Pilot/namiki Feed Lock Removal Tool?

[Mon34480]

I'm not too sure what it's called but practically all pilots upwards of 50$ uses this transparent feed lock which needs to be unscrewed to take out the feed/nib. Is there some sort of special split screwdriver tool for this which can be bought somewhere and hopefully not cost an arm/leg?

 

Any help would be much appreciated


It looks like this:

http://www.tomattarashinu.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/07-lockscrew.jpg

 

This was a custom made from the user above which is obviously not for sale but linking it here as an example:

http://www.tomattarashinu.com/wp-content/uploads/2013/01/06-HoodedPilotShortPen.jpg

Edited May 24, 2016 by Alteyz

[watch_art]

Get a thin piece of brass tubing and a small square metal file, and file away until you have two fingers left that will fit into your plastic part.

[Dr.Grace]

Usually the nib/feed are friction-fit (at least on the Custom 74 etc.) and you can just give them a tug to pull them out.

[kirchh]

I'd made a set of these (there are two sizes, I understand)) as a special order a while back:

 

 

--Daniel

[Flounder]

I've definitely read of someone sacrificing a new Pilot converter (can't remember what type) to unscrew the cartridge piercer using friction alone, eschewing the dedicated slots.

 

If you make up a tool, I reckon it will have to be metal as watchart advises, the slots being so small. I got away with plastic to make a similar mk.2 Parker 65 collector tool, as the slots in the collector were helpfully huge.

 

 

 

[Dillo]

I'd made a set of these (there are two sizes, I understand)) as a special order a while back:

 

 

--Daniel

 

 

Yes, that is my set. The smaller one is for Sailor pens, and the larger one is for Pilot pens. I use them regularly, but I added a plastic sleeve in the Pilot one to prevent it from scratching the part when it is removed.

 

For Pilot Capless pens, the slots are smaller than on the other Pilot pens. You can also use the tool to remove the feeder case on the Pilot Custom 74. The feeder case on the Pilot Custom 74 is reverse-threaded. They did this so that when you use the tool to remove the feeder case, you insert it in the back of the grip section and turn it counter-clockwise, and the feeder case will come out the front of the grip section.

 

Dillon

Edited May 25, 2016 by Dillo

[Alan-Marshall]

I have two Pilot Elites to repair.
1. I have one with a leaking crack in the section and I have a donor pen that will provide the new section shell.
2. I have an 18k with Posting nib that has had the two flanges that guide the cartridge or converter pushed out against the wall, so I'm assuming I need to replace the feed and piercer. Unfortunately the feed is a different style that the donor pen.

A friend was saying that the business end of the tool Dillon discusses above should be make-able with the right diameter of brass tubing. Can we get the specifications, like diameter, what to cut or file away, etc.?

[Gump]

I have two Pilot Elites to repair.

1. I have one with a leaking crack in the section and I have a donor pen that will provide the new section shell.

2. I have an 18k with Posting nib that has had the two flanges that guide the cartridge or converter pushed out against the wall, so I'm assuming I need to replace the feed and piercer. Unfortunately the feed is a different style that the donor pen.

 

A friend was saying that the business end of the tool Dillon discusses above should be make-able with the right diameter of brass tubing. Can we get the specifications, like diameter, what to cut or file away, etc.?

Here's the tool I use for Pilot's - it's a bit worn, so take that into account on the tab measurements. With respect to the piercing unit, the vertical tabs are frequently broken. You may want source a replacement from one of their less expensive desk pens. That said, sans the vertical tabs, you can likely still use it by refilling cartridges or converters, since the base is what establishes the seal.

 

https://imgur.com/a/YKyZBm1

[Alan-Marshall]

Here's the tool I use for Pilot's - it's a bit worn, so take that into account on the tab measurements. With respect to the piercing unit, the vertical tabs are frequently broken. You may want source a replacement from one of their less expensive desk pens. That said, sans the vertical tabs, you can likely still use it by refilling cartridges or converters, since the base is what establishes the seal.

 

https://imgur.com/a/YKyZBm1

Thank you! Which way should the tool be turned, clockwise or counterclockwise? Are the threads sealed and do I need to apply heat?

 

BTW, I managed to get the flanges away from the wall of the section and slide a converter into place, so my Elite with a Posting Nib is up and running!

Edited October 18, 2020 by Alan-Marshall

[Gump]

Thank you! Which way should the tool be turned, clockwise or counterclockwise? Are the threads sealed and do I need to apply heat?

 

BTW, I managed to get the flanges away from the wall of the section and slide a converter into place, so my Elite with a Posting Nib is up and running!

Rarely have I needed to apply heat, so long as the interior is clean-ish. I usually soak and run a cycle in the ultrasonic prior to removing the collar. There should not be any sealant, unless it was an after-market repair job, which I have never seen.

 

Count-clockwise turning motion will unscrew it. Make sure you have a good fit, because the plastic collar can be damaged relatively easily. Best of luck.

[Alan-Marshall]

This pen is cursed. Last night I'm writing with it and notice ink on my fingers. There are two tiny cracks in the section wall and ink is seeping through. That's the second Pilot Elite that has done that with me.

[NEKNIM]

On 10/18/2020 at 3:48 AM, Gump said:

Here's the tool I use for Pilot's - it's a bit worn, so take that into account on the tab measurements. With respect to the piercing unit, the vertical tabs are frequently broken. You may want source a replacement from one of their less expensive desk pens. That said, sans the vertical tabs, you can likely still use it by refilling cartridges or converters, since the base is what establishes the seal.

 

https://imgur.com/a/YKyZBm1

 

Outer diameter: 6.9mm

Inner diameter: 6.3mm

Tab width: 2.4-2.5mm

The dimensions you posted in the imgur photo, will those work on the vanishing point, or just the Elite?

 

 

Edited April 12, 2022 by NEKNIM