Pilot Custom Heritage 92

[olivier78860]

So I just received this pen, and I must say I am a bit puzzled by its conception.

 

1. The nib and feed are not slipped inside the section, but inside a plastic "cork" which seems to be screwed inside the section.

When I ordered it, after looking at the pictures, I thought it would be a nib unit, as in a Pelikan pen.

 

I think it's not a very clever way to proceed, as it really diminishes the easiness to clean up (ink staying stuck between the inner side of the section and the outer side of the "cork").

 

2. The part behind the piston is full of condensation. As I don't have a special key to unscrew the piston mechanism, it seems I'll have to live with it. This is also very disappointing.

 

All in all, and even if the nib is nice, I am very disappointed by this pen. For 159€, one should expect something better engineered. The Waterman Kultur demonstrator, which cost 7€, is more cleverly built.

 

Please share your impressions or a way to disassemble the pen.

 

Thanks !

[hari317]

So I just received this pen, and I must say I am a bit puzzled by its conception.

 

1. The nib and feed are not slipped inside the section, but inside a plastic "cork" which seems to be screwed inside the section.

When I ordered it, after looking at the pictures, I thought it would be a nib unit, as in a Pelikan pen.

 

I think it's not a very clever way to proceed, as it really diminishes the easiness to clean up (ink staying stuck between the inner side of the section and the outer side of the "cork").

 

2. The part behind the piston is full of condensation. As I don't have a special key to unscrew the piston mechanism, it seems I'll have to live with it. This is also very disappointing.

 

All in all, and even if the nib is nice, I am very disappointed by this pen. For 159€, one should expect something better engineered. The Waterman Kultur demonstrator, which cost 7€, is more cleverly built.

 

Please share your impressions or a way to disassemble the pen.

 

Thanks !

 

 

Hi Olivier.

 

disassembly instructions are here:

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/index.php?/topic/183987-pilot-custom-heritage-92-piston-filler/

 

The drops behind the piston is of clear lubricant, not condensation, i recommend you leave it alone.

 

None of the Pilots have a screw out nib unit, it is always dangerous to make assumptions . The section screws on the sleeve holding the nib and feed. I think their design is very good and have faced NO problems. YMMV.

 

Enjoy!

Hari

[bizhe]

the nib assembly you describe is "friction fit" and is common on many other brands.

[olivier78860]

Thanks Hari for the your answer.

 

If it is lubricant, then there is far too much of it, as a big part of it is located behind the end of the piston's course. Since I don't have the special key to unscrew the piston's mechanism, I can't do anything about it, except keep considering it is ugly.

 

Bizhe, I have no problem with the friction fit system per se. Except that in this case, there is ink between the section and the nib unit holder that is screwed inside the section, and it just won't go away.

 

Again, the nib saves the day, but I'm disappointed.

[hari317]

Since I don't have the special key to unscrew the piston's mechanism, I can't do anything about it, except keep considering it is ugly.

 

The manufacturer knows how much lube is needed and what is the mechanism by which lube will be replenished from the excess at the back. Good it is behind the seal, if it were in the front of it, it would get into the feeder. Ugliness is a matter of personal opinion, I have no comment on that. But anyway, the special key that you need is a bog standard 7mm open wrench, surely you can find it in your neighborhood hardware store?

[Koyote]

You shouldn't buy any demonstrator if you want a pen that is perfectly clean all the time.

[olivier78860]

Since I don't have the special key to unscrew the piston's mechanism, I can't do anything about it, except keep considering it is ugly.

 

The manufacturer knows how much lube is needed and what is the mechanism by which lube will be replenished from the excess at the back. Good it is behind the seal, if it were in the front of it, it would get into the feeder. Ugliness is a matter of personal opinion, I have no comment on that. But anyway, the special key that you need is a bog standard 7mm open wrench, surely you can find it in your neighborhood hardware store?

 

I mean, there is lubricant behind the piston's operating area, between the end of the barrel and the "pen is refilled" piston's position, e.g. where the piston will never go, ans where nothing is in contact with the inner side of the barrel.

 

Regarding the key, I'll have a look, but usually the keys sold in shops are too thick. Maybe in bicycle accessories, if I'm lucky.

[hari317]

 

Regarding the key, I'll have a look, but usually the keys sold in shops are too thick. Maybe in bicycle accessories, if I'm lucky.

Hi Olivier, you can just buy the standard thickness one and then grind it thin. some elbow grease will be needed but an easy job. if you have access to an electric grinder, nothing like it.

 

Best

Hari

[PinarelloOnly]

You shouldn't buy any demonstrator if you want a pen that is perfectly clean all the time.

 

 

+1 on that.

 

I love my Custom 92.

 

I use Iroshizuku Day Flower ink and I don't worry about cleaning the pen because I don't change inks all the time. Piston fillers are not for ink sampling.

[Koyote]

Yep, I would love to have a Custom 92. My VP is a terrific writer, and I would like a clear demonstrator pen.

[nicholasyeo]

I've got two Heritage 92s and I assure you the piston is one of the most perfect in existence I've seen in a demo pen! As for removing the piston knob, anyone got a TWSBI spanner? It works perfectly.

[chad.trent]

I've been on a demonstrator kick recently and buying up every one I can find. I have two Custom 92's (clear and blue) and they are both solid, reliable pens. My blue is my preferred daily writer.