Hi guys,

I got my first Hero pens yesterday and at first was very impressed with them. For such cheap pens I didn't expect the nibs to be this smooth.

The old version 329 is smaller than the Jumbo 616. The 329 puts down a wetter and slightly broader line. But both pens lived up to my expectations.

Until I saw there was ink on my fingers and found out the 616 leaked ink at the seem where the looking glass is attached. The longer I hold it the more ink gets on my fingers so the pen is unusable.

I contacted the seller so we'll see what he says.

I would appreciate your advise though.
Is this common with this pen? I know it's a cheapie so I don't expect perfection but it should at least be usable right?



Also I'm new to this filling mechanisme. Read up on it before I got the pens but am afraid I don't master this filling yet. I sqeezed at least 5 times and let go again. But I think it filled about 1/4th of the sac which was enough for me to try the pens. Any tips on how to do this better?

Thanks

Sounds like no sealant was used on the section. Try unscrewing the section. If it comes off moderately easily, try putting some shallac on the threads.

If it doesn't unscrew fairly easily, look for a crack in the clear connector - if there is one visible I'd suggest you get in contact with the seller about it.

Regards

Richard.

I'm talking about the looking window. Do you mean screw the barrel loose or can you screw the section and the looking window open too? Which means you can screw the pen into 3 pieces? Because it seems to leaking out on the seem between the section and the window.

Also I'm not sure what shellac is. If anyone knows what the Dutch word for it is please let me know.

I also have a 329 and a 616. Interestingly, the writing characteristics of mine are just the opposite of yours. My 616 writes a slightly wider and considerably wetter line than the 329. My 329 is more like an EF nib. I really enjoy using these pens, in fact I was writing in my journal this morning with the jumbo 616.

As for the leak, I would definitely want a replacement from the seller, and I would think they would provide one since the pen is obviously defective.

Filling? Are you leaving the pen immersed in ink after releasing the sac on the final squeeze? I usually wait to a count of ten before removing the pen from the ink. This allows time for the ink to be drawn up into the sac.

Thanks for the filling tip. No I just took the pen out of the ink after the last squeeze. Next time will leave it in for 10 seconds.

Yes, I will just wait what the seller says.

Update for everyone who needs closure.

The seller just emailed me back saying this is not normal and he'll send me a replacement.

edited because I forgot the word "not"

My 616 jumbo came with no sealant or shellac between the hood and section. It leaked much as you describe. I was able to remove the hood (with hands only, a clue that there was no sealant), add a line of shellac to the threads, let it dry for half an hour, and problem solved.

From looking at the section with the hood off, I think the window is one solid piece with the collector and sac nipple. In other words, I don't think it should be leaking from a point below the hood. Of course, I could be wrong, as it's been a while.

Once the problem was sorted out, the pen's been fine, writing a somewhat dry, fine line, pretty good for crosswords on cheap newsprint and notes in Moleskines.

Oh, shellac is this stuff. It appears the Dutch is lac, but I could be wrong. It's used to glue track tubulars on, so a trip to a bike shop may be in order.
Once you find some, a thin band is all you need to apply - it should be fairly thin, like paint. Keep it low, near the end of the threads near the window, and you'll be all set.

Best,
Jon

Thanks Jon.

I can''t seem to remove the hood part of the section though. So maybe it was sealed but not completely and that's why it leaks.

The Dutch word for shellac might be bandenplak, but that's an educated guess.

Since the seller is sending me a replacement I don't think I'll bother. With my "lack of" skills I'll probably break the pen in half.

I love your mild-manner... It's quite refreshing to see someone take a reasonable approach of asking before slamming/complaining about a pen, a seller, or a brand. I have the Hero 329 old style and 616 as well, and no, neither are suppose to leak.

The Hero pens are a mainstay in my rotation because I use them with the Noodler's inks that tend to creep and gush in others. They are relatively cheap and nifty, yea? Happy to hear that the seller is sending a replacement.

Best,
Kate

It's nice that you've got satisfaction from the seller.

Regards

Richard.