Tools? What is needed the most and what is just nice to have?

Wolf41035

I have the basics, I have cleaner, Pipe cleaner sticks/wires, I have a cheap packing tool but what else is needed? 
What is the best?
What are you favorite things to have for your pipe?

drac2485

I have a pipe reamer that I love for when I get estate pipes and need to clan them. I also have a shank brush, a brush small enough for cleaning the shank and the stem after dipping in alcohol. Keeps me from going through 100 pipe cleaners every time I get a new estate pipe

Wolf41035

@drac2485 OH Nice!  I never thought about getting a stem/shank cleaner like that....where can you get them? 
I do have a Reamer, forgot about that on the list...lol

drac2485

@wolf41035 I got th at smokingpipes.com https://www.smokingpipes.com/accessories/pipe-supplies/moreinfo.cfm?product_id=137711 and grabbed a few on my order. They have a few more makers on their site now as well but those are the ones I have

Wolf41035

@drac2485 Thanks, I will go check it out now.

Wolf41035

Back tomorrow, time to Smoke a few!

Wolf41035

@drac2485 I checked out that site, going to order me a few this week.....Thanks for the link.

lesliesrussell

I have tampers (as gifts) but never use them. The best tamper is the tamper god gave you. Helps judge the temperature of your bowl.
I agree with the others that at some point you will need a good reamer, pipe cleaners, nipple brushes of various sizes, paper towels, and some good whisky.
I keep non iodized salt, and a retort for de-ghosting.

Wolf41035

@lesliesrussell I have to agree with you about what God gave us but with that said I have lost a lot of feeling in my fingers and hands, I still use them though!  LOL
I have most of what I need but I was using pipe cleaners and didn't have a good brush, I am getting a few brushes this week though!

lesliesrussell

@wolf41035 if you have a Harbor Freight near you then you might pick up some black nylon tube brushes.
http://m.harborfreight.com/6-piece-tube-brush-set-61923.html
They will save you a ton of money on pipe cleaners and really do a great job keeping your shank clean.

Wolf41035

@lesliesrussell I do have a Harbor Freight close to me, I think someone in my family might be going up tonight or tomorrow I will have them look for me.
 
Again THANKS

Wolf41035

Going to be checked out this week but not the metal brushes, going to get nylon ones.

drac2485

@wolf41035  I was just about to recommend the same thing.  Don't get the metal ones.  I'm wary using metal brushes on my guns and can only imagine the damage they could inflict on pipes.

Wolf41035

Yeah I would be more afraid of using them in my pipe stem.  lol

Wolf41035

I found a couple Nylon brushes I had bought for cleaning smaller parts on firearms, they are new and still in package, going to use one on pipe and see how I like it.

Wolf41035

This weekend I am going to lay out some pipe tools and take a picture so we can have a picture reference, anyone want to do the same?

Wolf41035

Sorry been busy and not sure how to post pics on here....Never mind I found the image button....

LostMason

I've a multi-tool that does the reaming,a couple tampers,pipe cleaners (soft and bristled),
a calibri pipe lighter (butane),and tobacco.Other than those I just need an excuse,and
"I want to" is good enough.

Wolf41035

Can't find my camera and my Cell phone is in need of help, it has no memory left on phone yet plenty on Mini SD card....stupid phone won't do anything with phone memory full.  Tine for a new and better phone!!

Woodsman

When I'm out I use an Aluminum Pipe Nail, at home I use whatever tamper is close at hand. I use a small scraper for light cake removal. I have a Kleen Reem pipe tool to handle Estate Pipes. I have other specialized tools for tar removal and airway use. 

Wolf41035

Forgot about this post, need to get them pictures on here, just been to busy and keep losing this post.  lol

motie2

Five Essentials

First you’ll need a briar pipe, not too expensive, or a corn cob.  

The second thing you’ll need is tobacco. 

The third thing is a pipe tamper or Czech tool (3 in 1) 

The fourth is something for applying fire to tobacco (an argument ensues…..)

The fifth is a bunch of pipe cleaners.

Everything else is commentary.

ghostsofpompeii

Other than pipe cleaners and a good lighter these are probably the only tools you need without getting into quality restoration products:

A Pipe Reaming Tool ... this is one of the less expensive reamers.

A set of bristle brushes

a product to clean the airway in your stem

and probably the most useful and cheapest tool

thebadgerpiper

I never go anywhere when I'm smoking my pipe without my Czech tool. This little tool is so handy, that I make sure I have a spare in my cellar just in case. Pipe tampers are nice, but they lack the utility of a Czech tool.

A lighter is also essential, preferably one specifically made for pipes. I have a zippo with a pipe insert a friend gave me for my birthday, and it's perfect.

Pipe cleaners and shank brushes are a necessity. I use Dill's pipe cleaners for every day use, and use BJ Longs for deep cleaning. Shank brushes are a lifesaver when the draft hole gets clogged from dottle.

I'd also recommend a pipe reamer. I bought one early on as a piper, and didn't need it until a few years later, but it's great for removing unwanted cake.

Deadpool57

Czech tool is a must, a pipe stand is just nice to have when the heavier pipes need to cool down.

PappyJoe

Czech tool and pipe cleaners for daily smoking. If I'm smoking a meerschaum, I carry either a soft cloth or a paper towel to wipe out the bowl after smoking.

I think it's a given that you are going to have a pipe, tobacco and a method for lighting the tobacco. 

Wolf41035

I still have not picked up a pipe reamer, I guess that is my next purchase.....that and some drill bits for when I am making pipes, what I have is OK but I need the right tools to do a better job.  lol

Philip

Don't forget the tobacco itself. If you have any sort of inventory that you have on hand for more than a couple weeks, get it out of the plastic bags and into something as simple as a mason jar. Even a plastic bin with a sealed lid can serve as a humidor to keep opened tins and/or loose tobacco in. 

Neglected tobacco can ruin your enjoyment faster than anything else. 

motie2

At the local grocery store I found small pyrex dishes with thick, tight fitting, softer plastic lids; perfect for a 1.75 oz tin of tobacco!!! 

Woodsman

I keep a set of Needle Files, I use the round ones to open airways and modify slightly out of line stem openings.

motie2

My eldest tells me the pyrex bowl covers are silicone plastic (?) In any event, they appear to keep the tobacco from drying out and hold about 1.75 oz. perfectly.