Leaky Vac Mini

[akrohn2010]

Long story short: I bought a TWSBI Vac mini since I love my Eco and was looking for a travel pen, figured this fit the bill. Just took it with me to a vacation in Costa Rica, filled with Noodlers Blue-Black, to journal while we're here and it keeps leaking.

 

On the flight out I made sure to give it a FULL fill (using Brian Goulet's technique), and stored it nib up on the plane. When I uncapped it I got a handful of ink around the section and cap. Figured this was bound to happen despite my best efforts and shrugged it off.

 

A couple days later it is still leaking, even after sitting in our room all day without any movement or pressure changes. Seems every time I uncap it to journal there is a smattering of ink inside the section and cap.

 

Anyone have a similar experience or know what might be the problem? Perhaps I filled it TOO full or might have a crack in the plastic I can't see? I have kept the blind cap screwed down and sealed when not in use and unscrew it when writing.

 

Any help is appreciated! Enjoy writing with this pen but surprised at its consistent leakage.

 

~AK

 

PS - any of you looking for a getaway soon should seriously consider Costa Rica, it is an incredible place...Pura Vida!

[marcelo]

Hi AK.

 

I'm experiencing a similar issue with my brand new Vac Mini. I reached the conclusion it might be the o-ring of grip section, since it's leaking in the junction between the grip section and the barrel.

 

I've been well assisted by TWSBI's CS so far and hope the problem is solved.

 

What about yours?

 

 

Cheers!

 

Marcelo

Edited August 31, 2017 by marcelo

[akrohn2010]

I believe in my case the problem may actually have been that the first time it leaked (on the flight to CR) a lot of ink settled into the threads of the cap, which I did not clean thoroughly enough after it leaked. I gave it a good cleaning out and it seems to be behaving for the past few days...though I did have some unexpected stains on my fingers after my last journal entry, so hard to know for sure. I suspected the O-ring as well - might have to take another look...

[marcelo]

Thanks for the reply, AK-47. TWSBI sent me a new grip section (the O-ring is part of it). I'll make the replacement as soon as it arrives and post the outcome here. Best!

[PaulT00]

I had inky fingers syndrome with my vac mini a while back, which turned out to be due to some minute stress cracks in the threaded joint between the body and gripping section. Replacement parts provided f.o.c. under warranty by TheWritingDesk from whom I'd bought the pen, and it's been fine since.

[akrohn2010]

Cleaned and reassembled today - problems have been fewer but since I'm back in the States figured it was worth a shot. Hoping for no more issues!

[Jamerelbe]

I had inky fingers syndrome with my vac mini a while back, which turned out to be due to some minute stress cracks in the threaded joint between the body and gripping section. Replacement parts provided f.o.c. under warranty by TheWritingDesk from whom I'd bought the pen, and it's been fine since.

 

I had the same problem - not enough ink seepage to get onto the grip section, but there was some pooling beneath it. I photographed the crack and emailed the picture to TWSBI - who responded graciously and quickly with a replacement grip section.

[Pengrump]

Mine had a crack where the barrel meets the section. Got a replacement barrel and so far, so good. Was planning to fly with it to California, but I don't think I'll risk it.