Parker 51 Cap Question...

[pajaro]

I may be wrong, but I think the "4 finger open basket" does not use the clutch ring to keep the cap in place. The fingers just use friction fit to grab the section, just as in a Parker 45. So, this type of cap is not as secure as the "5 window basket". Personally I prefer the earlier closed basket, is much better than the newer open finger style.

 

If the newer 4 finger open basket doesn't use the clutch ring, why include it, why slightly re-engineer it? Spacer?

 

If you prefer the earlier 5 window basket, do you disassemble your 51 caps to replace the 4 finger basket with the 5 window basket?

 

Or do you just use Vac 51 caps on your pens? I'm not sure where I might find that many.

 

Of course I do not change the basket, I do not have the proper tool to do that. I just try to keep the "window" pens and let the "4-finger" go. All Vac 51s have n-window baskets, I think they changed the window number at some point. Some early aeros also have this kind of basket. Newer MK2 aeros and all the MK3 (the pens with flat barrel end) have the 4-finger style.

 

Parker51.com say that

 

1962 Finger clutch introduced

 

So, 1948-1962 aeros have the window cap clutch.

I looked at some of the 51 Vac caps and some early aero caps. They are a lot different from the later aero caps with the four finger clutch, more recessed apparently. I had been thinking of changing the cap on that pen I put the wrong clutch ring on, but I decided instead to leave it alone or maybe change clutch rings with another 51 I don't use, supposing I will be able to get the hood off of it, another issue. Thanks for the info.

Edited November 2, 2012 by pajaro

[icardoth]

What leads you to believe that the fingers no longer attach to the clutch ring?

It's just a sensation. When I cap an old 51, I can feel the metal-to-metal contact (cap basket and clutch ring). I cannot feel the same while capping a "4-finger" model. Moreover, the 4-finger style cap slips much more easily from the section, and sometimes the pen uncaps by itself.

[Flounder]

Given that pajaro's cap, fitted with a 4 finger open basket, "hangs up on the deeper indent of the older clutch ring", I'd lay certain odds that the 4 finger design does use the clutch ring rather than just grip the section; otherwise it would be unaffected.

 

Have a look at the photo below - the fingers extend to the clutch ring area, and are pretty much straight until their ends, where they are curved. I would conjecture that when fitted inside the cap, this curved area is held in slight compression by the straighter cap walls, and that the apex of their arch rests between the two ridges of the clutch ring, in the recess.

 

http://i773.photobucket.com/albums/yy19/flounder2009/Gray%2051/th_Grey51001Large.jpg

 

Moreover, m'learned lud, I would hazard the following:

 

That the security with which the 5 finger basket was installed in the cap allowed the use of high ridges and a deep trough in the older clutch ring.

 

That the swap from 5 finger closed basket to 4 finger open basket was an effort to reduce production costs, given that the 4 finger clutch can be installed and removed without special tools, flaring and rolling cap lips and the like.

 

That the 4 finger open basket, being held in place only by keys and recesses in the inner cap plastic, was considered too weak a design to continue using the aforementioned high ridge, deep trough clutch ring.

 

That the clutch ring's profile was altered to accommodate the weaker design, giving less resistance to the fingers.

 

The case for the pedantic rests!

Edited November 1, 2012 by Flounder

[pajaro]

Flounder,

 

That's a masterful analysis and explanation.

 

I have the original Parker 51 aero I bought in new 1970 that has never been disassembled, and it is going to stay that way. I think I will retreat to using only that 51. Actually I never needed any other. It still works perfectly after forty-two years. I lost the pencil, though.

 

PM

 

 

[pajaro]

Interesting how the OPs question elicits the solution for a flip-side issue.

I don't feel so bad asking my question now. Glad it sparked a discussion. I have learned a lot from you guys!

 

Yes, look what you started! It often goes this way, one thing leading to another. These other guys really do know quite a lot. Sometimes it helps, and sometimes I just ruin another pen. Because of their help I ruin fewer pens now, though.

[InfernoOrangeSS]

I would like to add an update. I was able to get a replacement cap for my Parker 51 Special from parker51.com. I am very pleased with the price and service I received from them, (personal emails, etc.). So my Parker 51 Special now looks and feels complete. I have flushed it with soap/water and numerous clean water and let dry for some time awaiting the cap. I will try filling it with either Noodler's Black, or Quink Black and see if she writes at all.

 

Thank you to all who replied and helped out. Very thankful for the pictures and info that was shared!

[mitto]

I may be wrong, but I think the "4 finger open basket" does not use the clutch ring to keep the cap in place. The fingers just use friction fit to grab the section, just as in a Parker 45. So, this type of cap is not as secure as the "5 window basket". Personally I prefer the earlier closed basket, is much better than the newer open finger style.

Sorry to revive such an ancient post. But i just wanted to say it is not so. The 4 finger open basket clutch also engages the 'clutch ring' to make the cap stay on the pen. The clutch fingers do not even touch the hood to friction fit and grab the pen. A picture might be helpful.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited to add a picture of P45 clutch for camparison purposes. As can be seen the 45 clutch use friction fit to grab the section and hence the deformed and compressed section on many a 45.

 

 

 

Edited June 18, 2016 by mitto