Henry's Cigar Draw Correction Tools - FREE

[palm55]

Let me be perfectly honest. We offer limited quantities of Henry's tool sets via an internet auction site (with limited success). My purpose is NOT to sell these tools, but rather, to get some solid feedback from fellow BOTLs on how they work!

Henry (a retired friend) turned me on to these tools about a year ago, when I trashed a cigar that was "unsmokeble" due to tight draw. They're basically just steel "probes" with wooden handles. If the draw is too tight, you work the appropriate tool (based on cigar size) through the head of the stogie, and steer it toward the foot.

I swear by these darned tools! And I've corrected the draw on at least a couple of dozen cigars that I'd have otherwise trashed.

HERE'S THE DEAL:

1. I'd like to send out 4 sets of Henry's tools, free of charge, to fellow BOTLs who have cigars they like, but can't smoke due to tight draw.

2. I'd ask for OBJECTIVE feedback (via email or whatever) on how the tools worked for them.

HERE'S THE QUALIFIER:

The first four BOTLs who give me the name and size of 5 (five) tight-draw cigars they might try the tools on will get the sets.

The tool sets will come to you via USPS Priority Mail, and will include instructions and tips for using Henry's tools.

This is NOT a "joke," guys... It's an honest attempt to get some feedback on what I feel is a valuable device.

Your response will be welcomed!

[SvilleKid]

Let me be perfectly honest. We offer limited quantities of Henry's tool sets via an internet auction site (with limited success). My purpose is NOT to sell these tools, but rather, to get some solid feedback from fellow BOTLs on how they work!

Henry (a retired friend) turned me on to these tools about a year ago, when I trashed a cigar that was "unsmokeble" due to tight draw. They're basically just steel "probes" with wooden handles. If the draw is too tight, you work the appropriate tool (based on cigar size) through the head of the stogie, and steer it toward the foot.

I swear by these darned tools! And I've corrected the draw on at least a couple of dozen cigars that I'd have otherwise trashed.

HERE'S THE DEAL:

1. I'd like to send out 4 sets of Henry's tools, free of charge, to fellow BOTLs who have cigars they like, but can't smoke due to tight draw.

2. I'd ask for OBJECTIVE feedback (via email or whatever) on how the tools worked for them.

HERE'S THE QUALIFIER:

The first four BOTLs who give me the name and size of 5 (five) tight-draw cigars they might try the tools on will get the sets.

The tool sets will come to you via USPS Priority Mail, and will include instructions and tips for using Henry's tools.

This is NOT a "joke," guys... It's an honest attempt to get some feedback on what I feel is a valuable device.

Your response will be welcomed!

And all this time I have been using a stainless steel kabob skewer to do this!

VERY generous offer! As I already have an effective tool that works, I will leave these five for thse that need a solution. While mine may not be as glamous or versitable (only one size skewer), I can attest to the fact that cigar pokers are a workable solution to cigars with tight draws! Some of you gorillas better step up soon, or I might be tempted to go high class with my poker and take palm up on this offer!!

[icehog3]

Sorry, I read further...I will disqualify myself because I have a similar tool made for me by the Justus League!...Great offer though, good luck!

[stormin]

Interesting offer. I have more cigars with draw problems then you can shake a stick at and have yet to find a tool that works to alleviate the problem. Here's a list of some:


Montecristo #4 - 5 x 42
Montecristo Especial #2 - 5.9 x 38
Partagas 898 Varnished - 6.6 x 43
Vegas Robania Familiar - 5.5 x 42
Ramone Allones Small Club Corona - 4.3 x 42

I have lots more, don't worry.

PM me for my addy.

[Stogiefanatic182]

great offer, I dont have a cigar poker yet and would love to try one.

The cigars I have that are tight are:

Fonseca Serie F Robusto 5x52
Cuban H Upmann Coronas Major 5 1/8 x 42
Montecristo Double Corona 6 1/4 x 50
Onyx Reserve Robusto 5x50
Don Lino Africa Temba 7 1/2 x 50


If I qualify please PM for address. Thanks again

[Ermo]

Alright! I use a paperclip right now and that sucks!

