kircher Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I've decided to try fixing my Parker vacumatics by myself. online I've seen two kinds of tools advertised for removing the back of the pen: one looking like a rectangle of metal with a certain number of holes, the other looking like a small wrench. I'm sure you understand what I'm talking about. Do you have preferences or suggestions? which one of the two kinds is your favourite tool? Link to post Share on other sites
adyf Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Out of those two I prefer the wrench type. However, over those two I prefer the below used with a bionic grip: http://www.penpractice.com/_wp_generated/wp524af1ba_05_06.jpg http://www.penpractice.com/_wp_generated/wp1e23899f_05_06.jpg Available from penpractice in the UK they give a three point grip. No affiliation other than being a satisfied customer. Link to post Share on other sites
Ron Z Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I don't like the Vac blocks. It's possible to over tighten the screws and crush the blind cap nipple, especially the plastic ones. I prefer the wrench because they grip better. Visit Main Street Pens A full service pen shop providing professional, thoughtful vintage pen repair... Please use email, not a PM for repair and pen purchase inquiries. Link to post Share on other sites
Hooker56 Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 Kircher, I have one similar to Adyf's. I've done several dozen Vacs and like the fact that I can use pliers force and 'feel' more as I apply pressure. I have yet to find a vac pump that I can't remove and I haven't broken or damaged any of the pens or pumps. That said, I've never used the other type so I cannot attest to their effectiveness. You'll feel great satisfaction upon completing your first vac repair. Have the scotch close for easy celebration! Go slow. Good luck! Clayton "Not a Hooker Hooker, but rather a left-handed overwriter." Link to post Share on other sites
kircher Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 it seems that you generally suggest wrenches. what do you thing of this model: http://www.vintagepensacsandparts.com/shopimages/products/normal/Parker_Vacumatic_Wrench_For_51_Standard_and_Oversize_Pens.jpg ? Link to post Share on other sites
kircher Posted December 2, 2014 Author Share Posted December 2, 2014 and in case, which size do you recommend for the loggerhead wrench? 6, 8, or 10 inches? Link to post Share on other sites
ThomasB Posted December 2, 2014 Share Posted December 2, 2014 I have both...definitely prefer the wrench per the grip ThomasBaton Rouge, LA(tbickiii)Check out my ebay pen listings: tbickiii's Vintage Fountain Pens Link to post Share on other sites
adyf Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 and in case, which size do you recommend for the loggerhead wrench? 6, 8, or 10 inches? Penpractice supplied me with the 6 inch wrench. There's sufficient torque. Link to post Share on other sites
GAtkins Posted December 3, 2014 Share Posted December 3, 2014 Vac wrench. 6" Bionic. http://www.pentooling.com/parker51tools.html Glenn Triumph Vintage Pens * Triumph Vintage Pens Blog * @triumphpens Sponsor Member, Pen Collectors Of America * Member, Writing Equipment Society * Member, Black Pen Society Link to post Share on other sites
kircher Posted December 5, 2014 Author Share Posted December 5, 2014 Unfortunately Penpractice is not answering my email, but I've bought the bionic wrench! Link to post Share on other sites
lcoldfield Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 Penpractice has not received your e-mail. Please try again at laurence@penpractice.com I have plenty of stock.Laurence Link to post Share on other sites
lcoldfield Posted December 5, 2014 Share Posted December 5, 2014 I have just had a horrible thought. Does anyone think that the bionic wrench alone should be used for this task? It would crush the threads. The pictures provided by adyf show how the wrench is used.Laurence Link to post Share on other sites
gregamckinney Posted December 6, 2014 Share Posted December 6, 2014 Under no circumstances should you use the bionic wrench alone. Yes, you will crush/ destroy the threads and the unit.Regards, greg Don't feel bad. I'm old; I'm meh about most things. Link to post Share on other sites
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