Hi everyone,
I have two vintage Cross Century Classic BP's that I purchased on ebay over the past year. Both have very stiff twist mechanisms due to their age. I was wondering if I can fix this problem without sending them to Cross. Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hi over the years many of my Cross classic ballpoints have become stiff. i have tried several lubricants to no avail. In the past I had two repaired by Cross, but I find if I just keep using them they remain about the same. I keep hoping they will loosen but they don't.
I will watch this post because it is nicer when they are not stiff. Some remain easy to turn and some get stiff. Good Luck.

I have several Cross BPs that have also stiffened up over time. Most of them will loosen slighty if used regularly, but none have ever become as smooth as I expect them to be. On the flip side, I have a couple that have very loose mechanisms, so it may be the lack of precision of the mechanism or dried up lubrication, or some other unknown cause.

Somewhere, somebody should have tried fixing this. Maybe they can share their approachs/results.

All else fails, "Hello, Cross Service"...

Hugh

Thanks for your replies. I am hoping others can give advice on this problem. I've been using one of my stiffer pens regularly and it does seem to be loosening someone. Write Away, I know what you mean about the mechanism being too lose; I have seen this problem in my brand new Cross Century BP's.

My solution is to "twist 'em and wrist (use) 'em! It's worked so far!