Any suggestions on how to tighten the friction fit between the nib section and the barrel (older, smaller, no-name pen)? The cap fits tightly, and when it is pulled off, it pulls most of the nib section out of the barrel? If the only choice is to glue it, what's best to use so that it can be removed at a later date, as necessary, to change the bladder? Thanks.

I would use shellac (not the section sealant) from Tryphon or similar stuff they sell at any of the other pen places (Pendemonium or Woodbin). The shellac is easy to soften with a hairdryer when you want to open the pen up at a later date. You just have to let it set for 24 hours to let it harden fully.

Regards,
Al

A paper shim might work for you without having to deal with shellac.

Andy

I tried paper, but it was too thick. Think the shellac used for adhering the bladder would work, but come loose when necessary?

Shellac will work and will loosen under heat such as a hair dryer or. Just be careful as you are dealing with a pen that you can't tell what sort of plastic it is, what it's potential for warping, etc. The shellac is supposed to melt before the pen.

However, thinner paper or a smaller piece should work as a shim. You just have to keep testing paper size to get the perfect fit. Were it mine, I would work hard at the paper shim until I determined it was just impossible.

if you apply a thin layer of shellac to the section overlap area, let it dry completely, and then sand it to fit with 1000 grit or finer sandpaper you will have a non-glued joint that is still a snug fit.

That sounds like a great tip. I'll keep that one in mind.

Another reason I love this place.

Definitely shellac. Can easily be removed later.

Gary

Excellent ideas, all. I found a thin enough paper to shim it for now, but would definitely try sanding dried shellac to thicken the section. Thanks.

I had a lot of luck with regular old electrical tape. Most of the time, the sections on pens are black anyway, so it's relatively unnoticeable if done right, and the pliable nature of the tape allows for a bit of molding for a really good fit. Plus, you can always add more, or remove it completely

EDIT FOR A DOUBLE POST....grumble grumble windows grumble...