Slimline inserts are loose & retract when writing

Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Joined
Apr 17, 2024
Messages
6
Location
Cokato, MN
Has anyone else experienced this with slimline inserts? Once the pen is assembled, as you are writing, the ink insert slowly retracts from the pressure of writing. Is there a work-around or a fix? Or where do I purchase high quality inserts that won't do this?
 
Signed-In Members Don't See This Ad
Hi Kevin,

My wife's favorite slimline pen started to do this but only after several years of use. At least in my case it was the twist mechanism (transmission) itself. I fixed it a month or so ago by disassembling the pen and replacing the twist mechanism with a new one. That seemed to fix it, for now anyway. If it is the mechanism sliding in the brass tube however, many recommend a drop of blue Loctite (or other thread locker) on the parts when they are being pressed in. CA glue can cause discoloration on some of the parts or so I've heard.

Dave
 
This video is from Berea and shows the cigar type transmission.

However, the principle is the same for the slimline transmission--if it has a detent, it will not creep back up. If no detent (cheaper to make), it is probably going to move as you write>

 
Hi Kevin,

My wife's favorite slimline pen started to do this but only after several years of use. At least in my case it was the twist mechanism (transmission) itself. I fixed it a month or so ago by disassembling the pen and replacing the twist mechanism with a new one. That seemed to fix it, for now anyway. If it is the mechanism sliding in the brass tube however, many recommend a drop of blue Loctite (or other thread locker) on the parts when they are being pressed in. CA glue can cause discoloration on some of the parts or so I've heard.

Dave
Thanks, Dave, but these are loose right out of the gate. It is the transmission, not the refill.
 
Methinks that some of the manufacturers are cheaping up the transmissions too much. This is a copy of post I did in January.

The term "too loose" is a bit misleading. From your description, the transmission is retracting as the pen is used. Most / All? transmissions have a detent when extended. Extend the pen point slowly and watch the nib point carefully. It should extend and then just as it reaches maximum extension retract **slightly**. This detent keeps the point from retracting in use. Sometimes if the point extends too much, it will not reach the detent.

The ink fill can "jam" against the inside of the nib and prevent the ink fill from reaching full extension. Try to partly unscrew the inkfill and repeat the test above.

It is possible to remove a transmission with care and a transfer punch set.
 
Back
Top Bottom