Jinhao 992, cheap, yet amazing

[Doc Dan]

In February, I bought two Jinhao 992's. They were around $1.20 USD apiece. That's cheap. I bought them to have an inexpensive pen to leave inked for the few times we need to sign something. I got a green and a coffee transparent versions. Both have fine nibs and I inked them up, not expecting much. I was surprised at how smooth they wrote, with just a hint of feedback. Nice. I left the coffee inked since February 15 of this year. Today, I took it to the bank to sign a few documents. The pen wrote the first time and every time. There were no skips, hard starts, or anything except smooth ink flow and writing. I had the pen partially filled with Sailor Kiwaguro black waterproof ink. Granted, YMMV, but color me impressed. 

[AmandaW]

Yes. Me too. And I live in a very hot dry location that's tough for fountain pens. Many times I've sung praises for the humble 992, occasionally shouted down for it, but I'm still impressed.

 

It's my favourite for leaving in sketch kits knowing it will always work. And a fude nib can be found - marvelous for expressive drawing.. And a 0.7 stub is out there. And a long knife nib.

 

I have one of every color.

 

I had one cap crack, so I pinched one from a spare... and like it even more.

 

 

 

[Doc Dan]

Don't tempt me with buying all of the colors! 😆  You got my attention with .7 stub. I need to go hunting.

 

They really are the best value secret ever. 

[Doc Dan]

3 hours ago, AmandaW said:

Yes. Me too. And I live in a very hot dry location that's tough for fountain pens. Many times I've sung praises for the humble 992, occasionally shouted down for it, but I'm still impressed.

 

It's my favourite for leaving in sketch kits knowing it will always work. And a fude nib can be found - marvelous for expressive drawing.. And a 0.7 stub is out there. And a long knife nib.

 

I have one of every color.

 

I had one cap crack, so I pinched one from a spare... and like it even more.

 

 

 

I just found EF through 2.5 stub, plus fude on Alliexpress. 

[Doc Dan]

 

This thread needed pictures.

[mr T.]

On 6/4/2024 at 8:31 AM, AmandaW said:

I had one cap crack, so I pinched one from a spare... and like it even more.

I also like the 992 except for one thing: cracking barrels. Is this issue being resolved by Jinhao? Are newer 992's less prone to cracking?

[AmandaW]

8 hours ago, mr T. said:

I also like the 992 except for one thing: cracking barrels. Is this issue being resolved by Jinhao? Are newer 992's less prone to cracking?

It was one cap among 15 pens over 10 years. Some of mine have a rough life in sketch kits that go everywhere (because they seal so well and often have pigmented inks). And were $2 each converter included. 

[mr T.]

14 hours ago, AmandaW said:

It was one cap among 15 pens over 10 years. Some of mine have a rough life in sketch kits that go everywhere (because they seal so well and often have pigmented inks). And were $2 each converter included. 

That's actually pretty good for such a cheap pen. I bought a couple myself years ago and had to throw one away. What I like about this cheap pen is that converters are included, that the 992 does not have a problem with evaporating ink/drying out and that the nibs can be changed easily. 

[Doc Dan]

I haven't had that issue. That's not to say I never will, but so far so good. I think I'll get out my 9019 and ink it up.