Macanudo Robust (2 of my 5 pack have been 100% plugged) 6x50
Montecristo Vintage 93 Club Cab 30 (always have problems) 5x50
CAO Brazilia (always too tight for me) Ipanema 7x50
Hoyo De Monterrey Rothchild 4.5x50
LaGloria Cubana Extras 6.25x46

PM me if I qualify!!

Thanks

[RJT]

JLP Cazadore
Trinidad Reyes
Oxford Corona
Party Short

I have boxes of all these that have had pluged cigars. RJT

[sgresso]

For me it has been
Party shorts
Rass
PLPC
Punch Punch robustos
R&J #2 tubo's

I hope i qualify because I don't have one of these yet.

[palm55]

Interesting offer. I have more cigars with draw problems then you can shake a stick at and have yet to find a tool that works to alleviate the problem. Here's a list of some:


Montecristo #4 - 5 x 42
Montecristo Especial #2 - 5.9 x 38
Partagas 898 Varnished - 6.6 x 43
Vegas Robania Familiar - 5.5 x 42
Ramone Allones Small Club Corona - 4.3 x 42

I have lots more, don't worry.

PM me for my addy.


STORMIN,

You'll have a set of Henry's tools on the way... We'll take care of the shipping via PM.

Interesting that you have troubles with the 42-and-under rings! That's been MY problem, and PARTICULARLY with the Lonsdales! Henry showed me how to "steer" the tool through the cigar, though I'll admit that I went through a couple of coronas before I got the "hang of it!"

Again, this is NOT a "come-on"... Just looking for feedback from BOTLs on improving the tools.

Will PM you later today.

[palm55]

great offer, I dont have a cigar poker yet and would love to try one.

The cigars I have that are tight are:

Fonseca Serie F Robusto 5x52
Cuban H Upmann Coronas Major 5 1/8 x 42
Montecristo Double Corona 6 1/4 x 50
Onyx Reserve Robusto 5x50
Don Lino Africa Temba 7 1/2 x 50


If I qualify please PM for address. Thanks again


__________________________________________________ __________

LET'S GO TIGERS!!!! (Sorry, buddy, but I have to stand fast behind our Last Detroit Hope this year! The Wings screwed up... The Pistons screwed up... We're hoping for something to happen in the ballpark!)


Yes, you "qualify" for Henry's tool set. I'm surprised that the ring-sizes you've described are a problem! Though I must say that the Onyx Reserve has been one that I've had to probe almost each and every time!

We'll take care of shipping via PM (My wife watches me, and is constantly on top of the shipping thing).

Again... All I ask is for HONEST feedback. Are the tools right for the job? Are the lengths right for the job? Is the product of reasonable quality?

[Ermo]

Tigers pulled out a great game last night! GO TIGERS!! (and Netherlands today at 3)

[palm55]

JLP Cazadore
Trinidad Reyes
Oxford Corona
Party Short

I have boxes of all these that have had pluged cigars. RJT

__________________________________________________ ____

RJT,

THANKS for the feedback! The Oxford Corona doesn't surprise me (nor do ANY coronas), though the Party Short comes as something as a surprise!!! The robustos (properly aged) are among my favorites in terms of burn and draw... They don't seem to "fight you" in the way that torpedos and churchills do.

This is my LAST free send-out (I went overboard, and promised our Dr. Stogie-Fresh a set, and that puts me to five sets).

We'll handle the shipping via PM, and will look forward to your evaluation!!!

Henry is a weird guy! He gets REALLY pissed when I waste a cigar!
I get really pissed when he get's pissed that I wasted a cigar.

Ahh well... I'll be looking forward to your evaluation and suggestions!!!!

Henry won't.

[bpcr]

i would love to try one of these if you have any left i have some RP 1992 that are tight along with some RJ sungrown that are hard as well i would further like to try it on the MX2 and CX2 as some of them are hard as well and last but not least the don lino afican trumbo it long and some of them are hard to get going as well thanks in advance alex

[Corona Gigante]

I got a Thompson's draw poker as an incentive gift but I forgot where I put it. If I get a plugged cigar, I use an aluminum kebab skewer. Works great but you need a steady hand.

