Re&re an old pipe?

[shortbow]

Anybody know how to de-crud a well used pipe stem? I mean the vulcanite ones? After a while the ones I smoke a lot get all kinda yellow and grimy and such. I think it's part tar build up and part oxidation. I also from time to time get hold of a nice old estate that needs cleaning, but so far I have not had much luck.

[LocktownDog]

Preventative medicine goes a long way. Wipe down and use a pipe cleaner after every smoke. As for cleaning a stem with bad oxidation ... I've found good results from using a baking soda toothpaste. Follow up with a silver polish. It will take a long time, if you don't have a buffer. I sometimes spend 30-60 minutes just to get estate pipes smokeable again.

[shortbow]

Thanks LD, that is a great idea. I used to have a buffer for gunsmithing but it went the way of all flesh in my last move. The tooth paste idea really appeals because one wouldn't have to be concerned with possible toxicity from the polishing compounds. Brilliant, will try it today.:eusa_clap

[CigarMan]

Wiping a little olive oil on the stem with your fingertip is a good preventative measure. For cleaning, most tobacco shops sell stem polish which works very well on the outside. For the inside, a pipe cleaner dipped in Clean and Cure or even Everclear will help clean it out nicely.