Tight Draw Advice

[diamondback_1980]

Hi all, I have bought a box of 10 Montecristo no.3 and unfortunately they all seem to have an extremely tight draw, so much so I gave up on one tonight after about 10 mins. I manged to smoke 2, just, a month or so back but I think the whole box is the same. I just wondered if anyone had any tips for sorting out the 7 I have left, I am reluctant to bin them but if they are like the one I had tonight they are unsmokeable. Are there any good suggestions for making them easier to smoke? I read something about drying them out, would I be able to try and insert something down the length of the stick, maybe an unfolded paper clip?

In the end I sparked up a Mag 46 which was lovely, so not all was lost tonight, it's just frustrating. I am sure others have experienced this too.

Any advice will be taken on board.

Cheers guys.

[Funkilee]

You'll find a thread about it, some good advice, however, i bought some Punch del Punch, which i thought the same, but the last one i smoked was sooo much better, gonna leave the rest out of the box in the humi for a 'long time' (and hopefully they will still love me in the morning ;-) ) and see what happens?

Were yours slightly square from the box? If they were after some time outta the box they should hopefully lose that compressed shape and maybe loosen up leading to a better draw!

[monkey66]

You can try cutting them as normal then leaving in the humi for a few months, this often works.

[diamondback_1980]

Thanks guys, they have been in the humi for just over 2 months, I think I will try clipping them ready for smoking and leave there for a year or so.

[tippexx]

Just a couple of basics diamondback .... what is the box date and what humidity are you running .... and have you tested your hygrometers recently .... also, do you draw deeply and what is your usual smoking rhythm? Smoking a narrow gauge too fast and too deeply in a humid atmosphere (which it has been, and very high in the UK for several months), will rapidly plug a cigar.

[bigbarneyhotdog]

Providing you've done as Tipexx mentions - send them back to the retailer, get a replacement or refund.

[diamondback_1980]

The box date is May 2010. They are so tight I can hardly get any smoke at all, just enough to light it but drawing on it afterwards gave me no smoke. My humi usually runs at 68% and the hygro is a digital one, bought at the beginning of the year from CGars.

Not sure about returning them as there are now only 7 left...I actually threw one away last night. I have seen something about drying them out, is it worth me leaving some out of the humi for a while?

[tippexx]

Take (only) one out. Put it in an empty cigar box if you have one. Leave for three to four days, then try. Check the ambient humidity first though. If it's higher than your humi .... wait for dryer weather.

[diamondback_1980]

Thanks for the tip, I will give it a go. I am Preparing myself for the worst case scenario and chucking them. I am off to Poland in a few weeks so if I find any decent sticks out there I can always fill that little gap in the humi, it's only a 75 count so I am struggling for space.

[Nightwingvyse]

I sometimes use a 1/2mm hex key, which somewhat helps. You gotta be real careful though.

I may try a straightened paperclip sometime. There's even a product made for loosening tight cigars too.

[diamondback_1980]

I did do a search on YouTube and saw a video of one - couldn't see one on any uk retailers though, and with nobody mentioning it on here wasn't sure how useful they really were...might give the paper clip a go though. Has anyone else tries this method and had success?

[monkey66]

Pokers can work sometimes but come out get side and it'll probably be in the bin.

Btw it is quite unlikely the whole bit would be plugged as they would have been rolled by different rollers.

Sent from happy, clappy, tappy.

[diamondback_1980]

Thanks, it just seems to be near where the band is, about 2" from the head.

[peanutpete]

i did read somewere that if you take a pre light draw and it is tight put it in the fridge for 90 minutes,the theory behind it is to draw the moisture out, no idea if it works but give it a try and let us know

[smokin_e2011]

Thanks, it just seems to be near where the band is, about 2" from the head.

General tight spot on cigars, especially Montecristos....
Best thing is, to check all the remaining sticks, and if possible, return the tight ones to the retailer and ask for replacements or a refund.
If your keeping them, dry boxing is the next best thing and failing that a little poke may do the trick.
If poking the stick lay it flat down on the table and apply a little pressure, less chance of going through the side of the cigar...
I tried the paper clip a few times and it's quite easy to screw up cigars this way as it's not totally straight. I have also used a very thin drill piece as it removes a little tobacco too, which will only help on a plugged cigar.
Good luck, i hope things work out good for you, and let us know how you get on...