Hello to all the folks who sometimes struggle getting the Thin Model TD and Snorkel O-Ring into the barrel. I usually get it in there on the second or third try but today I just couldn't get one in for some reason. I looked around to see what might be of service in my parts stash. I took a thin model Targa barrel and inserted it small end first. It rests with absolute perfection just under the O-Ring groove. The Targa barrel fits snuggly and at the exact correct length like Sheaffer made it as a service tool. From there its a cinch to push the O-Ring down. It simply can't go anywhere but into the groove.

I'LL NEVER HAVE TO STRUGGLE WITH THAT AGAIN! Now if I could just find an easier way to replace the Snorkel Sac. . .

PeteWK

To replace the sacs, I normally stick the sac in, cover the two side holes, and then suck on the end hole to pull it in. Hope that helps!

~~K~~

Here're Sheaffer's tools for the job:

Interesting! I haven't had much trouble getting two Snorkel o-rings in place using only a toothpick, but I suppose if you were servicing lots of them a special tool could be helpful.

I just stick the o-ring in at an angle, shove it down slowly until the "end" goes into the slot, and then push the top "loop" down into the slot. I use the same screwdriver I use to unscrew the retaining screw for the blind cap. Only had one or two go down the barrel instead of into the slot so far -- I'd not bother to use any special too.

I wish getting the old ones out was as easy!

Peter

Yep Yep Yep. I generally use a screwdriver and a stainless dental tool but every once in a while my fingers all become thumbs for some reason. I guess whatever works.

PeteWK

Humerous that my fix is just about exactly what Sheaffer devised 50 some odd years prior but without knowledge of their tool.

Thanks K that is a good idea, but what I had in mind was a quicker way to do the whole process. Still a time consuming effort. Some magic would be nice.

PeteWK

So far, only one sac in a Snorkle has been a problem -- usually they are just petrified, but not stuck to the protector and slip right out once the section is out. The one I had trouble with also had a VERY stuck section, as someone has "filled" it by pulling up the TD tube and sucked ink into a fractured sac that way.

TM TD pens, on the other hand, almost always have sacs firmly stuck that have to be scraped off.

I think the difference is the chrome plating on the snorks -- the sac doesn't stick.

Try my trick with the 0-ring (with magnification, if you are my age and the eyes don't work so well anymore..) All you have to do is get part of the o-ring into the slot, and the rest will slip in as you push it down (really, exactly what the tool does except I use the operating end of a screwdriver).

Peter

Great tool.... so when to we see you offering them for sale Daniel

Thats a fantastic piece Daniel. Where did you get it??!!

Dennis

Nice tool! Wish I had one...

You know, I have always used a sharpened pencil to stop the o ring where I want it. Don't remember where I read to do it that way, or when, but it does work.

Same principal as the targa barrel in the Snorkel barrel I guess.

Oh well, to each his own.

Cheers,
SG

If there's interest, I can add it to the (really long!) list...

--Daniel

I picked up a cache of old pen repair tools a few years back; took me a while to identify them -- there are still a few mytery tools in the bunch.

--Daniel

I love the fact that it looks to be made of old striped celluloid rod-stock from the earlier balance and lifetime pens.

John