Pipe Cleaner Won't Enter

[wgstraub]

This is probably a pretty elementary issue, so I'll apologize in advance for taking up everyone's time. I'm working on an estate purchase, a Vottis pot Algerian briar, that holds promise. The problem is I can't slide a pipe cleaner through the bore into the stem no matter how hard I try and I can't enter through the tenon because there's a metal filter firmly attached. There is air getting through -- I've blown into it -- and I'll have to clean the interior sooner or later. Any ideas? Thanks.

 

[Laurent]

Have you tried high proof everclear on that pipe cleaner? It’s probably full of tar.

 

[BROBS]

This is probably a pretty elementary issue, so I'll apologize in advance for taking up everyone's time. I'm working on an estate purchase, a Vottis pot Algerian briar, that holds promise. The problem is I can't slide a pipe cleaner through the bore into the stem no matter how hard I try and I can't enter through the tenon because there's a metal filter firmly attached. There is air getting through -- I've blown into it -- and I'll have to clean the interior sooner or later. Any ideas? Thanks.

Put it in a baggie of alcohol.

 

[OzPiper]

The metal piece is not a filter but a stinger. It's purpose is to work as a condenser.

Almost all stingers can be removed - some simply pull out, others unscrew. Some may be "gummed" in place with inspissated tars and oils. Alcohol will help dissolve away the muck and make removal easier.

Whatever you do, do not use force.

 

[craig61a]

A little confused by your description, but the pipe cleaner should be inserted at the bit of the stem (that part you stick in your mouth). If you can separate the stem from the stummel, the metal "filter" can usually be pulled or screwed out. If it's stuck, you may have to moisten a pipe cleaner with alcohol and stick it in the bit end so that it can dissolve the tar holding it in place. Carefully heating the metal will do it too.

 

[mikethompson]

You've already been beaten over the head with a response, but once that stinger comes out you should be able to clean the stem properly.

You might not want to put the stinger back in even.

 

[reloader]

I've run into that problem a couple times with estate pipes. I have a set of small straw cleaning brushes ordered online and a syringe that I use to put everclear in the stem and let it sit for a few minutes. Then use the smallest brush to get some gunk out. Repeat the process over and over until I get larger brushes through and then finally a pipe cleaner. Took me forever on one stem.

 

[anotherbob]

Hey you know what's dumber then a dumb question? Not asking something simple and causing your self frustration and possibly ruining a perfectly good pipe. Now that would be dumb. Don't worry about how a question looks. Anyone that looks down on any question forgets the fact they probably had to ask the same question at some point.

 

[sablebrush52]

Pick up a package of Dill's pipe cleaners. They're a bit thinner than most others and I can use them to clean out the airway from the stinger to the slot on my Kaywoodies. Those might be what you need, to start.

 

[wgstraub]

Thanks everyone for your help. Removed the stinger, got it cleaned up and ready to give it a try.

 

[anotherbob]

Thanks everyone for your help. Removed the stinger, got it cleaned up and ready to give it a try.

the question is why do you have two guys dressed up fancy in a photo with this look of "do we have to have another shot?? Really??" on their faces.

 

[wgstraub]

the question is why do you have two guys dressed up fancy in a photo with this look of "do we have to have another shot?? Really??" on their faces.

At my son's wedding. It was about a zillion degrees and I rarely wear anything that requires a tie of any sort.