Non Use Risk?

[GardenCity-NY]

I have a balance vac that Mr. Zorn restored for me a couple years back. I have not used it as much as I've liked. Is there any risk of the pen seals "drying out" if not used at least once a year for example?

[balson]

i am not an expert in this area, but i don't think the risk is that high, there are still some of those floating around with the original seals that are working.

[Aysedasi]

Easy answer - stick some ink in it........

[theverdictis]

May take a while to start writing but as long as it's clean it should work (eventually).

 

Ben

[Ernst Bitterman]

The major problem with those is letting them dry out with ink in them. The non-water components of the ink attack the rubber (and the piston shaft, sometimes), and problems ensue. As long as you cleared it properly before setting it aside, it should be OK for long intervals. I might make a habit of refreshing the grease on the shaft every 10th fill or every couple of years, whichever came first, but I'm a belt'n'suspenders man where the tail-seals in a vac-filler are concerned.

[GardenCity-NY]

The major problem with those is letting them dry out with ink in them. The non-water components of the ink attack the rubber (and the piston shaft, sometimes), and problems ensue. As long as you cleared it properly before setting it aside, it should be OK for long intervals. I might make a habit of refreshing the grease on the shaft every 10th fill or every couple of years, whichever came first, but I'm a belt'n'suspenders man where the tail-seals in a vac-filler are concerned.

 

I like that idea... I have some waterproof cycling grease that would likely work well.

 

Thanks ALL for the feedback... going to ink up soon!

[Ernst Bitterman]

 

I like that idea... I have some waterproof cycling grease that would likely work well.

 

Thanks ALL for the feedback... going to ink up soon!

Hold that grease! What you need is pure silicone grease, as is used for potable plumbing and the fittings of scuba tanks. I suspect the grease connected to cycling will be petroleum-based, and that's counter-productive to the objective.

[Sasha Royale]

Hold that grease! What you need is pure silicone grease, as is used for potable plumbing and the fittings of scuba tanks. I suspect the grease connected to cycling will be petroleum-based, and that's counter-productive to the objective.

 

Silicone lube used in SCUBA valves, or the lube that comes with a TWSBI.