Brass sheet for nib flossing.

**MTHall720** · August 6th, 2019, 08:43 AM

I just recently saw something on nib flossing using a brass sheet that is inserted between the tines. Sounds like it could help in cleaning. Has anyone tried this? If so, did it improve ink flow? Any bad results?
Thanks for your thoughts.

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**Chrissy** · August 6th, 2019, 08:50 AM

A thin brass shim can sometimes be used if a problem has arisen between the tines of a nib. i.e. the tines have been damaged, or misaligned and need resetting. It's not routinely used for cleaning.

**Deb** · August 6th, 2019, 09:20 AM

Actually I use the very thin brass shims for nib flossing without any difficulty.

**KrazyIvan** · August 6th, 2019, 09:51 AM

Yes. I use brass shims when grinding nibs to clean up particles between the tines that don't clean up with water.

**Jon Szanto** · August 6th, 2019, 10:05 AM

A very handy thing to have. Dale Beebe at pentooling.com has a nice little set of 5 thicknesses. BTW, brass is suggested (over stainless steel sheets) as it is softer than gold, hence no scratching, etc.

**Chrissy** · August 6th, 2019, 12:13 PM

Originally Posted by KrazyIvan

Yes. I use brass shims when grinding nibs to clean up particles between the tines that don't clean up with water.

Maybe I read the OP's post incorrectly as I didn't consider that "could help in cleaning" meant cleaning up particles between tines when grinding nibs. I use brass shims when I grind nibs, but not for routine cleaning out tiny bits of paper etc.

**Ray-VIgo** · August 6th, 2019, 01:50 PM

For routine cleaning, I recommend just a soaking in cold water or, if you're really looking for help, an ultrasonic cleaner. I reserve flossing the nib for when I need to improve flow or de-burr. I prefer very fine Mylar sheets for flossing (the grey and the yellow colored ones) for de-burring especially. I've used non-abrasive mylar (just the smooth stuff to remove stubborn blockages (where someone tried to use india/artist inks or there's sticky/stubborn debris). For most situations, soaking or ultrasonic work fine for cleaning.

**Paddler** · August 7th, 2019, 08:45 AM

For cleaning a nib slit I use polyester sewing thread. Working a sheet of shim stock between the tines can increase the width of the slit and make the pen write wetter. I rarely want to do this. You can also work the thread between the feed and nib to clean out that area.