How to Fix Diameter Mismatch between Tip and Barrel

[neptunium]

Hi everyone,

I bough a ballpoint pen from Aliexpress and to my disappointment, it came with this annoying diameter mismatch between its tip and barrel. Attached is an illustration of this issue. Is there any method you can recommend for getting rid of this mismatch? I am thinking that I can install the barrel on a lathe, polish the barrel to roughen it a little bit and apply some sort of pen lacquer. What do you think?

Thank you all in advance.

- neptunium

 

[jttheclockman]

Are you a pen turner?? Do you make pens? I am guessing not if you are asking this question. The answers you get will require knowing how to. I am sure others will chime in. Doing a CA build up or casting in clear epoxy resin but the results will not be pretty. Not sure if that pen can even be taken apart. Sometimes they are glued together. Maybe some one here can help you. Good luck. My thoughts live with it.

 

[Jans husband]

I suggest dismantle if you can, turn the blank down to the brass tube, put a new blank on the tube and then turn the blank between centre (rather than using bushes). In that way you can turn to the exact diameter using a good set of callipers to accurately measure the tip.

I don't think that your blank is salvageable.

Good luck
Mike

 

[leehljp]

The build-up of CA will do it but of course if you are not familiar with CA as a finish, it will have a fairly long learning curve to get to the point you need for the operation.

If you try to turn the tip down in size, up under the chrome you will probably fine either plastic or some form of brass or other color other than chrome. Then re-chromeing will be more cost than the pen.

Your cheapest and quickest path will be to find another pen that you like with a good fit and finish and buy it.

 

[wouldentu2?]

Throw that pen away and buy one from one of the turners in this group

 

[KenB259]

There's no fixing that. Ya get what ya pay for.

 

[Woodchipper]

Too many suppliers in the US that sell good products. Only bought one item from a overseas business- ultralight fly reel at $16.01. Penny for the reel and the rest shipping from Hong Kong.

 

[GaryMGg]

Hi everyone,

I…I am thinking that I can install the barrel on a lathe, polish the barrel to roughen it a little bit and apply some sort of pen lacquer. What do you think?

Thank you all in advance.

- neptunium

Fixing the problem requires disassembly.
It's probably not worth it.
However, since you have a lathe, why not make your own pen for yourself.
I'd wager it's easier to make one than to repair what you have.