I purchased an Estie SJ on ebay, with the intent of attempting my first sac replacement on it, before attempting to repair my blue purse pen. However, the pen is working fine!

I've seen comments in other threads where people have discussed whether they do or do not think on old sac should be replaced even if it is working. I was wondering if there is any way to tell if a sac should be replaced or if it might be fine for a long time?

A little embarrassing note here: The last time I used my blue purse pen, it seemed to be working fine initially. But I used Higgins permanent drawing ink in it, being unaware at that time that it was a BAD IDEA. It seems to me that the shellac from the drawing ink probably contributed to the quick demise of the pen's sac. So when I do get to repairing it, I'm going to need to clean the shellac out of the pen and nib too. Don't worry, now I know better. In fact, that little mistake is what got me to searching around online and discovering this forum and the wonderful world of Esties, so there is a silver lining.

Koh-i-noor Rapido-eze (or something like that, I can't spell) will remove the Higgins from the nib and feed of your purse pen.

My rule of thumb is that any original sac should be replaced. They are all at least 50 years old now in the J series, and even if it fills OK, sooner or later (probably sooner) that stiff sac is going to crack and start leaking at the nipple where it gets stretched the most, or along the pressure bar. It's probably quite stiff already....

Many of them appear fairly flexible in spite of their age (usually have "Esterbrook" printed on them), but I don't want to risk a leaky pen, especially as I use lots of Noodler's Bulletproof inks. Easy enough to replace them, after all.

Peter

I'm glad to hear there is a product out there that will remove the drawing ink from the pen. Thanks for that info!

A very good point about risking a leaky pen. I am also using Noodler's bulletproof inks, and now just imagining the possible mess makes it easy to see replacing the sac.

Rapido-eze works great, but don't be surprised if it takes awhile. I had one Esterbrook stub that soaked in it for four days before opening up.

It's available online from many art supply dealers.

Todd

Thanks for letting me know it may take awhile to clean out the gunk. I won't worry so much that way if it does. And apparently it is safe to soak nibs for that long?

Luckily for me, it looks like I'll be able to get some at my local art supply store. At least there will be one item I can get locally and not have to order.

It doesn't hurt the Renew Points to soak for a long time. If you have access to an ultrasonic cleaner, toss it in there for a while. You can also use a dilute ammonia solution to clean the nib.

Dish soap and an old tooth brush and a fine wire can help as well.

On the sac, if you have access to sacs change it. If you need help changing the sac, let us know or search the older posts on changing an Esterbrook sac.

Enjoy the habit

Todd

Thanks for the tips. I will order some sacs and tools, and give it a try. It's great to have experts to consult, as I'm sure I will have questions!