Nib Got Bent, I Straightened It But No Ink Flow

[YonathanZ]

Hi,

 

Don't ask how but I got my Parker Sonnet nib bent. I straightened it using my fingers (no tools) and it looks OK but the ink flow is almost non-existent now, unless I write at a very low angle (almost touching the paper with the feed) or with considerable force (and then it's still dry).

 

I'd appreciate a few tips.

 

Photos post "fix":

https://imgur.com/fpngallery/PvgzsI2

 

Thanks.

[Intensity]

The nib seems to still be curved downward. It's probably pinching the separation between the tines in this configuration, constricting capillary action. There needs to be a slight separation between the tines, they can touch lightly at the tip.

[YonathanZ]

The nib seems to still be curved downward. It's probably pinching the separation between the tines in this configuration, constricting capillary action. There needs to be a slight separation between the tines, they can touch lightly at the tip.

 

Would trying to bend it upwards be a good idea?

[SpecTP]

it looks like the nib may not be sitting flush with the feed. will probably need to pull the feed and nib out and double check the nib is not bent too much

[Intensity]

 

Would trying to bend it upwards be a good idea?

 

 

it looks like the nib may not be sitting flush with the feed. will probably need to pull the feed and nib out and double check the nib is not bent too much

 

The nib does need to be straight, aligned properly, and flush with the feed as SpecTP mentioned. From the first photograph it looks like the nib is sitting flush with the feed, but it could be an optical illusion. Do check that the nib slit is aligned with the center of the feed and that the nib is straight on the feed (i.e. that it's not lifting off the feed due to upward curvature).

[YonathanZ]

The nib seems to be flush with the feed as well as centered.

More photos: http://imgur.com/a/JEcbWhy

 

The way the nib and feed are designed, it's not at all possible for them to not be centered relative to each other.

 

Considering that pressing on the nib, thus lifting the nib from the feed a bit, increases the flow, I think it's not an issue of them being flush either. Perhaps I just need to widen the tines, but there are no "wings" to grab and spread on this nib so I don't really know how to do that.

[Intensity]

Look at the nib against a bright light, such as a table lamp. Look at the shape of the spacing between the tines. Is it a visible line of light, or is the spacing very tight and pinched? Are the tines touching each other at the tipping?

[awa54]

The fact that the ears of the nib are so close to the feed means that spreading them will require dismounting the nib.

 

That said, I think the tines just behind the tipping pellet aren't totally straight and any down-turn in the tines will force the tipping in to closer contact, even a very small degree can make a difference. As suggested, look at the slit with strong backlight, ideally it will have a progressive taper to the very end of the tipping pellets, with no sudden changes in gap. Some nibs will still function well with no or almost no gap at the pellet, others don't flow well until you can see light all the way through the tipping. If the slit has parallel walls until just before the tipping, then comes together at a more abrupt angle toward the tip, that shows you where the bend is.

 

Does the pen write OK if dipped? If it still writes too dry with the feed essentially flooded from dipping it, then the culprit almost has to be tight tine gap.

 

I have a Sailor 1911 young/Young Profit that came to me with a downturned nib tip (definitely, either frm a drop, or some mis-guided adjustments), when I dismounted it and straightened the tines completely it suddenly went from a dry, scratchy writer to an adequately flowing and very smooth writer.

[YonathanZ]

Indeed, it is also dry when dipped. I see no gap in the tipping. I will try to spread the tines and will update you.

[YonathanZ]

OK, that fixed it. Thank you all.

[PAKMAN]

Congrats!