[Stogiefanatic182]

has anyone gotten PMed yet?

[Furvert]

just out of curiousity, what would seperate this tool from what others are using like the kebob skewers or even a simple ice pick?

not critizing or anything. just trying to understand what serperates this tool from other things people use to get a better draw

[Spacecataz]

I thought about using one of those receipt spikes as a desk draw corrector. I think it would work just fine.

[palm55]

just out of curiousity, what would seperate this tool from what others are using like the kebob skewers or even a simple ice pick?

not critizing or anything. just trying to understand what serperates this tool from other things people use to get a better draw
__________________________________________________ _______

Your questions are certainly VALID!

Though I can't find a kebob skewer or ice pick that will fit neatly into my cigar caddy.

Henry's Tools are unique ONLY in that the rod diameter is sized to free up draw without cracking the wrapper. And his "L" handle makes it a bit easier to "steer" the probe through the cigar.

Other than that, no great shakes!!!

[palm55]

We mistakes, ALL of us!

We crave the flovor of a fine cigar on a summer evening.

Whether it's your turkey-roaster-pin or your rechargeable drill, ENJOY!!!

[stormin]

just out of curiousity, what would seperate this tool from what others are using like the kebob skewers or even a simple ice pick?

not critizing or anything. just trying to understand what serperates this tool from other things people use to get a better draw

I hope to let y'all know in the near future how effective Henry's tool is (that sounds wrong in so many ways!!!)

let me try again....

Hopefully I can soon provide y'all with feedback regarding Henry's poker (that doesn't sound any better either!!!!).

one last time....

I let y'all know if Henry's invention is any good at unplugging cigars. :)

[palm55]

I hope to let y'all know in the near future how effective Henry's tool is (that sounds wrong in so many ways!!!)

let me try again....

Hopefully I can soon provide y'all with feedback regarding Henry's poker (that doesn't sound any better either!!!!).

one last time....

I let y'all know if Henry's invention is any good at unplugging cigars. :)


LMAO... Your tools... Er' your pokers... Er' your set is going out tomorrow, and we'll be looking forward to your feedback!

I'd like to have sent more than 5 evaluation sets out, but Henry's "production schedule" (the time in-between cigars and naps) limits us to about 20-30 sets per week.

Hopwefully, with input from BOTLs, we'll come up with a "new & improved" version soon!

[Stogiefanatic182]

Received my tool today. Look forward to trying it after I get back from vacation in Virginia on Tues. Thanks Again

[[OT] Loki]

it's always great to see botl helping each other out :)

[cigar_040]

Sounds like a good concept !! Quick question.....are the tips pointed or blunt ?

I currently use an arterial access needles w/ a sharp beveled point 18ga. It's about 2.5-3" long. It gets the job done !! If you want I can try and find an extra in case you might want to get some additional ideas......let me know

[palm55]

Sounds like a good concept !! Quick question.....are the tips pointed or blunt ?

I currently use an arterial access needles w/ a sharp beveled point 18ga. It's about 2.5-3" long. It gets the job done !! If you want I can try and find an extra in case you might want to get some additional ideas......let me know
__________________________________________________ ____________

Andy,

Your resourcefulness is exceeded only by your resourcefulness! If it gets the job done, more power to you!!!

Henry's tools could hardly be considered "surgical"!! He makes them up in his work shed with the aid of such precision machines as a hacksaw, crummy old lathe, ancient grinding/buffing wheels, and a couple of jars of stain and urethane.

His short tool measures about 4-1/2" (plus the "L" handle), and comes in handy with the shorter sticks. His long tool measures about 7" (plus handle), and gets through just about anything, including the giant coronas. He grinds a "chisel-point" on the rod, and insists that's the "secret" to his tools (though I would question that).

