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Thread: Esterbrook problem

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    Default Esterbrook problem

    I have a few Osmiroid italic nibs that I like using for calligraphic projects, but I don't have a pen for them. So I thought to get an Esterbrook as I've heard that will take the nib units. Anyway, I saw a black dollar pen (I think) with a low start, chucked a bid on and forgot about it. Turns out I won the auction (for $12) but then noticed that the section threads of the barrel had a huge split. I don't recall seeing this in the original listing, but as it was cheap I am not going to contest it.

    Is there any way I can get another barrel for this? Oh the nib is all bent down like a PO nib, though I was going to remove it anyway.

    This is the sorry little pen.





    If I can get another barrel I will also need a rubber bladder thingy for it too.

    Any help would be really appreciated.

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    No one?

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    Senior Member carlos.q's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    I have no idea where to buy extra Esterbrook barrels.

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Is it an LJ, SJ or J? I have a parts pen or two with good barrels.

    Unfortunately the same happened to me with a couple estie Js.

    Supposedly it is possible to use a solvent to weld back together.

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    FPG Donor ♕ Chrissy's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    I think the welding solvent is called MEK
    Regards, Chrissy | My Review Blog: inkyfountainpens

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    As far as I can tell it is a "Dollar" pen. How much that differs from other models I do not know.

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    Senior Member azkid's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Rats I should have looked at pics. I only have the J series pens

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Okay. I am a bit surprised that a barrel is so difficult to source as I thought this was a fairly common old pen. Still, it's only a $12 mistake this time! So there is that.

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    Senior Member Sagebrush64's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Quote Originally Posted by Chrissy View Post
    I think the welding solvent is called MEK
    Methyl Ethyl Ketone otherwise known as MEK is an effective and very strong solvent that is frequently used for such repairs. Make sure the 2 edges of the crack touch and that there is not any missing chunks of plastic otherwise it will not work. Just a very small amount is needed for an effective weld. Use a very small bush and load it up with MEK and "touch it to the open end of the crack. Capillary action will get the MEK down into the rest of the crack. Be sure not to use too much as it will melt and distort anything it touches. After you are satisfied that the solvent is where it needs to be, I like to use a band clamp but a small piece of tape wrapped around the threaded area to keep the crack together under pressure works too. Let it cure for an hour or so and voila....
    On a side note. MEK is VERY toxic.....I work with it daily and the utmost care must be taken with fumes and contact....work in a well ventilated space and wear nitrile gloves if you have them.
    Good luck on your repair if that is the route you decide to take....$12 for a Esterbrook Dollar pen is a decent deal.
    James

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    azkid (March 1st, 2019)

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    The crack seems too wide to easily bring the edges together.

    No matter, at this price (minus the irritation of having to deal with a less than courteous ebay seller) the parts can be binned.

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    The pen is a bandless dollar pen. There are two sizes. I sold the bag of Esterbrook parts pens last weekend. Don’t recall if there was a match in it. If I see the buyer at a club meeting I can ask.

    Not the most common Esterbrook out there.

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    Frank (March 11th, 2019)

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    The search for a needed part has sometimes been the most fun I have had in pen collecting. Keep looking. I have had a little fun with Esterbrook searches, and more fun looking for Parker 51 parts. Then, when I had the pen in question fixed, came the letdown. Que sera, sera.

    All those Titan IIs are gone, and the site I pulled ops alerts at is a museum.
    Last edited by pajaro; March 4th, 2019 at 07:20 PM.

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    catbert (March 4th, 2019)

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Heh, yes, I guess it would be if you live in a country where parts can be found. Nothing like that here, only the cesspool that is the Bay of E.

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    I think your best bet is to look for repair pens with smashed caps or sections, and no nib, rather than try to find just the replacement barrel!

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    Senior Member pajaro's Avatar
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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Quote Originally Posted by amk View Post
    I think your best bet is to look for repair pens with smashed caps or sections, and no nib, rather than try to find just the replacement barrel!
    This is the best strategy. The parts pen might sell at low cost, but the part will have a high asking price.

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    I don't recall seeing such things, but then again I don't usually search for broken pens. Finding the right search terms may be an interesting challenge!

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Quote Originally Posted by Empty_of_Clouds View Post
    I don't recall seeing such things, but then again I don't usually search for broken pens. Finding the right search terms may be an interesting challenge!
    Head over to FBN. There's a guy in the Esterbrook sub forum that will be able to help you out. Those barrels are kicking around. I've got a SJ but that's not going to help you.
    -Bill

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    FBN?

    Perhaps you mean FPN. If so, I am not "officially" a member there, so I cannot engage with other members without revealing any other identities.

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Believe you speak of Gary W

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    Default Re: Esterbrook problem

    Try Gary W on Etsy under MidnightPens.
    Lady Onogaro

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