The Fountain Pen Network > Pbms with lever in Sheaffer Valient

tomw

Feb 14 2007, 05:30 PM

Hi,

I am relatively new to this (only up to about a dozen pens so far!) and I just got a nice triumph-nibbed, lever fill Sheaffer Valient (Ca 1946-47). The pen fills well and it writes very well - but the lever does not "snap" down well. It has about 1/8" of free play so I risk catching it when I put the pen in my pocket.

I think these have a metal piece inside that acts as a spring to keep the levers down - but that is just a guess on my part.

In any case, how can this be fixed? Is it a huge job only for a professional? Or does the section remove easily to allow access. Or can something be done from outside.

Thanks in advance for any help.

PS I currently use scotch tape to insure that the lever is not accidently caught.

Tom

fountainbel

Feb 15 2007, 10:46 AM

Hi Tom,
It could be easier if you post a picture of the barrel showing the leverbox.
When possible a picture with the lever inserted & a picture with the lever fully out.
regards, Francis

Roger W.

Feb 15 2007, 03:29 PM

Francis;

I have no clue what you are going to diagnos with an external picture of an internal problem. I agree that pictures often do solve problems but, I don't think this time.

Sounds like the spring that returns the lever is damaged and, I would guess, would probably best be replaced.

Roger W.

fountainbel

Feb 15 2007, 05:54 PM

QUOTE (Roger W. @ Feb 15 2007, 03:29 PM)

Francis;

I have no clue what you are going to diagnos with an external picture of an internal problem. I agree that pictures often do solve problems but, I don't think this time.

Sounds like the spring that returns the lever is damaged and, I would guess, would probably best be replaced.

Roger W.

Roger,
I expect you are right, but I thought there was a small possibility the lever or lever box was bend outwards.
Francis

tomw

Feb 16 2007, 02:37 AM

Hi,

Thanks for the opinions. I think it must be the spring inside. The body of the pen is not distorted out in any way - as it might be if the level was compressing a too hard sac (and it fills fine in any case). I have not mastered theart of pen photography yet so I cannot post pix but I hope to soon.

Ron Z

Feb 16 2007, 03:08 AM

QUOTE (tomw @ Feb 15 2007, 10:37 PM)

Hi,

Thanks for the opinions. I think it must be the spring inside. The body of the pen is not distorted out in any way - as it might be if the level was compressing a too hard sac (and it fills fine in any case). I have not mastered theart of pen photography yet so I cannot post pix but I hope to soon.

In cases where the lever is loose like this, look for a J bar that isn't positioned right, or maybe a replacement J bar that needs to be modified. Some of the J bars that are sold today have a U shaped channel that is quite deep. When this is the case the sides of the J bar hit the barrel, and don't press against the end of the lever tightly enough to hold it closed.

If the former, you'll need to reposition the J bar (which can be a pain). If the later, the sides of the channel need to be ground down so that they are nearly flush with the spring.