Can't get pipe cleaner in new pipe with bit in...

[imperial Stout]

I got a good pipe from a well known pipe maker that will not take a pipe cleaner while the bit is in no matter how hard you try. Even with the bit out it takes quite a bit of fidgeting. I get an occasional gurgle I'd like to mop up w/ a pipe cleaner while smoking but cannot do. I haven't contacted the maker yet but wanted some thoughts as to how big of deal this is - should I send it back? Is there anything that can be done or is this normal with some pipes?

Thanks,

[drastic_quench]

I've got a nice Pete that does that. It's not a system pipe, but there's a gap in between the end of the bit and the drill hole, and since they don't line up it won't run a pipe cleaner down the bowl. I get a gurgle or two occasionally, but that's kind of what it was designed for.

[Mad Hatter]

If you bend the end of the pipe cleaner a little before inserting it in the airway and then fidget withit, twist it around while you push it should find the airway leading into the bowl.

[dmkerr]

Yep! Sometimes I have to give it a complete 360 before it goes in but eventually it does. Bent pipes in particular and meerschaums are notorious for this. But with some patience you'll figure out exactly how to bend the tip of the cleaner and how to fidget, and then it'll become second nature.

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

If you bend the end of the pipe cleaner a little before inserting it in the airway and then fidget withit, twist it around while you push it should find the airway leading into the bowl.

[wharfrathoss]

if it's a 3/4 or full bent pipe, it's normal. even w/a 1/2 bent pipe it happens. in the case of a straight or 1/8 bent pipe there's no excuse. that all being said, the importance of the so called "pipe cleaner test" is over rated IMHO. after i smoked a pipe for a little while, i learned to dry my tobac & learned to smoke dry, in other words not letting saliva get into the bit while clenching. looking to see where the hole is in the shank mortise should give you an idea if you can give the pipe cleaner a twist to get it thru.

[buzkirk]

Originally Posted by Mad Hatter

If you bend the end of the pipe cleaner a little before inserting it in the airway and then fidget withit, twist it around while you push it should find the airway leading into the bowl.

+1, I have to do this with my Tim West pipe

[aehub39]

If it was my pipe,And if its a briar,I would open the draft hole to 5/32 with a drill of course and that might solve the problem.But thats just me.We all have diffrent ways so what ever works for you.



Alan.

[Arizona]

Originally Posted by aehub39

If it was my pipe,And if its a briar,I would open the draft hole to 5/32 with a drill of course and that might solve the problem.But thats just me.We all have diffrent ways so what ever works for you.



Alan.

I'd do the same. CAREFULLY use the drill bit (by hand if you can - dont mount it IN an electric drill!) and gently ream out the draft hole and take out any burrs it may have in it.

[imperial Stout]

Thanks for the tips... I've tried bending the tip of the pipe cleaner but to no avail - I'll have to fidget with it some more.

[Mister Moo]

Originally Posted by imperial Stout

... I'll have to fidget with it some more.

They all have a secret password - some combination of slightly bent pipe cleaner tip, twisted and bumped thru, just so. Once you crack the code it's always the same.

[RJpuffs]

In my opinion (and boy do I have a lot of those) ... ANY well made hand-made briar pipe will pass a fluffy pipe cleaner through-n-through without any obstructions. Obviously the really bent animals, calabash/gourd/weird shapes it may be physically impossible - but "normal" bent pipes should not be a problem. All my pipes are bent to some degree or another. All the "good" handmade pipes take a fluffy easily. All the Bjarnes - perfect. The Johs - perfect. The two Petersons do not, it took considerable drill/repair work to get them to take a wiggled fluffy all the way. And both of those are examples of shoddy workmanship (or machine making). Now I will not buy a pipe unless it passes this simple test - plus my patented whistle test (blow through the bit after separating the pipe).

I would suggest contacting the maker of the pipe and asking him/her to fix or replace the pipe before you attempt any repairs on your own.

[imperial Stout]

Originally Posted by Mister Moo

They all have a secret password - some combination of slightly bent pipe cleaner tip, twisted and bumped thru, just so. Once you crack the code it's always the same.

That's an interesting way of putting it.... I'll see if I can crack the code. Thanks!