Squeeze Converter Repair

[karenjn]

Has anyone successfully replaced the sac inside a Sheaffer's squeeze converter? The sac in one of mine hardened and crumbled, and before I take it apart and try to fix it, I was hoping someone else had perfected the process. Any advice would be appreciated!

 

Thanks,

Karen

[pen lady]

Yes, I have. I can't remember what size sac (14 or 16?). You have to carefully pry off the top cap, ease out the metal sides a hair so that the dimples don't hold on too hard. Clean off the old sac remains from the nipple, make sure there's no bits of old sac left in the metal housing then proceed as you would to re-sac a pen. Put the cap back on and then gently punch the dimples back in place.

Edited June 16, 2016 by pen lady

[Ron Z]

14 is the slim Targa. I don't remember what the size is - but if you use one of the PVC (AKA "silicone") sacs from Woodbin you will in essence have the same thing as one of the red end converters which have.... PVC sacs. Flatten the dimples on the converter with a pair of pliers before you reinsert the nipple plug, and then stake with a sharp punch.

[karenjn]

Excellent! I did want to try even though I know replacements can be bought. I always learn something when I attempt a new type of repair, and if the item is already not working (and not expensive or irreplaceable), I have nothing to lose!

 

Thanks for the tips!

 

Karen

[Ron Z]

I'm not going to be so quick to toss the converters any more. Back in February of 2008 Sheaffer had a mid-size garbage bag full of the red end squeeze converters sitting in a corner when we visited the service center, and we were told that was all they had left. Now I hear that "Sheaffer" is changing over to standard international converters. Whether they will support the legacy products or not I do not know. But my supply is limited, so I'm not selling them any more, and revive the black end ones if possible.

[karenjn]

Good to know. It's amazing that things that we think will always be around, disappear so quietly. About 5 or 6 years ago I walked into the local office supply store and asked for a typewriter eraser. Not only did they not have any, they didn't have any idea what one was.

 

I'll let you know if I'm successful.

 

Karen

[karenjn]

Well... the black nipple plug is no longer as pretty as it was, but it's been out, re-sacked and replaced.

 

After everything dries, I'll fill it and make sure I don't have any leaks. Getting the plug out was much harder than I expected, and I will have to work on my technique, however it's nice to know the converters can be refurbished.

 

Karen

[mitto]

Not only that the sac can be replaced in these converters, these can also be shortened to fit in most, if not all, of the Sheaffer cartridge only pens. Here is how it is done:

 

 

 

 

https://www.fountainpennetwork.com/forum/topic/288378-what-sheaffer-imperial-is-this/?do=findComment&comment=3325351

[karenjn]

Very NICE, Mitto!!

 

What technique or tool did you use to remove the black nipple plug?

[mitto]

Soaked the plug end of the converter in warm soapy water for five to ten minutes and then using a thin but blunt knife pushed the plug upward very carefully from all directions. Once it was loose just used my fingers to pull it out.