Problem: Loose Stem (New Pipe)

[November]

I got hold of an unsmoked (new) Dr. Grabow Free Hand from '07 and it looks great, but there's a problem. The stem just comes right out of the shank with no effort at all. You can hold it upside down, shake it a little and the stem will fall out. The stem has a black metal tenon that I think would accept a filter. Is there a way I can expand the tenon to fit tighter or some other way to tighten up the fit between the stem and shank? Would just smoking it tighten up the fit? Any help would be appreciated.

 

[mark]

It's been sitting idle and dry for several years so some smoking should fix the problem by restoring some moisture to the briar. (which will tighten up the tenon/mortise fit so your stem won't fall out anymore )

 

[NeroWolfe]

A dab of beeswax.

 

[joshoowah]

Almost any local B&M can fix the problem too if the beeswax does not work well.

 

[November]

Thanks fellas. I just spent an hour outside smoking it (loose stem and all) and happily it is now tighter if not tight. I suspect a couple more smokes and it'll be just fine.

p.s. it's an excellent pipe! It never got hot, just nice and warm. It was 41 degrees out there tonight and I decided shorts and slippers with my Carhartt coat would be fine. :roll: Not the best call I've ever made, but that warm bowl felt great in the hand. Now I just need to build up the bottom of the bowl with some pipe mud as the airhole sits just a tad high in the bowl. Thanks again!

 

[user 1862]

Just it case, I'll apologize if you already know this. I know the temptation may exist to check it right away, but let it cool before trying to check the fit or break it apart, as that can cause the problem you are trying to remedy.

 

[November]

Just it case, I'll apologize if you already know this. I know the temptation may exist to check it right away, but let it cool before trying to check the fit or break it apart, as that can cause the problem you are trying to remedy.

I actually do appreciate the advice, Lesath. I just started smoking a pipe last month so any tips are welcome. I've let it sit overnight and just checked it and it's a little tighter (won't fall out now). I'll try the beeswax method if it's not where I want it to be in a couple more smokes. Thanks again.

 

[clueless]

I have used a layer clear nail polish on the loose stems of a couple cobs in the past with good results.

 

[joshoowah]

Just it case, I'll apologize if you already know this. I know the temptation may exist to check it right away, but let it cool before trying to check the fit or break it apart, as that can cause the problem you are trying to remedy.

I actually do appreciate the advice, Lesath. I just started smoking a pipe last month so any tips are welcome. I've let it sit overnight and just checked it and it's a little tighter (won't fall out now). I'll try the beeswax method if it's not where I want it to be in a couple more smokes. Thanks again.

Good advice. Shanks have cracked from people trying to take a stem out right after a smoke. How dreadful that is.