Advice On Rescuing A Cracked Snorkel Section. From My First Failed Repair Attempt.

[ironwampa]

Long story short I had a crack on my open nibbed snorkel's section; now I have two. It didn't seem worth sending to anyone for repair since the repair would have probably cost more than replacing the part. Did and still do not have any qualms with leaving any scars on the pen since the thing was already badly banged up when I got it. I just don't want to have to waist a perfectly good replacement part when I can avoid it.

[3rdlakerobert]

If you don't mind looking at the crack, albeit a sealed crack, get some MEK at the hardware store (Ace chain carries it in quart cans). Swap the surface of the crack with a cotton swab and soon the crack will be sealed.

 

If you can open the crack and get some MEK into it, the repair will be less conspicuous.

 

MEK is methyl ethyl ketone and not available in every state. Naturally common sense don't use it in small enclosed areas. Outside is best.

[Ron Z]

MEK is not the proper solvent for this plastic. You want something that contains methylene chloride. Use a good quality artists brush to apply from the inside. A cotton swab will put down a spot that is far too wide, whereas a brush will hold then release in a relatively small area. You can hold the repair closed using as stretchy electrical tape - Scotch 33+ is the best (for use as electrical tape as well, says the radio engineer turned pen mechanic)

[ironwampa]

What should I do about ensuring that the threads do not get damaged while doing the repair? And what should I do to prevent another crack when screwing the nib unit back on? I suspect I am going to need to buy a new brush for this, what exactly constitutes high quality in this case? I would presume it means I need to use something that is not made with an artificial fiber correct?

 

Thanks for the advice, especially with the tape.

Edited March 28, 2015 by ironwampa

[Ron Z]

Don't worry about the threads. It's a water thin solvent, not an adhesive. High quality = camels hair or some other soft artists brush, not a cheap dollar store brush. Screwing/unscrewing is rarely the cause of a crack unless you put too much torque on the section or squeezed too hard with section pliers in the process of taking it out.