Does it make sense to replace a nib on a NN Sheaffer pen? Can I do it myself?

Hi Ben,
Absolutely!
Both the old-style NN (NoNonsense) nib-section units and the newer ones (that have a rubberized grip) unscrew from their respective barrels and can be replaced with different NN nib-section units, if you want to use a different nib width (M/F/XF/B) or type (regular nib vs. italic).

Please keep in mind that although the newer rubberized nib-section unit might fit on an old-style NN barrel, it will not allow the pen to be capped.
Additionally, I tried putting an old-style nib-section unit on my new NN and it would not thread completely onto the barrel.

Where do you suggest I look for a new nib-section unit? Will need an old style.

Hello Ben (and welcome!),

If you're open to trying the Italic NoNonsense nib unit (as sold in the NoNonsense calligraphy sets), you can probably locate a new-old-stock donor pen, at a decent price, with a single eBay search. I occasionally use an Italic Fine as a "regular" writer, and I find it generally pleasant in that capacity.

If, on the other hand, you're seeking a conventional round-pointed nib unit, you may need to search a bit longer and/or pay a little more. Here again, your best bet may be a donor pen, although odd lots of nib units do turn up on eBay from time to time.

We NoNonsense enthusiasts love to turn NN ballpoints into FPs, so there seems to be a ready market for the conventional nib units.

Good luck!

Jon

PS Probably the easiest visual cue (I'm thinking of crummy eBay listing photos here) to help distinguish "old" from "new" NN - in the absence of an item description that references a snap-on cap or a rubberized section - is the chrome cap band. The newer-style pen features a band that's significantly thinner than the old style's.

Do you know how the No-nonsense nib is fixed into the section: screwed, glued…?

Thank you,

José

Sorry, I have no idea and I don't want to try taking mine out. Maybe someone else here can chip in with their experience(s)....