Twist Vs. Snap/friction Fit

[FLJeepGuy]

For the most part I enjoy the tactile experience with the twist cap, however, there are a couple of pens that fall in the other category for me. First, my VPs are excellent when I'm taking short notes over a period of time, or when I'm walking around jotting down notes at work. The second would be my Visconti Michelangelo with it's magnetic cap closure. It works like a snap cap, but much more secure and won't wear out or loosen over time.

[DrPJM1]

I enjoy the full experience of vintage FP use. To me, friction-fit caps are...too modern.

[Claver]

Snaps--I generally like the speed when switching, and with my twist caps I'm always worried that I'll over-tighten and damage the pen (which is, of course, my own malfunction and not that of the twist cap).

 

Truth be told, I'm an even bigger sucker for the gimmicky mechanisms. For example, the retractable nib on the VP, or the bayonet-style Homo Sapiens.

[georges zaslavsky]

Chose either. It depends on the design and the use.

same for me

[opitzs]

I chose twist, because

1. It gives me feeling of security, even though I don't know, if this is objectively true.

2. The ritual of untwisting focusses me and is a little "Zen moment", just for me

[sexauerw]

Either one can be good or bad. Most twist caps are quite good, but some have poorly designed threads and won't stay tight. For example: Sheaffer Connaisseurs, I wouldn't dare carry one in my shirt pocket. And most snap caps are fine too, especially on S. T. Duponts. But some are too loud to use in meetings and some wear out too quickly. So for me there is no clear answer to the question.

[ticoun]

i prefer screw-on, as it feels more secure. for notetaking the definite best would be a pilot VP.

[ashbridg]

The problem with screw caps is they put the threads on the section where I like to hold the pen. I much prefer the clutch cap on Sheaffer PFMs. It is a slip cap, but calling it a “snap cap” is misleading (I think of cheap ballpoints when someone mentions a snap cap).

 

The PFM has a clutch ring with spring loaded buttons to hold the cap on. The design is elegant, and the tension can be adjusted if necessary. Friction caps on many new pens are poorly designed, probably to save money. Typically, these caps have rubber bumps inside that wear out over time and cannot be repaired or replaced. I've had my PFM III for 50 years, and the cap still works fine.

Edited August 22, 2011 by ashbridg

[HeartMan]

I've had problems with snap on caps becoming loose with usage. I suppose if I banged up a thread for the twist on cap, I might wind up preferring snap on caps.

[RMN]

I voted twist, but happily buy snap-caps.

 

It is a 40-60 thing for me.

 

 

The unscrewing of a pen before writing has something special for me. For quick notes is just put the cap on without screwing.

 

But I have several really nice click-on pens, among them one of my favorites, my Edson.

 

D.ick

[sadiemagic]

Prefer twist. Twist caps won't wear out -- I have a snap top that is now loose after lengthy use.

[Dark Side]

I voted snap because I've been very happy with my Lamy caps which are quick to remove and replace for notes and thoughtful writing where I stop a lot to ponder. I don't mind my Twsbi's twist cap though, I just find it more convenient to have a snap. I'm not too worried about the caps wearing out since my Lamy caps should be relatively available to replace.

[IWantThat]

It may not be true, but I feel like twist caps are more solid than snap caps (unless they have those cool magnetic caps). I've had too many snap caps stop snapping after a while and then the pen wouldn't stay capped.

[raging.dragon]

I prefere threaded caps because (on average) they seal better and thus the ink doesn't dry out in the nib. I don'n normally post, but I also like threads for posting - that way if I need/want to post I can do so with less risk of scratching the finish.

 

However, I'm not really picky about this. I also like the Visconti bayonet mount cap. And my favourite pen design, the original OMAS 360, has a triangular shape which could only work with a snap cap.

[Joe in Seattle]

I am a traditional kind of guy.....screw off for me.

[River]

i prefer screw-on, as it feels more secure. for notetaking the definite best would be a pilot VP.

 

+1

 

I like snap caps, but they come off too easily in my pocket. One such pen is now retired to a cup on my desk, because the cap wore down and is too loose.

[Nonsensical]

Which option did you select, and why?

 

I prefer snap, because, with one exception, the threads on every twist cap pen I own are placed in such a way that they chafe against the webbing between thumb and forefinger as I write. .....

 

 

I don't have a "good" pen yet (just a Varsity) but I hadn't thought about the threads and their position on the hand.

I have small hands. I'll bet that will happen to me.

 

Snap/Friction caps are looking even better.

I have rather small hands too (As a reference, I can use a Pelikan M150 comfortably, without posting), but I use a classic tripod grip, and only my thumb rests against the threads, but I'm not sure why it would be chafing, unless the pen was constantly moving around in your fingers.

 

Actually, scrap that, I just tried holding a few of my pens. None of them came even close to having the threads resting on the webbing between my forefinger and my thumb...How...?

Edited August 23, 2011 by Nonsensical

[paolino_paperino]

Friction fit. Ideal for note taking.

[OcalaFlGuy]

Threaded caps. Snap & friction-caps wear off over time.

 

 

Vintage cap and barrel material can shrink enough for threads to loosen if not more thoroughly

torqued down (which isn't reall good for them) or they can loosen and drop the pen out of the

cap.

 

I suspect many here have a possessed pen that unscrews itself.

 

Bruce in Ocala, FL-as a matter of fact, I do

[mirosc]

I suspect many here have a possessed pen that unscrews itself.

 

Me too.