Remove Stem for Cleaning or Not.

[DGErwin11]

If you have a well made pipe that allows a pipe cleaner to pass from button to bowl, do you remove the stem for normal cleaning?

[Paul]

I have 2 "levels" of cleaning. I like to run a pipe stem dipped in the Pipe Masters through my pipe after each smoke...generally I don't remove the stem for that.

The more thorough cleanings however, the stem is removed.

[Hermit]

Not unless I have to.

[Markw4mms]

Not for every cleaning unless the stem is bent too much to pass a cleaner through to the bowl.

[olderthandirt]

I didn't do so up until p'raps a year ago.
I do indeed pull the stem now when cleaning. Everytime.
This allows me to swab the shank thoroughly before the pipe goes back into the rack.

[HCraven]

I'll do it during a thorough cleaning, but not everyday. Less opportunity to snap off a tenon or crack a shank. I just don't find it necessary that often, but I smoke relatively straight pipes, for the most part.

[AndyLowry]

Smoking Peterson Systems taught me to swab out the shank, even on non-system pipes. Stuff builds up in there.

[Carl]

Smoking Peterson Systems taught me to swab out the shank, even on non-system pipes. Stuff builds up in there.

Exactly why I started doing it. I let the pipe cool and then remove the stem and give it a thorough clean. It is also a good idea to put your thumb over the chamber opening and tip out any moisture in the trap after removing the stem as this will end up in the bowl softening the cake if you just tip the ash out of the bowl.

[IrishRover]

For a thorough cleaning, I remove the stem. For an after the smoke pass through, I leave the stem attached.

[ken davis]

For a thorough cleaning, I remove the stem. For an after the smoke pass through, I leave the stem attached.

+1 same here