I recently got a Parker 51 Pen/Pencil set, and to my dismay I cannot get the pencil to work. It is a twist type pencil. Does anyone know of any usual problems with these and/or how to fix them? Any information would be greatly appreciated. I can't even figure out how to take it apart. Thanks.

-Robert

what have you tried exaclty and in wich fashion the pencil does not want to work? frozen? turns but no lead?

Robert,

Parker 51 twist pencils have a few common issues. The mechanisms are often just gummed up with graphite bits but getting them clean can be easier said than done. Other issues include a split carrier tube which is not easily repaired and damage to the follower tabs on the inner mechanism. Also not easily repaired.

Fortunately if you need it fixed, parts are around. It seems the plastic outer shell broke about as often as the mechanism.

If you want to take it apart, remove the cap and then remove the metal tip. The tip is threaded to the metal mechanism. The barrel is press fit onto the mechanism. Careful removing the barrel, they like to crack. The outer tube also likes to split so careful there as well. Taking the mechanism apart is not something you want to do unless you really need to, they often don't go back as parts were press fit.

Todd

The pencil turns but no lead advances, yet if I unscrew the tip of the pencil, lead is visible. How do I remove the cap? It doesn't seem to want to pull off, nor twist off in the opposite direction.

I found the problem. Someone has tried 0.5 mm leads in it and has shoved several of them into the pencil. I managed to get a couple out, but I may still need to take the mechanism apart. If you can tell me how to do it, please do. BTW I figured out how to get the cap off.

I got it fixed. If anyone else needs help with this endeavor, here's what I did:

1. Remove the cap - it pulls straight off
2. Remove the silver tip - it scres off
3. Remove plastic barrel from metal mechanism
-I did this by holding onto the barrel and placing the pencil tip down
onto a hard surface and pressing so that the barrel slides off.
4. Remove outer silver colored metal housing from inner brass colored mechanism.
-The silver housing should pull off of the brass away from the tip with some force.
I used neddle nosed pliers, but I wouldn't suggest this, as it put several tool marks on the brass part.
You can't see them unless you have the pencil apart. I just wanted to make my pencil able to write.
5. Troubleshoot your problem from there. Mine had several problems I was unaware of.

-Robert

Careful on step number 4. The outer sleeve has a habit of splitting when you put it back together.

Todd

Lead jamming is not uncommon. A small sharp---.030 " diameter bit in a holder designed for same will often break up/drill out the lead jam. Gently tapping the pencil on a reasonably hard surface will dump the debris out. Don't be too aggressive when drilling---drill a little, see the debris, withdraw, tap, dump debris, repeat until no more lead bits come out. Stop when you feel substantial resisrtance-you'll have come up against the brass(?) piece of the pusher/rider. "Micro bits" are commonly avaliable as are the holders--try hobby shops or on line retailers for same if you're not fortunate enough to have a store of that kind where you live.