Fixing A Bent Nib Tip From A Drop?

[hu-327]

When I clean and flush my pens, I usually leave them in an upper shelf above my desk. It just so happened that as I reached upwards to grab the cup I use to soak them in, my hand slipped and knocked it over. The pen fell on to the hard floor nib first, causing the tip to bend, and the inky water caused a mess. Is there any way to fix this?

 

It still writes, but not as optimally as before. I don't live nearby any pen shows, so unfortunately I can not bring it in person to a nibmeister if it is repairable. Is there any way to unbend the nib myself (I know that fixes for these are rarely self repairable but I would really prefer this as an option if so due to the cost of a nibmeister)? If not, could a nibmeister fix it to the way it was before or would it have to be ground into something else like a stub nib?

 

Thanks from a newbie.

 

 

[Brandywine]

That is bad luck!

 

Before looking for a nibmeister, I suggest checking the costs for an exchange nib.

[GlenV]

Well things like that happen for sure. If you wish to straighten this a bit it could be improved so at least the tines are closer in length, however if the gap is altered it may no longer work as it still does. Sideways bends are more difficult as the gap at the tip is more difficult to maintain. I usually have vintage pens that Im taking the nib out anyway and carefully adjust the tines separately by pushing one or other below/above to work on with soft pressing with wood on similar tool try to avoid scratching up. Then realign and smooth again when satisfied with the work. Good luck with whatever you choose.

[eatandoph]

I just inadvertently dropped a Cross Peerless pen with a Sailor nib from my desk, and it landed nib-down. It had run out of ink and I hadn't re-capped it because I was going to clean it out. Anyway, the tip of the nib is bent forward now, a little like a Pilot posting nib or the Falcon. I re-filled the pen to see how it would write as it is.

 

To my surprise, it actually still writes fine, with about the same line width. It has perhaps lost a touch of that distinctive Sailor feedback, feeling a little more dull, but the tines seem aligned properly. What I'm wondering is, if I just keep using it the way it is, am I likely to damage the nib over time? 

[eatandoph]

[Nethermark]

That's a pity, but fortunately it stll writes

 

As such, I don't think you'll damage the pen by writng with it, though that may depend on, how heavy your writing style is. With a heavy writing style, you may bent is back in a way that may damage the pen. I hope someone with more experience can comment a bit more on that

 

It's definitely possible to bend it back. However, this is a rather expensive nib, so if you haven't done this before on cheaper nibs, I would leave that to an expert

[Karmachanic]

It can be returned to its former splendour with a nib block and burnishing tools, but, as mentioned above, better left to experts if you have no experience.

Continuing to use it with a light hand should have no deleterious effect.

 

 

 

 

[eatandoph]

Thanks for these replies! I've never attempted anything more ambitious than smoothing a steel nib with micro-mesh, and I figure if I try bending the tines back into place (with whatever tools) I'm likely to make things worse. My hand isn't really heavy, so for now I will just be grateful that the nib's disfigurement is not disabling and continue using it as is.