Hi, all

Hoping you can help with something... i'm sure we've all encountered this when cleaning a pen or attempting to replace a bad nib...

You pull the section, gently knock out the feed and nib, clean both (or find a same-size replacement), but when you try to reinsert them, the feed goes in, but the nib won't go in as far as it had been, or not at all past the very end. Sometimes using a little silicone has worked, but a number of times, it doesn't. Especially frustrating when you just removed the nib/feed from that section!

I really cannot recall where I heard about it, but there's supposedly something called a nib vise, which holds the feed/nib securely but safely, allowing you to gently "hammer" the section onto them with a soft mallet ... kinda like a reverse knockout block.

I've done all kinds of searches, but cannot find the remotest reference to this. Was I simply reading a myth, or do such animals really exist? If not, can anyone offer an alternate solution?

As always, thanks much!!!

Hi, I believe this is what you are looking for.

The nib vice (available from Peter Twydle at the Pen Museum) is a great tool.
It allows safe insertion and can be screwed to your workbench for additional stability if desired.

Not cheap at £30.00 but in my opinion, well worth it if you are planning on doing lots of your own repairs.

Here's the link to the page. http://www.penmuseum.co.uk/spares.htm
The nib vice is TOOL-06

I had been bouncing back and forth between purchasing a nib vise or the nib pliers that Tryphon sells which are a little cheaper.

However, after a reading a thread regarding this subject I have started marking the section with pencil on the feed side and rematching it on reinsertion with a little bit of heat (hair dryer) on the section and some soap (per da book) on the end nib and feed. Since trying this method I have had zero problems getting the nib and sections back to their correct depth (10 pens and counting)

I still may get the vise or the pliers but thus far haven't had the need. Only because it is still uncomfortable gripping both pieces on reinsertion. But, try the above if you haven't already, it might save you some cash.

Cheaper alternative from Rolson is a hand held vise like tool, with leather jaws, plastic, with a wing nut screw for tightening. £4.99 from Maplins, no affiliation, just they seem to have the sort of stuff that helps me get by. This is a make do tool BTW, not even close in comparison to the real thing.


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Thanks, guys.
Anyone know is those things are available stateside? Saves on shipping!

That Rolson looks interesting... I can think of a couple of uses for it...
Anyone want to get together to save shipping....

The Rolson tool Eckiethump posted is called a ring clamp in the US jewelry trade.

Some jewelers' tool supply places in the U.S.:
Allcraft in NYC (800) 645-7124,
Rio Grande (800) 545-6566,
Contenti in RI ((800) 343-3364 or contenti.com,
Otto Frei in SF (800)772.3456 or ottofrei.com.

The simple wood clamps with wood wedge and leather lining at the business ends
are about USD7.00 w/o SH. Here's this other type of ring clamp:
Click to view attachment

Search eBay for jewelers ring clamp; several will be found, as low as $4.75 delivered in US

Click to view attachment
Thinking about it, it is better to use a single-ended ring clamp, built just like the Rolson tool. From Contenti in RI, for example, it currently costs $5.80 + SH.

If you use the double-ended clamp, you risk pushing the wedge in too hard when you're fitting the nib and feed, thus crushing them.

Thanks! From what I can see, though, the preferred would be one with an adjustable-screw closure, since you could "feel" when it might be getting too tight...
Those of you who've used 'em, is nylon or plastic a better choice than wood?

What really matters is that the leather pads not be worn down so that there's cushioning for the nib and feed. I have wood ring clamps that are 60 years old. They were well cared for before I got them, and are working perfectly. I've replaced the pads on one.