Pipe shank shrank!

[CARubio]

After cleaning two estate pipes using the salt and alcohol method, the stems won't fit in smoothly anymore.
I used Vodka (40% alcohol or 80 proof).

Is it a matter of waiting until the wood dries up completely and expands?
Is this normal? Have you encountered a similar issue?

Thanks!

 

[joshoowah]

After cleaning two estate pipes using the salt and alcohol method, the stems won't fit in smoothly anymore.
I used Vodka (40% alcohol or 80 proof).

Is it a matter of waiting until the wood dries up completely and expands?
Is this normal? Have you encountered a similar issue?

Thanks!

Stick the pipes in the freezer for about ten minutes, then try.

 

[RDPipes]

After cleaning two estate pipes using the salt and alcohol method, the stems won't fit in smoothly anymore.
I used Vodka (40% alcohol or 80 proof).

Is it a matter of waiting until the wood dries up completely and expands?
Is this normal? Have you encountered a similar issue?

Thanks!

A lot of the time the reverse happens but, you may have gotten them pretty wet so I'd wait and let them dry at least 24hrs and if there still too tight before doing anything else.

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

I think they call this "shrinkage." I wouldn't worry about it too much unless there are some ladies around.

Seriously though, What Ron said. Make sure you sit the pipe for a good day or two, and then try fitting the stem again.

 

[CARubio]

Fellas, it has been 4 days!

I think I went too far on the booze, LOL
Those pipes are drunk

 

[joshoowah]

Fellas, it has been 4 days!

I think I went too far on the booze, LOL
Those pipes are drunk

I'm serious, try the freezer thing. If that doesn't work, give it week.. If not, consider either gently sanding the tenon or putting some carnauba wax around it.

 

[RDPipes]

Fellas, it has been 4 days!

I think I went too far on the booze, LOL
Those pipes are drunk

Four Days! And there too tight? That's a first for me, never heard of cleaning a pipe and it being too tight to put back together and I bet I've restored near to 1000 or more pipes of all kinds. By all means put both stem and stummel in the freezer like Josh said, in a zip lock baggie. Try to get as much air out of the baggie before sealing it to prevent condensation and let it set a hour or two.
Just remember if there is any moisture in the briar being it was only 80 proof, it may freeze and crack the stummel. And that's just CMA.
And, you sure you didn't mix up the stems?  :scratch:

 

[CARubio]

I will give that a try. Thanks guys!

 

[Jimmy1973]

Might want to switch your juice to something hotter.Get some everclear or 151 proof rum.They have a lot less water in them.Or 90* Isopropyl alcohol,can be had really cheap. Good luck.

 

[RDPipes]

Might want to switch your juice to something hotter.Get some everclear or 151 proof rum.They have a lot less water in them.Or 90* Isopropyl alcohol,can be had really cheap.  Good luck.

Good suggestion, I agree!   

 

[DrumsAndBeer]

Excellent suggestion. I have only ever used 151 or Everclear. Personally I would never use anything that isn't potable.