How Do I Get The Spring Out Of The Barrel On Sheaffer No-Nonsense?

[Janeiac]

I want to swap a fountain pen nib section for a BP section on a Sheaffer NoNonsense, but the pens that came as ballpoints have a spring stuffed up inside to put tension on the BP, and the spring makes the converter not fit. A cartidge will barely go in, but the cap wont screw on.

I have seen posts that mention doing it (I read all the NN forum and FB posts) but I need details, please.

I tried a fine crochet hook and bent it. I tried a bent paperclip and broke it. Trying again, I cant get enough purchase to yank it out.

 

What am I missing? HELP!

[BaronWulfraed]

What am I missing? HELP!

 

A stainless steel dental pick?

 

Back when Brookstone specialized in "Hard to Find Tools" (vs. over-priced knick-knacks), one could obtain pick sets that had more than just the over-large C hook...

 

Something like the angled hook https://www.amazon.com/Dental-Hygiene-Kit-Stainless-Mirror-Dentist/dp/B06XTCWQR3/ref=lp_3778091_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1551577834&sr=1-1-spons&th=1

[usk15]

I'm using a LARGE paperclip, straighten and create a hook at one hand. Insert and twist until the hook catch the spring, then pull out.

TA-DAAA!

[Janeiac]

Yeah, I broke a large paperclip and can’t get a grip. Is the answer, just keep trying?

[kestrel]

Some of those springs can be stubborn. I use a tool called a grabber that also works for removing/replacing J bars, sacs, and various other pen parts. Here is one source:

 

https://www.sciplus.com/11-stainless-steel-alligator-forceps-4252-p

[Parker51]

Long needle nose pliers might work. They can be found at some hardware stores and some craft stores that have a jewelry making section.

[Ron Z]

alligator forceps You can buy them on Ebay, or from widgetsupply.com. The 3 1/5" inch ones are long enough. They're very handy tools to have around for pen repair.

[Janeiac]

I have needlenose pliers and alligator clips, but they won’t fit intothe barrell. Are there tiny ones available? I keep digging with a bent paperclip but still can’t get the springs.

[usk15]

You need to force the clip into spring.

[kestrel]

I have needlenose pliers and alligator clips, but they won’t fit intothe barrell. Are there tiny ones available? I keep digging with a bent paperclip but still can’t get the springs.

The alligator forceps Ron recommended and the "grabber" I suggested are one and the same and will fit into really tiny barrels. You can either grab the spring and pull or push the business end of the forceps into the spring and open the jaws a wee bit and pull. I converted a bunch of No Nonsense promotional ballpoints from my dad's old business into promotional fountain pens and removing the springs was easy.

[JRH]

Try a chopstick. Push down, twist counter clockwise. It will pop out when you pull out the chopstick.

[Janeiac]

The chopstick worked! Got the sticky bugger! Thank you!

[PithyProlix]

On 3/11/2019 at 1:22 AM, JRH said:

Try a chopstick. Push down, twist counter clockwise. It will pop out when you pull out the chopstick.

 

It worked for me too. Thanks!