be mostly slobber. I'm still trying to get a grove on how to negotiate that button. Something is going on down in the heel? Maybe? Puts the pipe out, I also get a case of tongue bite. Hits me all at once after I'm done smoking. Creeper tongue bite..