Apologies if this has come up before, had a search around and couldn't find anything though.

I have a selection of he modern Balance pens, including ballpoints and rollerballs (sacrilege I know, but I like them). A couple of weeks ago I discovered some cracks on the lid of one of the ballpoints, start where the clip joins the cap and on both side of the clip, I thought I may have dropped it, as it is one of my daily users.

Now had a look at one if the fountain pens, again one regularly in my rotation and have noticed the same cracks (only smaller) I know I haven't dropped this.

I keep my pens in leather cases, some of which have those leather 'rings' inside to keep the pens in place and now wonder if these are the cause of the problem, perhaps exerting undue pressure on the cap when the clip slides over them.
Can't help feeling that he clip/cap should be more robust as it is designed to be clipped in and out of pockets and I may take it up with Sheaffers.

Anyone else had this problem or have any other ideas as to what may have caused it.

I have a half-dozen Balance II's, both the solid color and the marbled in blue and red. I also have the BP's in 3 colors, 2 solid and 1 blue marbled. None have any cracks.

John,

Thanks, I had read somewhere that the plastic on the caps was quite thin (but doesn't seem that thin to me) and wondered if it might be common problem.

I suspect it might be the design of the leather case I keep them in, but will take it up with Sheaffer because given their retail price I feel that the clip should be able to cope with the being used for it's intended purpose without damaging the pens.

I have a New Balance Aspen FP and have developed a longitudinal crack in the barrel below the threads. This is the second time this has happened. The first time I sent it back and they repaired/replace it. I would like to get this repaired so it doesn't happen again. Any suggestions?

Sometimes caused by the barrel being tightened too much, in my limited experience can't be repaired satisfactorily as any over tightening/pressure will cause it to split again.

I am waiting for a response from Sheaffer about mine, but if it has happend twice to you on the same model of pen and it hasn't been dropped might suggest a weakness in the barrel for at particular pattern, wonder if anyone else has had a similar problem.

Anyway they have a 'lifetime' guarantee so hopefully Sheafer will replace it for you again as I am hoping they will with mine.

I must add, though, that none of mine are in daily or heavy use. They rarely leave my desk. I am careful with all my pens about not over-tightening. I saw that photo, I think on another thread, with that Balance with a crack going all the way around the cap! Never seen anything like that on any of my pens--

My Aspen Balance fountain pen cap cracked in two just above the cap ring. I contacted Sheaffer customer service and sent the pen in. They replaced the cap. I purchased the pen in 2002. Sheaffer replaced the cap in 2004. I have had no problems with the replacement cap neither have I ever had problems with my 4 other Balance IIs.

Sorry to resurrect this post but I thought I should update.

After a gentle reminder Sheaffers put me in touch with UK distributor who asked me to send both pens back to them.

Less than a week later I have been sent a replacement for the ballpoint and as they couldn't replace/repair the fountain pen as it was one of the Millenium editions they have sent me a brand new Balance II in Crimson Glow a colour I don't have.

The bonus is that they have also returned the original FP, which is nice to have back although the cap is cracked hopefully with care it won't get any worse, so this can be an everyday writer. I have an unused spare anyway and if nothing else a spare nib should I decide to convert one of the rollerballs

Great result as far as I am concerned and has restored my faith in good customer services.


edited for typos (don't they have a spellcheck on this)

I have both the classic colour Balance II and the Jade. I had cracking issues with one of the Jades and sent it to Sheaffer for repair. It appears when it came back the plastic was thicker and I had heard the first production ones were rather flimsy. You may have an older one. I kept this Jade and traded the other one away.

Having said that I much prefer the classic colour Balance II's. They are a soft type plastic and hold up well without cracking. I have 2 of the black ones and they are durable. One got used everyday for two years and no cracking and the only wear thing was the posting ring that formed on the barrel. Though the clips can be rather flimsy as well. Careful clipping them to anything thick or it could "spring" the clip out.

Hope this helps.

Rowdy

Thanks Rowdy, I had also heard that some older pens had thinner plastic although it didn't look that thin to me. I'm quite pleased that Sheaffers sorted it out for me and I also got a new pen into the bargain.

I am quite careful with my pens but will take more care clipping them into pockets/cases in the future, but this is the first time I have had any problem with any of my better pens.

Could you please let me know hwo you sent the pen back to, as I have a Millenium with a cracked cap also - maybe they can do something for me. Did you need proof of purchase?

The Crimson Glow FP I bought back in 1999 developed a crack in the cap at the clip attachment point within 6 months of my buying it. I took it back to the store where I bought it and they got me a new cap.

I have every color of the Balance II (except the Disney LE). That was the only one that developed any cracks.

DustyBin PM sent with details.

I really like my Balances, just a shame that they seem a bit fragile, the only pens I have that this has happened to.