i read somewhere that they only last a few years...is this true? the main reason for me not wanting a Vac is because of the (ostensibly?) short diaphragm life. i don't want to have to send in my pen every few years to get a replacement...thanks...

I've got a '45 Vacumatic which, for all I know, is on its original sac diaphragm (everyone yell at the dummy now). I believe this question came up on the repair forum, and the synopsis goes-- if installed properly so as to not be required to actually stretch on the down-stroke, several years rather than a few years, likely in the area of a decade or more.

But I'm too lazy at 6:30am to LOOK for the answer, so someone else had best chime in.

I've only had to have diaphrams changed because they got mangled due to poor installation by whoever had restored them last. Unfortunately, it's happened on every one of mine.

They should last as long as the sac in a lever filler, meaning some years.

Easier to fix that a bad piston or shaft seal on a Sheaffer vac filler, too.

Peter