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Thread: Determining Nib Size

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    Default Determining Nib Size

    Sorry for the complete newbie type question, but here goes. How do you determine what size of nib is on a pen when it isn't stated on the nib? For example, on a Parker 51, Vacumatic or Duofold, it doesn't seem that the nibs are marked as to nib size. Can you only tell by writing with them or do you just have to develop a trained eye (something I do not have yet)?

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    First of all, not all fountain pen nibs are friction fit; that means you can pull them out. You can ruin a very expensive pen (and I have!) if the nib is not friction fit. The Parker 51 nib is not friction fit....it screws in and out. The Duofold is friction fit. As for size, in my experience, the nib is either a 5 or 6. What matter is that it fit snugly around the feed. Just be careful. Rubber feeds are handled differently than plastic ones and the pen won't write if the feed isn't installed correctly. There are plenty of websites on pen restoration that have far more knowledge about this. Check out youtube for videos on pen restoration too.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Thanks for the reply. I need to clarify my question. By nib size I am referring to line width (F, M, B) not the actual size of the nib.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    In general:

    0.4 mm Extra fine
    0.6 mm Fine
    0.8 mm Medium
    1.0 mm Broad

    Despite these guidelines for nib sizes, line width will vary depending on the manufacturer.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Quote Originally Posted by Shane Cavitt View Post
    Thanks for the reply. I need to clarify my question. By nib size I am referring to line width (F, M, B) not the actual size of the nib.
    Your right, I just looked at the few vintage pens I have and non of them are marked for line width. At this point its more knowing by experience in using the pen. You will find most sellers can identify the with. Not sure if they did it by writing with the pen or just have a good eye for it.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Quote Originally Posted by Shane Cavitt View Post
    Thanks for the reply. I need to clarify my question. By nib size I am referring to line width (F, M, B) not the actual size of the nib.
    There are no standards for nib width and in all cases it is a range and in many cases it overlaps at the extremes. It is also maker specific; what is a "B" for one maker may well be an "M" or even an "F" for some other maker.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Parker used a nib gauge (I posted a picture somewhere around here) that was graduated as to size. Essentially two plates arranged to form a V, you would slide the tip down the groove until it stopped and then see what range the nib fell in.

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Quote Originally Posted by Shane Cavitt View Post
    Thanks for the reply. I need to clarify my question. By nib size I am referring to line width (F, M, B) not the actual size of the nib.
    Shane - This link to Classic Fountain Pens' site may be of some help:

    https://www.nibs.com/content/nib-tipping-sizes

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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Quote Originally Posted by Farmboy View Post
    Essentially two plates arranged to form a V, you would slide the tip down the groove until it stopped and then see what range the nib fell in.
    Boy, there it is. Nib sizes are never precise, discrete things but measurements within a range. Well, often, anyway.
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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    A WET fine nib can put down a wider ink line than a DRY medium nib.
    And changing inks can result in different widths of the ink line out of the same pen.
    So the width of the ink line is not a good indication of nib size.

    Similar to FB, I measure the width of the nib to determine it's size.
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    Default Re: Determining Nib Size

    Quote Originally Posted by ambimom View Post
    In general:

    0.4 mm Extra fine
    0.6 mm Fine
    0.8 mm Medium
    1.0 mm Broad

    Despite these guidelines for nib sizes, line width will vary depending on the manufacturer.
    Sounds right to me and I have mostly vintage pens
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