| Fixing a loose stem | | | | tenon back and forth while moving he flame up and |
| Once in a blue moon a pipe smoker may be faced | | | | down (the intent is to soften the vulcanite, not melt it). |
| with a loose stem. Most of the time this problem will fix | | | | Then take the drill bit and insert the end that goes into |
| itself, but if the stem is so loose that it falls out, then | | | | the chuck into the tenon. Push it in about 1/2 inch, be |
| something has to be done. Your best bet is to take the | | | | very careful to keep the tenon straight. Then while |
| pipe to a tobacconist or send it to a repairperson. | | | | holding the pipe and bit with both hands, put it under |
| These people will have years of practice doing these | | | | cold water to cool down. |
| repairs, and it will cost very little. It is very easy for an | | | | Fixing a stem that's too tight |
| amateur to crack a shank when attempting to repair a | | | | If the stem is still inserted in the pipe and is so difficult |
| pipe, as most of us, at one time or another will agree | | | | to remove that you fear your pipe may be damaged, |
| to that. | | | | then place the pipe in the freezer for several minutes. |
| Nevertheless, if you are determined to do it on your | | | | This works the vast majority of the time; however, if |
| own, first you have to determine what kind of stem is | | | | the stem still proves too difficult to remove, smoke the |
| in the pipe. If the stem is Lucite, the easiest fix is to | | | | pipe, allow it to cool, and try to remove the stem again. |
| apply a very thin layer of clear nail polish to the tenon, | | | | If neither of these techniques work, then send the pipe |
| allow this to dry *completely*, and then carefully sand | | | | to a reputable repair person. |
| the tenon to fit. A vulcanite stem, on the other hand, is | | | | If you do manage to remove the stem, place some |
| a bit more complicated, as you will need to heat the | | | | sort of dry lubricant, such as graphite (from a soft |
| tenon and expand it in some way. There are a number | | | | pencil) or wax, on the tenon and attempt to reinsert |
| of ways to go about this procedure, but the best one | | | | the stem. If this does not provide satisfactory results, |
| is found below. | | | | you will need to remove a small amount of material |
| First, remove the stem from the pipe and insert a drill | | | | from the tenon. Wrap some very fine (400 grit or so) |
| bit, using the end that fits into the chuck and try it for | | | | sandpaper or some "O" or finer grade steel wool |
| size. If it fits snugly into the tenon, the next size up is | | | | around the tenon and twist the stem gently. Work |
| the one you will be using. Next, carefully heat the tenon | | | | very slowly and carefully, and check the fit frequently |
| over the flame (1/2 inch to 1 inch away) of a | | | | until it is satisfactory. |
| disposable lighter for a couple of minutes, rotate the | | | | |