Esterbrook Ballpoint Refill Adapter

[BamaPen]

Esterbrook FJ and Wordathon ballpoints can now be made to write again without any messy cleanout of old refills.

With the aid of several people, there is now a 3D printed adapter that accepts a ballpoint mini refill to bring these old ballpoints back to working order. With the adapter installed, the click action works as intended.

Because of the 3D printing process, the inside of the hole for the mini refill is slightly "grainy" which can make insertion of the refill difficult. The hole can be cleaned out by using a 3/32" drill bit, by hand. UPDATE: An improved version of the adapter is now on the Shapeways site. Its design eliminates the need to use a drill bit to clean out the socket for the refill.

I assume, but have not tested, this adapter in any other Esterbrook pen, but if it uses the same original refill as the one pictured below, it should work.

If you are interested, the adapter is available to be printed for you by Shapeways. You can find it at https://www.shapeways.com/shops/bamapen It costs $8 plus your actual mailing cost.

Here are pictures:

FJ ballpoint, Schmidt mini refill, 3D printed adapter, and original Esterbrook refill


FJ Ballpoint, Schmidt mini refill inserted into adapter, and original Esterbrook refill


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