So far, we've received two suggestions for improving the tools:

1. Flatten the point to a larger bore, in effect creating a "spade point."

2. Lengthen the wooden handle by about 1/4".


I'll be waiting for more input so that Henry can improve the tools set. At this juncture, suffice to say that I believe that the tool (or homemade versions thereof) is an essential part of making the smoking experience "right."

I'll pass on the info, Andy... But I should mention that henry HATES hospitals!!

[Bob]

I got a Thompson's draw poker as an incentive gift but I forgot where I put it. If I get a plugged cigar, I use an aluminum kebab skewer. Works great but you need a steady hand.

I do the same ...never had a Thompson's draw poker though.:D

[Stogiefanatic182]

Review

After getting home from vacation yesterday which was a 10hr drive I decided I needed a cigar and realized it would be a good time to use the tool. I went to the humi and picked out a Montecristo Double Corona. The first one I had was kinda tight so I thought this would be a good cigar to do the test on if it was anything like the first one I had a while back.

Initial Reaction of Tool- Thought I would stab myself because the tool was very sharp, handle is small, and the actual rod seemed kinda flimsy.

Use- I lit my cigar and puffed on it a few moments. Draw was a little tight. I followd the directions that came with the tool. It was kinda hard to use at first but then I was able to get it to work effectively. It took two tries but the poker actually made the draw very easy.

Suggestions- Make handle longer, flatten tip like others have said, try and make the rod not as flimsy. It was kinda akward feeling.

Overall- I liked the product, with some few minor changes it should be quite good. Thanks for the tool.

[stormin]

I received the package in the mail yesterday. Thanks. The tools look good. I immediately tried it out on a plugged small RG cuban cigar. The tool worked good. I didn't have any problem. Handle seems OK to me. The cigar was plugged solid and the tool didn't really help. no fault of the tool. After I poked a nice hole in it i got a good draw. I lit it up and draw was good at first but i wasn't getting any smoke. Very weird. Cigar was burning but no smoke. The only draw I was getting was through the hole I poked. As the cigar heated up and softened I had to push it together again to get some smoke. But then it wouldn't draw again. Poked it again. Good draw, no smoke. This went on for the whole smoke. Whoever rolled this one should get some sort of prize. There has to be a lot of skill involved to plug a cigar up that bad. I fought the cigar tooth and nail and it never got better. I would have ditched it after a while but I wanted to give the tool a good run for its money. As I said this one was entirely the cigar's fault not Henry's tool. I tried another poker that has some serrations along the shaft to act as a saw and it didn't do any better.

Sorry I can't give you any better feedback yet. I would say the tool works fine.

[palm55]

I received the package in the mail yesterday. Thanks. The tools look good. I immediately tried it out on a plugged small RG cuban cigar. The tool worked good. I didn't have any problem. Handle seems OK to me. The cigar was plugged solid and the tool didn't really help. no fault of the tool. After I poked a nice hole in it i got a good draw. I lit it up and draw was good at first but i wasn't getting any smoke. Very weird. Cigar was burning but no smoke. The only draw I was getting was through the hole I poked. As the cigar heated up and softened I had to push it together again to get some smoke. But then it wouldn't draw again. Poked it again. Good draw, no smoke. This went on for the whole smoke. Whoever rolled this one should get some sort of prize. There has to be a lot of skill involved to plug a cigar up that bad. I fought the cigar tooth and nail and it never got better. I would have ditched it after a while but I wanted to give the tool a good run for its money. As I said this one was entirely the cigar's fault not Henry's tool. I tried another poker that has some serrations along the shaft to act as a saw and it didn't do any better.

Sorry I can't give you any better feedback yet. I would say the tool works fine.

Stormin,

You've got me perplexed here! I used the short tool just last night to loosen up a notoriously troublesome Onyx Reserve Corona, and the smoke volume was very good!

It seems a shame to me that a premium-priced Habano should have such construction problems. But then again, I've paid a lot for some Dominicans that have left much to be desired.

We're trying out a "spade" point (versus the current "chisel" point) this weekend. Our concern is that the added point diameter may cause wrapper fracture on some of the more delicate cigars (cameroons in particular). We shall see!!

