Hi,
I am a complete novice and I would like advise as to what tools if any I need to get started tinkering/repairing pens and where can I get a copy of Frank Dubiels book that won't cost a fortune in shipping?
Can anybody supply me with a package of the essentials to get started?
Thanks

Hi Terry and welcome to FPN! I have not attempted any repairs myself but just wanted to welcome you!

Thanks Playpen,
having just butchered a perfectly good pen to see the insides I think its time I acquired some knowledge....

I almost hate to ask. Which pen did you destroy?

There are wonderful pens on the market called demonstrators. They are clear and allow you to see the insides of the pens without having to take them apart. I have three: Lamy Vista, Omas Ogiva Vision and the Pelikan. They are great fun but you must be careful with the inks you use in them because red, violet and green may permanently stain the clear plastic.

Now you tell me!!It was a Cheap Cross that I have had for a while.

LOL! Google demonstrators. You'll love what you see. Beware though, they do occasionally leak inside (as do all pens only in the ones you can't see through, you'd never know it) and you might end up with a clear pen with some splotches of color inside!

Hi Terry, I've just invested in a set of just the stuff you seem to be interested in, one problem is that on this side of the pond they are v. expensive. PM me if you want any recs based on my experience in getting the kit, but bear in mind that I am just starting out in pen surgery...

I have actually thought about turning my hand towards pen-repair. I shall be watching this thread.

There are things like ink-sacs and sac-stretchers and "DA BOOK", available at Melbourne Vintage Pens (use google to find the site). A very VERY nice man named Peter Ford runs that establishment with his wife and I'm sure you could buy spare parts & various bits & bobs necessary for pen-repair, from him. I don't think it's especially expensive.

I recommend going to Richard Binder's site and read 'replacing a sac' and the rest of his reference stuff.

http://www.richardspens.com/?page=main.htm

If you are just planing on replacing a few sacs, I recommend a set of section pliers, the 'plug pliers that are sold at auto stores for ~$10 here work well, a selection of sacs and some shellac. A heat source like a hair-dryer may be necessary. Heat should be used carefully and you need some way to check the temperature. I use a sac spreader one time ... then figured it was a PITA and just use my fingers.

Before using a heat gun, try to learn what about 140-150F temperature feels like. you will be close enough for most pen repairs when you learn that. Check your 'reference temperature' often until you are confident you aren't cooking your pens. Be gentle and find some old junk pens to practice your torture skills on before you take them to something that will break your heart when you ruin it.

And, do get 'Da Book'. It isn't perfect, there is a lot of just plain wrong information in it and it is the best reference available. The two main wrong things are the use of an alcohol lamp ... there are just better methods now, and Frank's use of nail polish. His descriptions of how to get stuff apart is necessary at times.

Ron

Hello Terry. Welcome to FPN. My wife and I visited Ireland several years ago (my wife is half Irish), and loved every minute of our visit. Wonderful country.

Thanks guys for the welcome.Rayman I am delighted you enjoyed your time here and we like to think that most of America is half(or fully!) Irish anyway!

Hi Terry,
Welcome to FPN.