Problem With Parker Ballpen

[Instantwhip]

I have a Parker Ballpoint, I think it is a 75 [similar to a 51 or 21 ballpoint but a more modern version] with a cap that moves rather than a push button as with a Jotter or Classic.

 

Depending on what refil is put in it [Parker or generic G2 though both will do either of the problem events] it either locks with the pen tip down, or the cap slides up and down but does not lock in place with the tip down and so able to write.

 

Is this repairable by a novice, or who can repair it in the UK - I've found several UK repairer, but their websites only refer to Fountain Pen repairs and don't mention Ballpoint repairs?

[ceejaybee]

It sounds like a problem with the mechanism inside the cap, it might just be gunked up with ink from a leaking refill, try gently cleaning it out with some Q tips wetted with water/detergent solution. It might use up a good few Q tips but should help.

 

The other possibility is damage to the mechanism which looks like this (if its a 75)

 

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab212/ceejaybee_photo/Pk75Rat.jpg

 

You can replace these if 1. you can get hold of the part and 2. you can remove the original, I'll warn you now they're not easy to get out.

You need to unscrew the clipscrew on the end of the cap, the problem is Parker glued these in place and are tough to undo without causing further damage. Try wearing a rubberglove for grip and unscrewing it by hand, If you can get it to turn your half way there, you'll have to stop the mechanism from spinning inside the cap, a refill is as good a tool as anything to hold it still. Swap out the mechanism and put it back together and should be good as new! Good Luck

 

just curious what the finish is on your ballpoint? sterling, goldplated, etc???

[Instantwhip]

It sounds like a problem with the mechanism inside the cap, it might just be gunked up with ink from a leaking refill, try gently cleaning it out with some Q tips wetted with water/detergent solution. It might use up a good few Q tips but should help.

 

The other possibility is damage to the mechanism which looks like this (if its a 75)

 

http://i865.photobucket.com/albums/ab212/ceejaybee_photo/Pk75Rat.jpg

 

You can replace these if 1. you can get hold of the part and 2. you can remove the original, I'll warn you now they're not easy to get out.

You need to unscrew the clipscrew on the end of the cap, the problem is Parker glued these in place and are tough to undo without causing further damage. Try wearing a rubberglove for grip and unscrewing it by hand, If you can get it to turn your half way there, you'll have to stop the mechanism from spinning inside the cap, a refill is as good a tool as anything to hold it still. Swap out the mechanism and put it back together and should be good as new! Good Luck

 

just curious what the finish is on your ballpoint? sterling, goldplated, etc???

 

It is the lustalloy finish and with a metal clip cap, which is indented.

 

Any idea where the parts are available from??

Edited August 15, 2010 by Instantwhip

[ceejaybee]

 

It is the lustalloy finish and with a metal clip cap, which is indented.

 

Any idea where the parts are available from??

 

I would be sure which model it is before I started hunting for the parts, if it's stainless it could be one of many (45, 61, 75, 95......) depending on what it is, it would probably cheaper to replace the pen then go to the trouble and expense of repair. Are you sure its a 75? The easiest way of identifying the model is by the style of clip. Any chance of a photo?

[nxn96]

 

It is the lustalloy finish and with a metal clip cap, which is indented.

 

Any idea where the parts are available from??

 

I would be sure which model it is before I started hunting for the parts, if it's stainless it could be one of many (45, 61, 75, 95......) depending on what it is, it would probably cheaper to replace the pen then go to the trouble and expense of repair. Are you sure its a 75? The easiest way of identifying the model is by the style of clip. Any chance of a photo?

Sounds to me like a 45, although a photo would tell us for sure. They are easy to find on the market (including some NOS from the last version of 45's that stopped just a few years ago). If it is a 45, I would suggest trying the "clean up" of the cap and see if that works; otherwise, you might be better off hunting down another one off Ebay.

 

Ceejaybee: Does Instantwhip need to be careful about cotton threads from the Q-tip getting caught in the mechanism whilst trying to clean it out? That would be my one concern about using a Q-tip.

[ceejaybee]

Ceejaybee: Does Instantwhip need to be careful about cotton threads from the Q-tip getting caught in the mechanism whilst trying to clean it out? That would be my one concern about using a Q-tip.

 

45 was my hunch too..........Instantwhip is the clip like the jotter arrow clip?

 

If the mechanism is in good shape to begin with and just needs a clean then internally it should be smooth enough not to catch the threads, but if the two teeth that hold and turn the refill are chewed up or damaged then I don't think it could be repaired anyway so there's not a lot to lose at this point.

 

If it turns out to be a 45 then I have a used cap that you can have just PM me your address and I'll send it