Stem adjustment

[Jbird45]

So while at the antique store about a month ago i ran into this little pipe stand with 7 pipes, 2 bowls, and some antique filters amd tobacco cans. It was $40, and i dont know if that was a good deal or not on used pipes, but i liked it so i bought it.

Most of the pipes are Dr Grabow, with one cob pipe and one kaywoodie.

I am actually having an issue with the kaywoodie. The stem is threaded on, and once seated it doesn't sit parallel with the rim.

Is my OCD and perfectionism kicking in or is this not supposed to be like that.

If its not supposed to be like this, is there a way to fix this or is this pipe junk?

Thanks for taking the time to look, and appreciate any and all advice.

 

[Kentos]

From what I read you have to heat up the stem gently to melt the glue, then turn it to how you want it, then let it cool. I have never tried it myself tho.

 

[Kilroy6644]

From what I read you have to heat up the stem gently to melt the glue, then turn it to how you want it, then let it cool. I have never tried it myself tho.

Yep, that's it. I had to do it once. It works. This pipe is going to require almost a full 360°, so it may be necessary to do it in stages. Heat up the stinger with a lighter, thread the stem on to the bowl, and keep turning until it's properly aligned. If it feels like it's getting tougher before it makes it all the way around, don't force it. Let it cool, and start over.

 

[Hirsute]

The other “fix” is to take a paper hole reinforcer—if you’re old enough you’ll remember these as the little gummy white rings that you had to lick and then stick on the holes of your notebook paper when they tore out—and dry fit one or two until you have the right thickness, then take them off and trim them to fit (they’ll be too big and you’ll need to trim the excess so they don’t stick out, and then lick and stick them to with the sticky in the stem side. Good to go. If they compact over time, just add another.


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[steveclarkus]

I have the exact same Kaywoodie and the stem is off just a hair but not enough to bother with but it is good to read these solutions should I go full blown anal one day. Very good pipe made in the 1940’s.

 

[nortac]

I made shims for one of mine by using layers of aluminum foil tape used for HVAC in a similar fashion as using paper hole reinforcers ala @Hirsute.

 

[RookieGuy]

Huh. I never would have thought of foil tape.

 

[Mike H]

I’ve adjusted several. Heat the tenon with a lighter till you hear it sizzle. Using pliers, turn in the direction needed. It does not take long. It is not without risk, as I have over heated one and the tenon twisted at an angle.


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