51 Cap

[CS388]

 

The cap on this 51* is so tight, that it scratches and dulls the front of the section - and the end of the barrel, where it posts.

It's no great shakes, This is a daily workhorse pen - and I can micromesh then out easliy enough, should I choose.

But, I wondered if there was a way to 'relax' the grip, a little? Preferably without purchasing an expensive tool?

 

My other 51s cap and post securely, but don't have this issue.

 

Thanks.

 

*Aeromatic, UK 59

[remus1710]

maybe the cap isn t the original

[PaulS]

quite possibly. Since the wear is showing up forward of the clutch ring then it's likely the abrasion on the shell is being caused by the inner cap or the fingers of the clutch as opposed to the immediate inside of the cap mouth.

Could be the fingers or the inner cap are damaged and causing the problem - but as you comment removal does require a special tool, which isn't cheap.

 

If you have other 51s you might see if this problem cap is equally tight on those.

Edited August 14, 2019 by PaulS

[CS388]

maybe the cap isn t the original

 

Possible.

It's the cap which came with the pen and looked as if it had sat in a drawer, untouched for decades, when I got it. I assumed it was the original, but could be mistaken.

Thanks.

 

quite possibly. Since the wear is showing up forward of the clutch ring then it's likely the abrasion on the shell is being caused by the inner cap or the fingers of the clutch as opposed to the immediate inside of the cap mouth.

Could be the fingers or the inner cap are damaged and causing the problem - but as you comment removal does require a special tool, which isn't cheap.

 

If you have other 51s you might see if this problem cap is equally tight on those.

 

Excellent! I can't believe I never thought of that!

Yes, it's the cap. It's tight on all the 51's - and the other caps fit the teal pen snugly, without biting it.

 

Thanks for suggestions and advice.

Think I'll probably live with it.

And maybe swap the caps around, now and again.

 

Enjoy.

Edited August 14, 2019 by CS388

[ralfstc]

Rough edge to the inner cap? Easily sanded with emery paper and a dowel.

 

Ralf

[CS388]

Thanks, Ralf, that's a great idea. I'll look into it when I get home tonight.

 

Much appreciated.

[Ron Z]

The problem most likely is a loose cap clutch. When the clutch is loose, owners often compensate by jamming the pen into the inner cap to get it to stay on, instead of just putting the cap on until it stops. This can produce the scratches you see, and sometimes leads to a cracked inner cap.

 

The answer is to tighten the cap clutch so that the clutch grips the clutch ring on between barrel and section instead of depending on friction between the shell and inner cap to hold the cap on.

[PaulS]

in other words Ron - to bend the fingers inward which will make them grip the shell with more force ?? To do this requires the special puller to remove the clutch fingers and inner cap, but the op asks for alternative solutions - "Preferably without purchasing an expensive tool?"

Is it possible to tighten the clutch fingers without removing from the cap?

[CS388]

Thanks, Ron.

A great explanation.

And closer examination, of course reveals that you are exactly correct.

The marks correspond to the section being wedged into the inner cap.

 

And thanks, again PaulS, who suggested it first.

 

Semi serious, but I was also attempting humour with the expensive tool comment.

I fully endorse the right tool for the right job maxim. But, I am always interested in alternative methods.

I recently built an extractor to replace the suspension bushes in my old Honda Civic - if I could scale it down to pen size?

 

The fact that I know what's causing the issue has instantly lessened the daily damage, as I am aware of what it is. The cap still has a firm hold. I may get the correct tool and tackle it, one day. More likey to just live with it, for the moment.

It's the pen's utter reliability, rather than its looks, which make it a daily user.

 

Thank you all, for your replies and contributions.

It is greatly appreciated. And most useful.

[Ron Z]

It is possible to lift the individual fingers, but you have to be careful not to bend them too much, or twist them in the process. The best method is to use an clutch puller, reshape the clutch and reinsert - which sometimes brings its own set of problems when working on a lustraloy cap. Checking the clutch tension is one of the many things I do when I restore a 51.

[CS388]

Thanks, Ron.

I get the principle. I may tinker with it. Probably in idle moments, rather than a full-on repair.

It still works as my daily carry.

 

The most useful thing has been simply learning what the exact problem is.

Thanks again to all.