So I was filling my translucent blue Pelikan M200 tonight when I noticed that the little trim ring on the piston knob was loose. I was able to push it back into place but is this something that could cause a problem later on? I've noticed that when filling this pen recently, it only seems to take about 3-4 turns of the piston knob to fill. I think it took more than that when I first bought the pen (August 2005) but maybe I'm imagining that.

The trim is back in place now and probably won't move until I loosen the piston knob again. But is it something I should look into getting fixed?

On that note, what's the best way to remove posting scratches from the m200's translucent plastic body?*


(*Please, no lectures on posting my pens-- with this one, posting the cap is the only way I can comfortably write with the pen. So I'm willing to accept posting scratches but buffing them out every now and then sounds like a good idea.)

Hi Sonnet,

The good old trick for almost anything, shellac, can be used for fixing the ring. you just have to be careful where (which side of the ring) you apply it, and do it with a tooth pick. Just let capillary action do its work, by touching the ring where it lies against the knob. Once it is all dry, you can remove the excess of shellac with a cloth just slightly damp of alcohol. Maybe it is best to empty the pen first, and then move the ring against the knob, where it belongs.

Simichrome or another polish should be fine to remove those scratches, or maybe MicroMesh 12000, or even a combination. I've used both with great results.

HTH, warm regards, Wim