Zebra F-701. Getting a better click

[apastuszak]

I've been playing with Parker Jotters and Fisher Space Pens lately and both pen brands have a VERY satisfying click.

 

I was in Staples today, and I saw the Zebra F-701 retractable ball point. An all metal pen for $8.00?  And I had $10.00 in Staples rewards, so the pen didn't cost me anything.

 

It's a nice pen, but it has a pretty wimpy click compared to a Jotter or AG-7 Space Pen.

 

One of the more popular hacks for this pen is to put a Fisher Space Pen refill in it. So, I did that. And the click actually got worse.

 

Is there some way to beef up the click in the pen?

[Chthulhu]

The answer is still "use a stiffer spring." 🙂

 

[apastuszak]

A stiffer spring on the refill or the clicker mechanism?

[Chthulhu]

6 hours ago, apastuszak said:

A stiffer spring on the refill or the clicker mechanism?

On the refill. That puts more pressure against the mechanism, which yields the harder click. Do remember that the mechanism will not live as long as it would with the stock spring.

[apastuszak]

I bought some springs from https://ballpoint-pen-springs.com/.

 

Their BPS-5 spring made the click better. Not as good as a Parker Jotter or Fisher Space Pen, but much better than stock.

 

I wasn't aware that clickers in ball point pens could wear out. I have some Parker Jotters from the 1970s that still click just fine.

[Zookie]

I just picked up an F-701 myself. So far I'm pleased with it, but you're right, it does have a muted click.

[Chthulhu]

On 12/18/2022 at 5:26 PM, apastuszak said:

I wasn't aware that clickers in ball point pens could wear out. I have some Parker Jotters from the 1970s that still click just fine.

They definitely can, but it takes a very long time, and heavy use. Fidget-clicking is about the worst thing you can do to a pen's mechanism.