How Do You Fix A Clicking Vintage Nib?

[nibl]

Got my first vintage pen. The only issue is that it makes a clicking sound when I apply pressure. Also, ink spatters when the click occurs.

 

It is a very soft, broad medium, gold nib on a Parker from the 1940s.

 

What is the best technique to fix the nib?

[hari317]

Likely the nib is not sitting correctly on the feed and set correctly in the section.

[welch]

Send the pen to a nib specialist. Do not try to fix it yourself and do not trust any diagnosis here, based on our reading that the nib clicks. A nib specialist will have worked on many, many nibs. They need to hold the pen, write with it, examine it. The odds are good that they will have seen and repaired whatever makes your nib click.

 

By the way, a 1940's or 1950's Parker will be a great pen. Care for it and it will last a long time.

[Bo Bo Olson]

Why apply pressure....if needed, the nib is not right.

[Bo Bo Olson]

I didn't know Parker made 'soft' nibs in the '40's....I thought they were all nails.....so your nib could be sprung.

 

Are you holding the fountain pen behind the big index knuckle like a fountain pen, or before it like a ball point?....makes a big difference to the stress put on the nib.

Edited March 23, 2018 by Bo Bo Olson

[gena_at_nibs]

It's actually likely the opposite of sprung tines--they are probably pinched together and the nib set incorrectly on the feed. I second the suggest to send it to a qualified nib specialist.

[mitto]

There might be two reasons for the nib to click. As mentioned by posters above either it is not set right on the feed/inside the section or the tines are pinched too close together.

 

Both ailments can be home treated only if one has the required expertise and confidence. For a newbie it is advisable to send the pen to a nib specialist.