Stuck Pencil Eraser

[bayman]

I need some advise from my fellow Esterbrook FPN members. I just acquired a pastel pen / pencil set. I need to address two items.

1. The eraser is stuck in the cap of the mechanical pencil. Anyone have experience in removing the eraser without damaging the cap?

2. The fountain pen has ink stains on the cap lip. First look it appears there are cracks in the cap lip. Inspection with a loop reveals no lip cracks, just ink stains that I can't clean like I did the body of the pen. Any advise?

 

JIM

[EventHorizon]

As for item #1 I have no clue but I personaly would wiggle it with some slight tension. The only problem there is that the erasure might come out and leave the "holder" in the pencil. I have a few old pencils but I have been lucky so far and nothing has been stuck. Is the erasure unused?

 

As for item #2, if a good soak and/or some Flitz polish won't do it then the stain might need to remain. Maybe some Mothers Mag Polish is worth a try. At least it's not cracks.

Edited July 24, 2007 by EventHorizon

[Brian Anderson]

For removing the eraser try using a long pin or dental pick with sharp point. Pierce the eraser (if it is pliable) and try to get it out that way, otherwise you might as well try to pick it out in pieces. If it is hard, it won't be of much use to you anyway.

 

To clean the cap lip, I would also recommend flitz, put it on a q-tip and gently rub the flitz into the stain. It should come off fairly easily, unless it is Higgins or India ink or something, then you're in trouble.

 

Best-

Brian

[bayman]

Thank you Brian and Eventhorizon for your advice. Have to get myself a pick and remove the eraser. Sounds like the ink stains may be a bigger problem. Have been away and was anxious to read your advice. Thanks again!

[EventHorizon]

Let us know how it turns out. We always like pictures!!