Parker Vacumatic

[ipse dixit]

Are the nibs in Parker Vacumatics interchangeable? I have a 1947 Vacumatic, one tine is broken off the nib. However, if I can get a nib from another pen I could trade the broken nib out. I know there are at least two sizes of nibs, but I don't know how to remove or replace the nib or what to look for in a replacement.

 

I have also thought about sending it to Richard Binder to make a stub out of it.

 

Also, does the section come off. I think the barrel is full of dried ink.

 

Any help would be appreciate.

 

Jim

[KevinGambrell]

Hi, I have replaced a couple of vacumatic nibs with nibs from other vacumatic with no problem. The diameter on the feed needs to be about the same and the nib wants to be about the same thickness. But in general i have had no problems swapping nibs.

 

My own bestest vacumatic has a Waterman nib for no other reason than I had the nib the day the pen turned up. I liked the combination so much I kept the nib and didnt worry about looking for another Parker. Try the guys in Canada Woodbins for a nib the owner is very helpfull .

 

The section does come off its threaded and stuck with shellac. warm the section with either warm water or a hair dryer, dont go over the top as the pen barrel is not heat proof. I never use ection pliers i alwys use a small square of rubber sheet and my fingers to unscrew pen parts.

 

kevin

[KevinGambrell]

Sorry ment to add this.

 

After I service my own vacumatics I do not use shellac on the section threads. I have started using a tiny ammount of silicone grease. Works a treat and allows the pen to come appart with ease.

 

I like it as it makes it 100 times easier to wash out any in before a colour change.

 

kevin

[SMG]

Jim, I have had exactly three Vac nibs either show up missing the iridium on one tine, or had the iridium break off when straightening the nib. I have reground all three into nice smooth stubs that are about 1.1mm wide.

The nibs are pretty much interchangeable if you stay within the same generation pen, as well as country of origin. Some Canadian feeds are slightly smaller in diameter and not interchangeable with US nibs.

 

That said, email me back channel, if you want a quick turn around I will regrind the nib, clean the pen and install a new diaphragm for you. http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b319/Ragnarok69/stubbedvacnib.jpg

[tryphon]

Sorry ment to add this.

 

After I service my own vacumatics I do not use shellac on the section threads. I have started using a tiny ammount of silicone grease. Works a treat and allows the pen to come appart with ease.

 

I like it as it makes it 100 times easier to wash out any in before a colour change.

 

kevin

Even better than silicone grease would be the Tryphon section sealant, made to 1935 Parker specs!