Nevertheless... I DO appreciate the feedback, and hope you'll continue with it! It's easy to develop a "so-so" product, and let it fly as it will, and ignore any shortfalls. We'd rather take a look at the shortfalls up-front, and do what we can to eliminate them.

[palm55]

Review

After getting home from vacation yesterday which was a 10hr drive I decided I needed a cigar and realized it would be a good time to use the tool. I went to the humi and picked out a Montecristo Double Corona. The first one I had was kinda tight so I thought this would be a good cigar to do the test on if it was anything like the first one I had a while back.

Initial Reaction of Tool- Thought I would stab myself because the tool was very sharp, handle is small, and the actual rod seemed kinda flimsy.

Use- I lit my cigar and puffed on it a few moments. Draw was a little tight. I followd the directions that came with the tool. It was kinda hard to use at first but then I was able to get it to work effectively. It took two tries but the poker actually made the draw very easy.

Suggestions- Make handle longer, flatten tip like others have said, try and make the rod not as flimsy. It was kinda akward feeling.

Overall- I liked the product, with some few minor changes it should be quite good. Thanks for the tool.


Fanatic,

THANKS for the honest review! Your suggestions are duly noted, and I'll be meeting with Henry tonight for a smoke and discussion of improvements to the tools.

There's a "threshhold of pain" on the rod diameter... Anything much thicker is more difficult to work through the cigar, and has the potential to cause wrapper-burst. HOWEVER, we may look at a different steel alloy... Something a bit harder that can still be "worked" into a suitable point.

To date, here's where the tool is going:

-- We're going one size larger (3/8") on the handle, and making it a bit longer.
-- We're adding a protective sheath, so that the tools can be carried safely in a shirt pocket.
-- We're experimenting with a "spade" point to determine whether it works better than the current "chisel" point.

Thanks again for the input! And we hope you'll continue with the comments! We're not concerned about "mass marketing" these darned things... Our goal is to make a good, custom tool available to those who want to make a good smoke better.

[Baric]

Our goal is to make a good, custom tool available to those who want to make a good smoke better.

A commendable goal-keep the updating going as i for one would be interested in these. theres nothing so annoying as a plugged 'gar! [perhaps these should be sold with all boxes of R&J Churchills lol]

[palm55]

A commendable goal-keep the updating going as i for one would be interested in these. theres nothing so annoying as a plugged 'gar! [perhaps these should be sold with all boxes of R&J Churchills lol]


Actually, your remark isn't too far-fetched!!!

Yes, makers like CAO draw-test their cigars, and seem to do a pretty good job on draw issues.

But there are MANY MORE makers who offer wonderfully flavorful cigars that fall flat on their face when you discover that they're rolled tight-as-a-drum!!!

I'll keep you posted on prgress in the "UPDATE" thread on this board... We've had some EXCELLENT feedback from BOTLs inside and outside of CS!! And we're cautiously optimistic about being able to offer a markedly improved tool set within a week or two.

[palm55]

Review

After getting home from vacation yesterday which was a 10hr drive I decided I needed a cigar and realized it would be a good time to use the tool. I went to the humi and picked out a Montecristo Double Corona. The first one I had was kinda tight so I thought this would be a good cigar to do the test on if it was anything like the first one I had a while back.

Initial Reaction of Tool- Thought I would stab myself because the tool was very sharp, handle is small, and the actual rod seemed kinda flimsy.

Use- I lit my cigar and puffed on it a few moments. Draw was a little tight. I followd the directions that came with the tool. It was kinda hard to use at first but then I was able to get it to work effectively. It took two tries but the poker actually made the draw very easy.

Suggestions- Make handle longer, flatten tip like others have said, try and make the rod not as flimsy. It was kinda akward feeling.

Overall- I liked the product, with some few minor changes it should be quite good. Thanks for the tool.


Fanatic,

We took your feedback VERY seriously, and spent the better part of yesterday working on improvements. Please see the "UPDATE" thread for the latest changes.

Thanks once again for your evalutation!!!!