Pipe tool: What it is and how to use it

The pipe tool is an absolutely indispensable accessory: without it you run the risk of not being able to smoke your tobacco pipe, as it will most likely suffer from problems in terms of draught.

In fact, the pipe tool is the tool that will allow you to load, smoke and empty your tobacco pipe, being made up of a tamper, reamer and needle.

Let's see in detail how it works!

What is the pipe tool?

The pipe tool consists of three elements: tamper, reamer and needle. 

The tamper is a rounded tool, which is generally shaped like a nail head, with a flat (square or circular) end. Its function is to press the tobacco into the brazier while the tobacco pipe is being loaded, as well as to compress the ash in smoke, so as to aid re-ignition.

The reamer is in the shape of a knife, but without sharpening, which is necessary to remove tobacco and ash residue that forms during smoking, present on the bottom and sides of the stove.

Finally, we have the needle, which we might call a large pin, useful for aerating the tobacco if the tobacco pipe loading has been over-tightened, allowing proper combustion of the brazier. In addition to this, the needle also serves to unclog the tobacco pipe from any residue.

Commercial pipe tool come in different materials: wood, metal, horn, and methacrylate, with many artisans creating their own custom lines.

How to use the pipe tool?

There is no doubt that the tamper represents the most important part of the pipe tool. 

Not surprisingly, the tamper are more often sold individually, rather than in combination with the reamer and needle.

The tamper is absolutely crucial to your smoking because, if you notice that the tobaco pipe is about to go out, with the right pressure on the brazier and the correct draw, you will be able to revive combustion.

In addition, if used beforehand, you will not need to use it in smoking and, as a result, you will also avoid continuous re-ignitions, which cause temperature swings in the stove.

As for the reamer, it should only be used after smoking, once the tobacco pipe is completely cooled, to remove ash and possibly tobacco residue.

The needle, on the other hand, is useful for extraordinary cleaning of the tobacco pipe and to aid the draw in smoking, but always being careful not to scratch the stove, as it is sharp.