The nib and feed on my 1551 nib are slightly misaligned causing ink blobs from time to time. I have never fixed a pen or a nib in my life, as I lack the skills and tools. Is it possible for me to realign the nib and feed easily or is it better to scrap it and purchase a new nib, which is very cheap?

It's often easy to realign a nib. Just gently push it into place with your thumbnail or against a piece of paper. Since you're willing to replace the nib anyway it's a good chance to practice. The tines want to be aligned and without a big gap in between them. As far as the feed goes try to wiggle the nib into the proper position.

I second jbb's comment to use your thumbnail or fingers to move the nib. The question we need to ask, however, is does the nib write smoothly to begin with? If the nib and feed are misaligned, and the nib is scratchy and worn, this becomes an attempt at futility, or an exercise in nib repair, take your pick. 1551 nibs are very inexpensive by the way, you can pick one up for less than ten dollars, shipped.

Best-
Brian

This is my smoothest writing Esterbrook nib so I want to salvage it if I can. I'll give jbb's suggestiona whirl and if I mess up I'll be e-mailing you, Brian, for a new 1551. Thanks for the help.

Unless you go at it with a hammer, it will probably be ok.

After reading this, I looked at a 9556 nib on my green Esterbrook I purchased recently from eBay. It felt very scratchy and didn't write very well.

Through magnifying glasses I could see the tines were misaligned, and could feel the "step". I got brave and gently pushed the raised tine down. It took a few tries before it looked ok...man, what a difference in the way it lays down ink!

I am a complete newbie, but hope to become proficient doing basic repairs and maintenance of fountain pens. It feels pretty doggone good to have gotten this green Estie to perform so much better. Also, following instructions carefully, I replaced the sac in this pen...and it works!