Hello All;

I have some pens whose caps, while they don't come off, have some play in them,and they don't fit snugly.How do I get them to close crisply? Are there different methods for brand/model?
Is this a costly or complicated procedure, or can I do this at home without buying specialty tools?

Thanks for looking,
Harry

What brand and model of pens

You might try the Rick Propas method. I used it a couple of times with great success. Use a little scotch tape in the threads to snug up the fit. Doesn't take much. It's reversible also. Don't like it! Take the tape out and try again.

Louis

Thanks for your responses. Tom, one pen is a Frontier flighter whose cap spins when closed.I also have a silver Imperial; that one has just a hint of play.
TIA,
Harry

Hi Harry,

The caps on Frontiers will all turn fairly easily when capped so unless it spins like a top there is probably nothing really wrong there, I have never found one that sloppy but I will see if I can find one and if there is a fix.

With the Imperial it depends on how much play there is, all the caps tend to 'rock' a little after a year or two so unless the pen is NOS (unused like New but Old Stock) it is just one of those things, the later inlaid nib pens are less prone to cap rock than the earlier tubular nib pens that look very much the same with the caps on.

Depending on just which model of Imperial it is the caps are held in place by the three little studs that you can see sticking out of the back of the nib unit locating the unit in position inside of the cap and three annular humps in the cap over many years the studs and humps or grooves can wear or get compressed. The back end of the nib unit screws out and allows access to the ring on which the little studs are formed, it is possible to make the studs stand out a little further without deforming the ring too far so that the cap 'fits' a little better but unless the cap is flapping in the breeze or failing to stay on, giving the potential of inky pockets, it is rarely worth the effort.

These are just my opinions and others who know more may well have other thoughts on the subject.

Cheers, John