I picked up a couple of vintage pens at a local antique show. I need to replace the sacs and can not seems to separate the tips from the barrel. A Google search suggested soaking in cold water for a couple of days. I tried this and they do not budge. I have heard about using heat (with caution) but have not tried yet. If I was to use heat, how should this be done? Thanks for you tips.
Can't get vintage pens apart to replace sacs
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Definitely not cold water. Section to barrel attachments are either friction fit, screwed in or fastened with some sort of adhesive. Different manufacturers did different things. Check out this site for helpful info.
http://richardspens.com/
Look under the reference tab & scroll way down to the "Repairer's Corner" for "How to Replace a Pen Sac."
Good luck.
http://richardspens.com/
Look under the reference tab & scroll way down to the "Repairer's Corner" for "How to Replace a Pen Sac."
Good luck.
What kind of pens do you have?
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Thank Mike. They are Waterman and an unknown brand with a platinum nib. I am on the road and will post pictures when I get back. Cheers,
First off, patience is key. And if the pen is of any value, sentimentally or monetarily, send it out for repair. This comes from years of repairing pens. And a little soaking of the section/barrel joint in cool water has never hurt one and can often loosen things up. But heat is the real answer, but is your friend only up to a certain point (like 150F) and then becomes dangerous.
It can be one of the most frustrating jobs, opening up the pen. You've got to do it and it has taken me weeks sometimes -- lots of cycles and even more restraint. I do not recommend the use of those padded spark-plug removal pliers many folks use, I do everything by hand.
Here is a very informative article by David Nishimura, a highly respected repairman. http://www.vintagepens.com/pen_repair_donts.htm
I've broken quite a few pens -- it happens. Especially Skylines. The vintage plastic is often very fragile and celluloid can become crystallized and shatters. Be careful and don't rush it. Sometimes putting it aside and doing nothing is the best move, trust me.
It can be one of the most frustrating jobs, opening up the pen. You've got to do it and it has taken me weeks sometimes -- lots of cycles and even more restraint. I do not recommend the use of those padded spark-plug removal pliers many folks use, I do everything by hand.
Here is a very informative article by David Nishimura, a highly respected repairman. http://www.vintagepens.com/pen_repair_donts.htm
I've broken quite a few pens -- it happens. Especially Skylines. The vintage plastic is often very fragile and celluloid can become crystallized and shatters. Be careful and don't rush it. Sometimes putting it aside and doing nothing is the best move, trust me.
I have a Wearever button filler. It is not valuable. I picked it up for a song. I have been working off and on for months. Heat/twist/cool/heat/twist/etc. I can't get it apart. It is a lever filler, and I'll be hanged if I send it it out. I will eventually get it.
I use a hair dryer, not a heat gun, and heat it only so far as I can still hold it in my bare hand. Same idea as testing a baby's bottle.
I use a hair dryer, not a heat gun, and heat it only so far as I can still hold it in my bare hand. Same idea as testing a baby's bottle.
