Tightening a Loose Pipe Stem

How can I tighten a loose stem on my pipe?

Assuming the stem is not damaged or in need of repair, there are several common methods that can be used to correct a troublesome loose stem. You don't need to use them all, but I've listed several different options. Please note that the techniques below will only work with a push/pull tenon; they should NOT be used with threaded or screw-in tenon.

1. Use the shank end of a drill bit to slightly enlarge the tenon, which will make it fit more snugly in the mortise. Use a drill bit that is JUST BARELY larger than the air hole in the tenon. If you expand the tenon too much, you can crack or damage your pipe when trying to reinstall the stem. The expanding is done by carefully and briefly heating up the tenon with a heat source, such as a hair dryer, candle, or lighter. Be VERY CAREFUL not to overheat the stem material causing it to warp or melt. Once heated, insert the shank (non-drilling) end of a drill bit into the air hole of the tenon. Insert it only the length of the tenon to expand it. Then immediately dip the tenon in ice water before removing the expanding tool. This will "lock in" the new size and prevent the tenon from "shrinking" back to smaller size. Use a pliers to remove the drill bit, twisting as necessary. Then dry the stem and reinsert it into the mortise.
    
2. Use clear nail polish to paint the surface of the tenon and let it dry completely before smoking. This will add a layer of thickness which can be gently sanded if the fit becomes too tight.
    
3. Coat the tenon with beeswax (or candle wax) and then smoke the pipe. When warmed by smoking, the wax will be absorbed into the wood and cause it to swell to tighten up the fit. Use the wax sparingly so you don't inadvertently tighten things up too much. You can always add a second application of wax if necessary.
    
4. Use a q-tip to slightly moisten the wood on the inside of the shank just prior to smoking. The moisture and heat will cause the shank to swell and may tighten up the fit. (I have not personally used this fourth method, but others have had good experiences with it.)