On some of my pens, the nib is not centered over the feed. I just got a mint Estie nib, which is also like this. Is this a problem, other than asthetically?

Is there an easy way to fix it, without removing the nib & feed?

Thanks!

Dave

I've had a few like that as well. I had a Monteverde Sonata that was way off when I got it. On that particular model, the nib could easlily be separated from the feed and I was able to adjust it by hand. I also have an Estie 9668 nib which I currently use on an SJ model that had the same issue but I carefully shifted the nib by applying light thumb pressure to the side in order to align it with the feed. I don't recommend doing this with all fountain pens, but Estie nibs are replaceable and aren't difficult to find so I took a chance. It worked on my Esterbrook and it still writes very well. You can always leave it as it is and as long as it doesn't interfere with the flow of ink, it shouldn't be a problem other than a minor eyesore.

How is it not centered? Is the nib sort of skewed to one side or the other (an angular displacement), or is it a rotatational displacement? How does it perform? Not having the breather hole (and tine slit) lined up with the air/ink channel often is the cause of ink flow problems.



Depends on how lucky you are . If the displacement is angular, you may be able to straighten the nib with just finger pressure without removing the nib and feed. For those rotated nibs, it is more likely you will have to remove the nib and feed to correct it. I assume here we are talking of normal open nibs, and not say Sheaffer Triumphs, Parker 51's or 21's etc.

In the case of the Estie, I'd probably work with it out of the pen, just to clean it up, and see what shape the screw-in part was in. Again, an angular displacement would likely be the easiest to correct (and likely the most probable problem, as this is often caused by trying to unscrew a balky or stuck nib unit). If this is the case, you may want to soak the section overnight to try and loosen the ink jamming it. Then, you need to try to unscrew it. If it still is difficult, soak some more - perhaps in warm water. Repeat as necessary. With it out, a thorough cleaning of the threads and section is in order to make it remove more easily in the future. You then can try straightening the alignment by twisting the nib (pressing on the appropriate side of the nib near its widest point as necessary to move it over in alignment. If it is more rotated than angled, you can also try the same force, but it will have to be applied closer to the base of the nib. Most likely you will have to try to remove the nib and re-insert it in the correct position.

With non-screw in nibs, it is best to just remove them, clean and replace them together as you hold them in the correct alignment.

HTH

Gerry

Thanks for the suggestions. I have a few pens/nibs with this problem. I'll check out all the ones I remember, see if it's a rotational problem, and try to fix.

Dave

i would refrain from applying pressure as the estie nib and feed are tightly set in a delicate plastic collar which might break if so strained.

such minute feed nib displacements make no difference whatsoever to the performance of the nib. if you are right-handed, and the displacement of the nib is toward you when the feed faces down, then such displacement is a plus because in the course of using the pen for many years there will be a tendency for the nib to shift to your right and many years down the road, alignment will be reached.

(still many more years afterward, alignment will be to your right. maybe one reason to become ambidextrous ;--])